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Zion

Yahoo Message Number: 108307
We have a trip in the works for going to Zion for a week, then headed east into Colorado.
I was looking at the Highway 9 leading in Zion from Interstate 15. It appears from Google Maps that I do not want to go to far East on Highway 9 as it gets really windy, as they are a lot of loops and switchbacks. Or am I putting too much into the map program?

Has anyone been in this area and tell me about this area or highway 9 headed east.
We are a 40' with tag and towing our toad.

Thanks

Dave


07 Country Coach Allure 430 #31495 12 Jeep GC Toad

Mountains of So Cal and
Henderson, Nev
Dave & Jodi
2007 CC Allure 40’ Tag #31495
2012 Jeep GC
Big Bear Lake, Ca & Henderson, Nev

Re: Zion

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 108308
We just got back from Zion and avoided Hwy 9 with our coach. After driving that road on a day trip with our toad I'm glad we didn't do it in the coach. Very narrow and tight switchbacks.

George Magee
06 Inspire 40'
51639

Re: Zion

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 108310
Dave,

I think there is also a very narrow tunnel that requires a pilot car in some cases. I chose not to take coach and car on this trip. It is a beautiful drive in the toad. I chose to take hwy 59 south off 9 & 17 near Hurricane. This changes to AZ 389. This trip takes you south into AZ. There is the Pipe Springs National Monument that we found quite interesting regarding the history of the area and how Pipe Springs played a part. 389 will bring to AZ 89A and changes to just 89. This road 89 will bring you by where you would be if you used 9. We used this route as a way to get to Bryce National Park. The drive is very easy.

It might be worth a look.

Jock Vargo

Ex CC 2005 Inspire

Re: Zion

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 108311
By now you probably realize the Zion-Mt Carmel road and tunnel are problematic - maybe impossible for large vehicles!

Better google the restrictions (and co$t) before even considering this route. I believe the stated height limit is 13'.

It makes a nice drive in the toad though!

--

Tom Harsch 2002 Allure #30791

Re: Zion

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 108312
Loved Hy 9 East of Zion. You will have to unhook your car if towing so if you decide to drive that route, leave car unhooked and hook up after tunnel. I never advocate someone driving outside their comfort zone thus you could take this drive in your car first. I had no problem at all and I am 40 foot. Ask other drivers that you will meet at Zion. The road from Zion to Bryce then Torrey is beautiful. You will have to drive the Hogsback, google it, on Hy 12 but just take that section of road slow.

If you do drive this route consider Arches and our favorite, Canyonlands.

Richard Aquino
2001 intrigue

Re: Zion

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 108316
Dave:

I did the tunnel several years ago. Had to take a dome off of the roof, The height requirement is 12' 6". You can't tow there is a length requirement as their are angles in the tunnel that is about a mile long. You are also driving a box through rounded walls. I wouldn't do it again.

Mike Kendig 2005 Inspire 51470

Re: Zion

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 108323
We have driven this road through Zion NP over a dozen times over the years as my brother lives in Hurricane UT. We have 40ft Beaver Contessa and tow a full-size Ford F150 truck. You must unhook the toad as you transition the tunnel from either side. No problem with height requirements as you are the only vehicle and can drive down the center. On each side of the tunnel there are some sharp curves. We had never had a single problem as long as you are aware of them and you travel a safe speed.

Ken Sair

Re: Zion

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 108325
Ken, I'm glad you set the record straight. I too have been through the tunnel several times in a 40ft. Intrigue, towing. To transit this tunnel toward Zion is one of the great RV thrills to be experienced. Just go down the middle and monitor your speed. The tunnel is downhill a bit in that direction so take it easy and enjoy..
Lyle former 04 Intrigue 11740

Re: Zion

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 108326
Hi Lyle! Always great to hear from you and your experiences! You've been so valuable to this CC blog and so happy you're continuing to help!!

Mary and Mike Frederick
06 Inspire 51784

Re: Zion

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 108333
For future reference if someone searches on this subject.
Here is a link to the FAQ for the tunnel. If it works I have included a couple of pictures that I took. I think this was the East entrance.

Richard Aquino
2001 Intrigue

Frequently Asked Questions about the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and Tunnel - Zion National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

image

Frequently Asked Questions about the Zion-Mt. Carmel H... Frequently Asked Questions about the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and Tunnel

View on NPS.gov Homepage (U.S. National Park Service)

Re: Zion

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 108339
Anytime. It's one of the few times my bride is in the road and I'm in charge of the air horn. Hwy 9 is one of the best parts of Zion and the Color Country.

Ken Sair
 

Re: Zion

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 108340
My wife and I were VIP's at ZION for 5 years (campground host under law enforcement at South and Watchman campgrounds). We along with our 40 footer towing a Jeep Grand Cherokee always came in and out via the tunnel. Not a problem in fact it will be a highlight of your trip. We were allowed to tow because we were part of the park- they do make you drive the toad through the tunnel--not a problem! Chris