Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
By Car
From St. George, travel north on I-15 10 miles to exit 16, then east on Utah 9 for 30
miles to the Zion Canyon section of the park. From Salt Lake City take I-15 south to
exit 27, then Utah 17 south about 10 miles, and Utah 9 east about 20 miles. Though
less scenic than the eastern approach to the park, this is the easiest route; it's more
direct, avoids possible delays at the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, and delivers you
to Springdale, just outside the park's southern entrance, where most of the area's
lodging and restaurants are located. (See chapter 4, “Where to Stay, Camp & Eat in
Zion.”)
The Kolob Canyons section, in the park's northwest corner, is reached via the
short Kolob Canyons Road, off I-15, exit 40.
From the east, it's a spectacularly scenic 24-mile drive from Mt. Carmel Junction,
on Utah 9 (the Zion-Mt. Carmel Hwy.), reached from either north or south via
U.S. 89. However, be aware that this route into the park drops over 2,500 feet in el-
evation, passes through the mile-long Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, and winds down
six steep switchbacks. Oversize vehicles are charged $15 for use of the tunnel. (See
“Regulations” in chapter 2, “Exploring Zion National Park.”) From this approach,
you'll end up on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and then at the visitor center.
Bryce Canyon National Park is north and east of Mt. Carmel Junction via U.S.
89 north (44 miles) and Utah 12 east (13 miles). Kanab is 17 miles southeast of Mt.
Carmel Junction along U.S. 89.
Southern Utah Driving Times & Distances
