Zion-Mount Carmel Highway in Utah 2024
A scenic drive with plenty of switchbacks and hairpin bends
Best time: June–August (all year round)
The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is part of a stunning loop drive through Zion and Bryce Canyons, Cedar Breaks, and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. A beautiful 40-km (25-mi) road which runs through a 1.8-km (1 mi) tunnel starts at the entrance to Zion National Park and then runs east to Mount Carmel. The road also crosses Pine Creek and Virgin River Bridges and another short tunnel east of the main tunnel. The road, along with its tunnels was constructed in 1927-1930, and in 1987 it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Zion-Mount Carmel Highway offers breathtaking views, picturesque cliffs, and seasonal waterfalls. It has many spots to park and enjoy the surrounding nature. Take a look at famous Utah Hoodoos along the way, stop by the Checkerboard Mesa to see the fantastic nature's artwork created with the help of wind and rain. The tunnels and bridges are rather narrow, so they are not for large vehicles or mobile homes. The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel offers several windows carved through the side to provide breathtaking views.
Winter, spring, and fall can bring some nasty weather and lots of ice in unexpected places. So the best time to drive on Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is in the summer. For the road conditions updates, please check the NPS website.
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