USA Zion Mt. Carmel Tunnel

This is a view of one of several ventilation windows along the 1.1 mile (1.77 km) Zion Mt. Carmel Tunnel in Zion National Park. The narrow tunnel winds through the sandstone walls and leads to the east side of the park. Construction of the tunnel was completed in 1930. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic is strictly forbidden in the tunnel.

There are pullouts all along the winding switchbacks leading to the tunnel that allow for photo compositions. It’s tempting to stop in the tunnel at the windows for photographs but stopping anywhere in the tunnel is not allowed.

From the bridge at Canyon Junction, drive 2.6 miles (4.2 km) to a pullout for this view. It’s another 1.8 miles (2.9 km) to the tunnel entrance. If your vehicle is 11'4" (3.4m) tall or taller or 7’10” (2.4 m) wide or wider, including mirrors, awnings, and jacks, you will need a tunnel permit ($15 US) to drive through the tunnel in addition to the entrance fee to Zion National Park which is $35 (good for seven days). For “regular” vehicles, there is no additional fee to drive through it.