Zion Tunnel and RV width

[Dave&Jane]

Last week while camping in Zion National Park we learned another advantage of having a smaller trailer like Escape, the vehicle size restrictions for the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel on UT-9.
Zion NP says nearly all RVs, buses, trailers, fifth-wheels, dual-wheel trucks, campers and boats require traffic control through the tunnel, but this does not apply to our Escape since it's less than 7' 10" wide (2.4 m). Rangers are required to stop oncoming traffic for larger vehicles (including those over 11' 4" tall) so they can travel down the center of the road. This also entails a $15 fee and limited hours of the day when larger vehicles are allowed through the tunnel.

-Dave

[KirkB]

Thanks for the post. I may be heading that way soon, but likely without the Escape in tow, just for a day trip into Zion. It should not be an issue for me, but I was wondering if they consider towing mirrors in vehicle width. I have a 19, which is not too wide, but my tow vehicle, with add-on Milenco mirrors might be a bit over the limit.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by KirkB

my tow vehicle, with add-on Milenco mirrors might be a bit over the limit.

Just fold the OEM mirrors against the vehicle. Shouldn't have to worry about people passing you.

[KirkB]

If it came to that, I would prefer to remove one of the towing mirrors, and leave the OEM mirrors. I like to glance in the mirrors to see how close the trailer is tracking to the lane stripes in tight spots.

[gbaglo]

Could do, easily enough. I take mine off before boarding the ferry.

[Dave&Jane]

Originally Posted by KirkB

It should not be an issue for me, but I was wondering if they consider towing mirrors in vehicle width. I have a 19, which is not too wide, but my tow vehicle, with add-on Milenco mirrors might be a bit over the limit.

The 7"10" width limit includes mirrors, but as noted, it would be easy to remove the add-on mirrors for the trip through the tunnel.

-Dave

[sunrisetrucker]

We where there about 3 years ago and went though, add-on mirrors and all, without any problems.
If you're anywhere near Zion National Park I suggest you check it out, it's kinda cool. And be prepared to take lots of pictures before and after the tunnel, the scenery is just amazing.

[Dave Walter]

When we drove through the tunnel pulling our 19' on the way into Zion, there were some wide RV's just in front of us and the rangers closed the tunnel to oncoming traffic as we went through. On the way out, there was two way traffic flowing as we drove back through the tunnel. The tunnel is quite small in diameter and I must say that I preferred driving through it with no oncoming traffic. With oncoming traffic I was always a bit worried about moving too close to the side of the road and possibly scraping the roof of the trailer on the curved sides of the tunnel.

[Jim Bennett]

I drove through it with our 19 a couple times, both times with two way traffic, and though you know it is not a huge tunnel, I was not too worried. They take their maximum two-way height measurements right at the outside of the lane.

I have been to Zion twice now, and loved exploring there. Lots of folks, but if you go hiking right at 7am when the busses start running, there is next to no crowds and you beat the heat. My three favourite things there were the The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk, Angels Landing Trail and having the bus take our bikes all the way in, then cruise downhill all the way out.

I'll be back!

[MyronL]

No problemo with the 19...

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by MyronL

No problemo with the 19...

That is not the tunnel that they control, Myron. At least the one I was talking about was the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, which is over a mile long.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fs1fIneTdc

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

That is not the tunnel I that they control, Myron. At least the one I was talking about was the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, which is over a mile long.

Oh my stars! I can't do long tunnels. I'm claustrophobic. I'd need someone else to drive the truck and trailer through, while I sat in the passenger seat with my eyes closed and headphones on... and hoping I wouldn't start hyperventilating. The struggle is real.

[freespirit]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

That is not the tunnel that they control, Myron. At least the one I was talking about was the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, which is over a mile long.

barely made it...claustrophobia got real bad......

[advenas]

Thanks for the video! I still remember the first time through the tunnel back in 2005 and the view at the end. Almost drove off the road. Ah Utah...how I miss you. It's been four years this Sept since I last visited. My trailer gets delivered this Friday. They say I can retire anytime. I think now would be good........

[wetzk]

We went in that tunnel, the car in from of us was stopping at each opening and the lady got out at one.