Zion National Park is one of Utah's most popular parks, often making the news. For instance, just a few days ago, authorities reopened the Canyon Scenic Drive to visitors after removing a massive rock that fell on the road near the Big Bend area.
On top of this, national media recently reported that a historic ranch in the Canaan Mountain area is about to turn into a 350-guest resort, as people warn it may disrupt local fauna.
Yet, once again, Zion National Park is in the spotlight for news concerning its viability. One of the main roads to the park will soon close to certain types of vehicles, forcing drivers to opt for a 40-minute detour. This article explores why this decision was made, what vehicles will no longer be allowed on this road, and the available alternatives.
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Zion National Park Will Close Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway To Large Vehicles
Plenty of people drive to Utah every day, not only because of its stunning nature but also because of the many ancient artifacts found in Zion National Park throughout the years. However, some drivers may soon take longer to reach this popular park.
The decision to close Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway was announced at the Dixie Regional Transportation Expo, even though the plan was first discussed in May 2024. Luckily, the new changes won't affect all visitors.
The new regulation will be enforced in mid-2026, prohibiting only large vehicles from accessing Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. This includes vehicles that exceed 11 feet and four inches in height, seven feet and ten inches in width, 35 feet and nine inches in length, and 50,000 pounds in weight. They will have to opt for a 40-minute detour.
Limitations |
Maximum length | 35 ft and 9 in |
Maximum height | 11 ft and 4 in |
Maximum width | 7 ft and 10 in |
Maximum weight | 50,000 lbs |
The decision was taken to improve road safety, minimize collisions, and decrease overweight loads that may put too much pressure on the bridges. According to official authorities, these changes will affect roughly 1.6% of the traffic heading to the park, about 98 vehicles daily. At the moment, large vehicles can pass through the highway tunnels. However, rangers must be located at both ends.
Banned Vehicles Will Be Able To Choose Among Several Alternatives
Luckily, there are quite a few alternatives large vehicles can choose from when heading to the park. Two main options are available. The route connecting Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park via Interstate 15 and State Route 20, and the one connecting Zion National Park to the Grand Canyon's North Rim via State Route 59 in Utah and Highways 89A and 67 in Arizona.
Washington and Kane County are now working on other options to give the many people wanting to try one of Zion National Park's steep hikes or spot the many animals inhabiting these lands better alternatives.
For instance, Washington County is considering paving Sheep Bridge Road, connecting state routes 59 and 9, and providing a shuttle service on the park's east side.
A total of $8 million in state and federal grants have already been secured to upgrade Coral Pink Sand Dunes Road, which will soon be used by most large vehicles unable to pass through Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway.
The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway & Its Tunnel Are Part Of The National Register of Historic Places
The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway may look like a normal road but is part of the National Register of Historic Places. Built in the late 20s and early 30s, engineers working on this project had to overcome unique challenges in its construction.
This 25-mile road took three years, with four Utah and Nevada teams working at the opposite ends of the highway. One of the many problems faced by workers was the soft rock beneath the Navajo cliffs. This would often fall off the cliff in large boulders and was, therefore, a continuous threat to the workers, even causing a fatality.
Because of the unique challenges engineers working on this project faced, Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and its tunnel were designated a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 2012.
People who don't want to add a 40-minute detour to their trip can always opt for one of the many national forests that rival Zion National Park. However, prohibiting large vehicles from accessing this road seems a reasonable compromise to protect one of the U.S.'s Historic Civil Engineering landmarks.