Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park

[RKassl]

Can anybody give me a good route between Bryce Canyon and Zion? Are there any restrictions or tunnels that I should know about?

Thanks!

[stiles watson]

We stayed at a Passport America park named Camp Lutherwood. It is at Long Valley Junction, UT (at intersection of US 89 and UT 14). It is 2 miles down a dirt and gravel road, but is a nice little camp with level sites and full hook ups. Very inexpensive. Lousy TV and cell phone reception, but high altitude for cool and pleasant management.

From there we took a day trip to Zion by going south on US 89 and then right on UT 9, the road to the park. There are a couple of tunnels on UT 9, close to Zion. They even escorted my dually through single file so I could drive in the middle of the road. I would not want to take Monty through. Zion is a great day trip. It can all be done in a day unless you want to hike some long trails. It is beautiful. The best way to do the park is to take their shuttle buses once you are inside. They are free, come by the bus stops often, and drop you off at all the key points. Recommend coming early and you will have plenty of time.

[sreigle]

We took the route recommended by the rv park owner.

West on UT 12
North on US 89
West on UT 20
South on I-15
South on UT 17
East on UT 9

Good roads, no low clearance, no tunnels.

If you plan to tow THROUGH Zion NP, there is a tunnel in the park. You will have to stop near the entrance, pay $15 (at that time) for an escort, then wait for the appointed hourly time so they can stop traffic and take you down the middle of the tunnel. We didn't need to do this, though. I am not sure whether you have to contact them in advance or just show up.

Enjoy. Both of those parks are outstanding places to visit.

We could have gone south on US 89, then west on UT 9 through the park and it's tunnel but didn't want the tunnel hassle. It would be fewer miles that route, though.

[dandt]

Just recently did this route in reverse. Best way to get from Bryce to Zion is go south thru tip of Arizona 89 to Kanab then 399/59 to Hurricane than 9 into Zion. You CAN NOT fit thru the tunnel even with an escort. You are going to have a fabuloustrip. We did Zion, Bryce, Arches, Capital Reef in April/May. Be prepared for it to be HOT at Zion...Safe Travels Teresa

[jjackflash]

We'll be heading that way in August,it's almost 110 degrees here in Hesperia,Ca.We have thunder storm and flash flood warnings thru this evening.
Hopefully it'll start cooling down to normal!
Jack

[David and Jo-Anna]

We love Zion--it is probably our favorite park. We spent two weeks there two years ago, and a week there earlier this spring. Lots of great hikes, so allow yourself plenty of time to see the park. Let us know if you want more details on specific hikes.

As for getting there, Dandt is correct that you can't tow your Montana thru the tunnel coming into the park on UT 9 from the east--Montanas exceed both the height and length limitations on the tunnel--we saw travel trailers that were deemed to be too long for the tunnel when hooked to standard pickups. We have traveled the route from Bryce to Zion that Steve outlined--nice and easy with no tunnel or clearance problems. Haven't tried Dandt's route so can't comment on it.

[sreigle]

Some Montanas seemingly would be allowed to be escorted through the tunnel but I don't think I would want to. The NPS site, http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisi...mel-tunnel.htm , says this -

Prohibited Vehicles
*Vehicles over 13 feet 1 inch tall, Semi-trucks, vehicles carrying hazardous materials, vehicles weighing more than 50,000 pounds, single vehicles over 40 feet long, combined vehicles over 50 feet long. All Bicycles. Pedestrians.

Our combined length is too long but the shorter Montanas would be allowed through. Few are over 13' 1". However, that is far too close for comfort for me. I'll go around.

Great picture, Jack.

[jjackflash]

Thanks Steve,I appreicate that!
Jack