Effective June 7, 2026, large vehicles are strictly prohibited from driving through the Zion Tunnel. If your vehicle or combined rig (truck + trailer) exceeds any of the following, you must use an alternate route:

• Height: 11' 4" or taller
  

• Width: 7' 10" or wider
  

• Length: 35' 9" (Single vehicle) or 50' (Combined length)
  

• Weight: 50,000 lbs or more

For full official details and current restrictions, please visit the NPS Large Vehicle Portal.

With the new 2026 Zion National Park vehicle restrictions, arriving at our park requires a little extra planning. To ensure you don’t get stuck at the tunnel gates, we recommend these two "Big Rig Friendly" routes that bypass the park while offering incredible desert and mountain views.

The South Bypass (Via Cane Beds)

Best for: Travelers coming from Las Vegas, St. George, or Arizona.

Why we recommend it: This is the most popular route for big rigs because it offers the most level terrain and widest lanes in the region. By traveling through the open country of the Cane Beds, you enjoy a spacious, low-stress driving experience that avoids the steep mountain grades and sharp curves found on higher-elevation passes.

Driving Directions from the South

• From I-15, take Exit 16 toward Hurricane/Zion.

• In Hurricane, turn Right on Hwy 59 (toward Grand Canyon/Kanab).

• Follow Hwy 59 as it crosses into Arizona and becomes Hwy 389.

• Drive through the beautiful Cane Beds and Colorado City area.

• At Fredonia, turn Left onto Hwy 89 North.

• In Mount Carmel Junction, turn Left onto Hwy 9 West.

• Travel 11 miles to North Fork Road and turn Right to find us!

The North Bypass (Via Cedar Mountain)

Best for: Travelers coming from Salt Lake City or Northern Utah.

Why we recommend it: This is a stunning high-alpine drive that brings you into the resort from the top of the plateau. It offers breathtaking views of lush forests and ancient lava fields. While it is the most direct path from the north, please be aware that this route includes a mountain pass with steep grades and winding curves—perfect for those who enjoy a scenic mountain drive.

Driving directions from the North

• From I-15, take Exit 59 in Cedar City.

• Head East on Hwy 14 (Center Street).

• You will climb up Cedar Mountain, passing through lush forests and lava fields.

• At the "T" junction (Long Valley Junction), turn Right onto Hwy 89 South.

• Follow Hwy 89 through Orderville down to Mount Carmel Junction.

• Turn Right onto Hwy 9 West.

• Travel 11 miles to North Fork Road and turn Right.

How to Get to Zion Canyon from Zion Ponderosa

Take Our Guest Shuttle (Highly Recommended!)

Skip the 2.5 hour drive and the stress of park parking. Our shuttle service, operated by East Zion Adventures, picks you up right at the resort and drops you off at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.

Why take the shuttle? It saves you from driving the "Big Rig Bypass" and guarantees you won't have to fight for a parking spot, which usually fills up by 8:00 AM.

The "Roundabout" Drive (For Large Vehicles & RVs)

If you need to move your RV or a vehicle that exceeds the new tunnel size limits, you cannot drive through the park. You must take the scenic "roundabout" route:

Driving Directions: Zion Ponderosa to Zion Canyon (Big Rig Bypass)

1. From North Fork Road, turn Left onto Hwy 9 East.

2. At Mt. Carmel Junction, turn Right onto Hwy 89 South.

3. In Fredonia, turn Right onto Hwy 389 West (through Cane Beds).

4. Follow Hwy 59 into Hurricane.

5. From Hurricane, follow Hwy 9 East through Virgin and Springdale to reach the Zion South Entrance.