Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel

History and Construction of Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel

In the early 20th-century, park promoters aimed to create a convenient route for visitors to access the east side of Zion National Park, as well as nearby parks like Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon. Their solution was the creation of the 25-mile-long Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, allowing travelers to tour the Utah national parks in a loop. A key component of this highway project was the now famous Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.

Construction of the Tunnel

Bored straight through the sandstone cliffs above Pine Creek Canyon, the 1.1-mile-long Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel began construction in the late 1920s and welcomed its first vehicle in 1930. Upon its opening on July 4, 1930, it was the longest mountain tunnel in the U.S. Today, this sandstone tunnel is a major thoroughfare and a top attraction in Zion National Park. Large windows cut out of the sandstone provide not only light and ventilation but also offer drivers stunning views outside the tunnel. The scenery before and after the tunnel is considered some of the best in the park.

Location and Accessibility

The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel connects the east entrance to the centrally located Zion Canyon, situated along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway (Scenic Bypass 9). Being part of the highway, the tunnel is open 24/7. However, due to its historic engineering, there are vehicle size restrictions in place.

Travel Information

For more details about traveling through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, including vehicle size restrictions and other pertinent information, visitors should refer to the NPS website.