Route planning to Zion National Park

[MaggieJoe]

Has anyone driven from the Grand Canyon North Rim to Zion National Park. What is the best approach into Zion. A shorter more direct route enters from the east via Mt Carmel Junction, a longer route loops underneath before entering Zion via Hurricane from the west. There apparently is a tunnel on the Mt Carmel east route which requires an escort for larger RVs, and I've read can cause backups/delays. This route also has some switchbacks, not sure how bad these are. Should I be concerned and just go the longer west route - this seems less complicated but does add time to the trip (I think 1- 2 hrs). I'll be in a 32ft class C. Thanks

[clutch]

I havn't driven that route but with a 32' trailer and switch backs and tunnels that require an escort you may find that timewise the longer route may be faster and less stressful.

[RV4Fun]

This past fall....drove from Zion to north Rim of the Grand Canyon. We drove that southern route. We were 39' of Designer behind a dually. That tunnel would not allow us thru as we were too long. We drove (without the 5th wheel)thru the tunnel and all around Zion. The switch backs really are not tough. Depending on the time of year....that tunnel and the traffic can be really crowded. You might wait longer @ the tunnel than the other route. We drove the route out of Hurricane and found the travel time really pretty easy. The National Park Campground at the North Rim is really sweet. Been redone and can handle larger rigs. Best to get your reservation now as it fills up.