While you can only drive through Zion Canyon in your own car a few months out of the year, you can always drive the Mount Carmel Highway.
This 12-mile highway connects the south and east entrances of Zion National Park, and driving it is an experience in itself.
So if you’re looking for the best view of Zion Canyon, this is it.
But if you want to experience Zion beyond the canyons, this guide shows you the best spots to visit.
Can you drive through Zion for free?
Yes, you can drive your private vehicle through Zion Canyon for free. However, access to the Scenic Drive is by shuttle bus only. Private vehicles are allowed to access the Scenic Drive only when the Shuttle System is not in operation.
Can you drive your car to Zion Lodge?
Zion National Park Lodge guests with overnight stays are allowed to drive to the Lodge using the permit mailed to them. This permit will need to be validated by the front desk, and displayed while the vehicle is parked. Zion Lodge guests are also able to walk to the Lodge.
Can you drive the scenic route in Zion National Park?
The scenic route is a byway that runs through Zion National Park, taking travelers from Highway 9 to Mount Timpanogos. It is a four-mile stretch that goes through a number of scenic and historic areas. The scenic route provides the traveler with views of the towering cliffs of the Zion Canyon.
Can you drive to Zion Visitor Center?
If you’re planning on driving into Zion National Park for the day, you’ll need to start early. Zion Canyon’s Park Headquarters Visitor Center is located just inside the southern entrance of the park, but this lot typically fills up by mid-morning on high visitation days. If you’re driving to the park at 10 a.m. on a Saturday, you may be able to find a parking spot, but prepare to wait in a long line for the tram ride to the Canyon floor.
Most visitors to Zion will be arriving at the South Entrance, at the town of Springdale. From April through October private vehicle use in this area is limited and visitors must use the shuttle on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The rest of the year you are free to drive yourself on the scenic drive.
Can you drive through Zion without paying?
You can drive through Zion without paying the Zion Canyon Scenic Byway entrance fee. This is possible because of a loophole in the law that allows motorists to park in Zion National Park and exit the park through a back road. If you’re driving your RV or large vehicle through Zion Canyon, you’ll need to pay an escort fee to travel through the Zion Canyon Tunnel.
Where are you allowed to drive in Zion?
Most visitors to Zion will arrive at the South Entrance, at the town of Springdale. From April through October private vehicle use in this area is limited and visitors must use the shuttle on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. In the rest of the year, you’re free to drive yourself on the scenic drive.
Can you drive your car into Zion?
Are you able to drive your private vehicle into Zion Canyon? In March through late November, access to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is by shuttle bus only. Private vehicles are allowed to access the Scenic Drive only when the Shuttle System is not in operation.
Can you drive the floor of the valley road in Zion?
You can drive the floor of the valley road in Zion, but you’ll only be able to do so on the steepest part of the road. The road is part of the National Scenic Byway, so you’re required to have a permit.
The Mount Carmel Highway is a 12-mile (20.3 km) section of Zion National Park that connects the southern and eastern entrance of the park. This highway can be accessed at the Zion entrance, which is located in the town of Springdale.
Can you drive through Zion east entrance?
SR-9 is an incredible scenic byway in the United States. It runs from the south entrance of Zion through the east entrance. It is a stunning drive that takes you through the Kolob Canyons, Zion National Park, and the East Entrance to Zion National Park.
Can you drive to the Narrows in Zion?
Yes, you can drive to Zion National Park to hike along the Narrows. The main entrance to the Narrows is located approximately 20 miles south of the town of Springdale. The Narrows trail is a strenuous hike, which is approximately 3.5 miles long. The hike is accessible from the last shuttle stop, called the Temple of Sinawava. For the day hike, the Narrows is accessible from the last shuttle stop, called the Temple of Sinawava.
