Anyone driven through Zion NP

lhpelton · 03-07-2016, 08:56 AM

I am beginning to plan for a trip next summer, 2017.
Looking at going to Zion NP and then to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
It looks like the road through Zion has a tunnel that you need to be escorted through and a number of switch backs.
I'm looking for feedback so we can decide on our route.

Edd505 · 03-07-2016, 05:20 PM

I went that way a couple years back with a 25ft 5W no issues. They close traffic so the tunnels one way at a time.

wags999 · 03-07-2016, 05:45 PM

You certainly can make the drive, know, that going through Zion in summer it will be crowded. Parking to sight see, if your towing will be extremely challenging. I would stay on the East side of the Park, and drive without towing into the park. I would also suggest a trip to Bryce is you can work it in. Bryce is like no other park anywhere. North Rim is beautiful but not many amenities there.

Good luck and enjoy your trip. Make reservations !

lhpelton · 03-08-2016, 11:30 AM

We were planning on Bryce canyon as well.
Then over to Arches.
Planning a couple of weeks or more for this trip.

troutslayer · 03-08-2016, 04:26 PM

We drove thru those tunnels and had no problem. As Edd said, they make the tunnel one way so you go right down the middle and was no big deal for our 30' fiver. There are switchbacks in the park but, if you take your time is very doable. I would also suggest staying in the Watchman CG there...it's great! Much better than waiting in long lines to get into the park and searching for a parking spot. They don't always allow vehicles in the main section of the park road so if staying at Watchman, you can walk to the bus pick up points. The North Rim campground is also very nice however, a challenge getting your rig level (take plenty of boards). Make reservations early cuz they fill up fast. Also at North Rim, some of the sites are pull-thru loop type and some of them have your RV door opening onto the road. You may want to check with Google Earth to see the orientation of each site you are looking at. Have fun...it's a great trip!

Desert RVers · 03-08-2016, 06:05 PM

We drove into Zion after visiting Bryce Canyon in our 33 foot Class A towing a Toyota Tacoma toad. Like the others have said, they escort the traffic one direction at a time. We just kept the RV in the middle of the road and it was not a problem. The switchbacks were no trouble as well, just don't rush it. It's a really beautiful drive. Have a great trip.

McGarrett50 · 03-13-2016, 08:02 AM

We're going to make the trip from Bryce to Zion this summer. Like all have said, the tunnel route shouldn't be a problem.

We've decided, however, to drive the scenic route AROUND the tunnel road, via Kanab. We'll stop at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and the Little Hollywood set & museum and make a day of it. Ending up at the Watchman CG IN Zion that has 50AMP Electric.

Just an alternative option.

Happy planning!

Ela1948 · 03-13-2016, 10:06 AM

I think that you would do your self a favor by not driving into Zion unless you really don't have a choice. Zion is extremely crowded with few roads. The terrain dictates the roads and they are tight. You really have no where to pull off if you have a trailer. We came came into Zion by a southern route thru Hurricane, Utah. Camped in a state park and went to Zion in our truck. We personally didn't enjoy Zion because of the crowded conditions. Beautiful area but too congested for our taste. Brice is also very busy but has more access roads. Very definitely a must see. We stayed at Kodachrome state park while at Brice. While in the Brice area, take a ride over Utah 12 scenic byway from Cannonville to Boulder, Utah. It is called Grand Staircase/ Escalente badlands. Will take a day but time well spent. Arches National Park is another very busy area. Get your reservations in ahead of time. We didn't and had to stay in a commercial park that catered to ATV's. Noise and dust were the biggest issue. I would have liked to stay in Dead Horse state park but it was full. Capitol Reef National Park is also very nice if you have the time.

troutslayer · 03-13-2016, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McGarrett50

We'll stop at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Did you know they have 2 FHU RV sites there? We stayed (and worked) there two years ago and it was one of the most scenic places we've ever stayed. Cheap too, if you are a BFAS member.

lukenick1 · 03-18-2016, 05:40 AM

Drove through Zion this past Summer in a car and it was SCARY! The roads are narrow, and you basically zig zag up with only a 2 foot wall stopping you from going over the cliff. I cannot imagine pulling a huge rig through there. Yikes!! I say camp at the bottom and drive your vehicle up, much more relaxing and safe.

ensign · 03-18-2016, 02:46 PM

Arches, Bryce, Zion, South Rim. Great time.

We arrived at Bryce on a Tuesday, no problem getting a spot with no reservations, and we have a 32 foot trailer. Don't arrive on a Thursday or Friday.

At the south rim we stayed at 10-X campground, just south of Tuscayan, which is around 4 miles from the entrance. Again, arrived on a Tuesday, no problem, and some huge sites. At 10 bucks a night it was fantastic, elk in our backyard.

We did not drive the tunnel at Zion with our trailer. I think the limit is 50 feet (combined truck and trailer), and we are over that. We stayed just east the park. It was commercial, but convenient.

Enjoy!

Ensign

heron2000 · 03-18-2016, 04:22 PM

if you camp near Zion drivr through the park from west to east and stop at the parking lot just to thr right after the tunnel and take the trail across the street - a 1/4 mile and you will have a view of all the switch backs you just drove
i've ridden a bicycle one through Zion and a motorcycle 3 times - i always stop and hike that trail

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