ZION National Park -

[jelag]

Any chance someone has traveled through Zion from the South to the East entrance.... with a pickup and RV and would share the type of the road and the condition of the road... paved... gravel, etc... swtichbacks...

 

[BarryG]

Road is paved, not overly wide, but not extremely narrow either last time I was through it was in good shape ie no monster potholes or anything. There are a few switchbacks and a bit steep on the east bound approach to the tunnel. IIRC you have to pay a modest fee for oversize rigs (which I think any 5th wheel qualifies in length and or height to get through the tunnel) which they measure at the entrance. The oversize fee is so they can block off the tunnel so the oversized rig can drive down the center of the road. However when busy they just have a baton that the last guy through takes and hands off to the ranger at the other end. So it is effectively an alternating one way through the tunnel during normal hours. I took a quick look and here is info on the tunnel.
http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/the-zion-mount-carmel-tunnel.htm

 

[Regcabguy]

We're heading up that way May 8th. Can't wait! Southern Utah is amazing!

 

[SnoKing]

We towed our 29' Cardinal 5th wheel thru the tunnels, yes there are a series of them Light - dark - light -dark - noisy with diesel truck. I pulled over after coming out on top and climbed the ladder to see that everything was still on the roof. http://www.nps.gov/zion/frequently-asked-questions-about-the-zion-mt-carmel-highway-and-tunnel.htm

Note you must be under 50' LOA. With std cab and shorter 5th wheel I am 48' and yes they check. It is 120 miles longer to go around the other way to get to Bryce Canyon. Chris

 

[jelag]

OK so I'm sure I'm over 50 ft.. so I guess I'll stay on the East side and drive in with the truck and not plan on taking the rig through the park.... now that you mention the tunnel I remember it from being there on a motorcycle years ago...

thanks guys...

 

[Blu-meanie]

Even a dually is considered an oversize vehicle, I had to wait for the road to be blocked off. If you haven't already done it, buy the yearly pass for National Parks....if you're over 62 or something, it's very cheap.

 

[gtoli]

Don't miss out on a hike up the canyon. You have to wade through the river at points, but it's an amazing place and a fun hike.

 

[jeepit]

Amazing park! We went thru in a Jeep so we were not affected by the tunnel. It is doable though with the help of the rangers.
We spent a few days hiking. Unbelievably scenic!

 

[BarryG]

Since we are talking about the tunnel here is a little side note. There is a parking area at the east side tunnel portal and a short trail to a great overlook that looks down canyon. Worth the stop and look. I think the trail is 1/4 mile or less. Here is what runs below that overlook and along the outside of the tunnel. From the trail to the overlook it starts as just a wash and quickly slots up to appear to be nothing more than a crack. It is called Pine Creek Slot. It is an awesome slot canyon, short but has about 10 rappels in it. Aside from the few pictures in the link there is a short video at the end.
http://climb-utah.com/Zion/pinecreek.htm

 

[Deleted member 995608]

Don't miss out on a hike up the canyon. You have to wade through the river at points, but it's an amazing place and a fun hike.

"The Narrows"

 

[gtoli]

"The Narrows"

Yes! Awesome

 

[RVTRKN]

I went through there in 09 with my Harley from the east entrance, I looked for an entrance from the south to the east and I couldn't find one. What are you referring to Jelag? The only way through is from the east to west or the west to east. And there is a clearance issue with the tunnels from what I remember, but they had the pavement tore up and a good stretch of the road was dirt, BTW a little hairy with a Harley at the GVWR.

 

[SnoKing]

I went through there in 09 with my Harley from the east entrance, I looked for an entrance from the south to the east and I couldn't find one. What are you referring to Jelag? The only way through is from the east to west or the west to east. And there is a clearance issue with the tunnels from what I remember, but they had the pavement tore up and a good stretch of the road was dirt, BTW a little hairy with a Harley at the GVWR.

I think he was referring to the fact that the Zion Main Gate is on the South side of the park, or that you enter coming from the South. Chris