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) For large vehicles

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

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 Main Street, then at the next block turn left on to Hwy 59 (toward Grand Canyon/Kanab).

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

• Turn Left on Cane Beds Road.

• Follow that road to the T, then 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 at the roundabout and reach us in 5 miles.

North Bybass (Via Highway 89/Panguitch)

Best for: Travelers coming from Salt Lake or Norther Utah. Recommended route for large vehicles.

• Take I-15 south until you are 20 miles south of Beaver.
  
  
• Exit on Highway 20 (exit 95). Turn East (left) and continue approximately 20 miles.
  
  
• At the junction of Scenic Highway 89 turn right (south) and go 10 miles to Panguitch.
  
  
• At the main intersection, you will turn left (East) to stay on Highway 89.
  
  
• Travel 11 miles to North Fork Rd, and turn right at the roundabout.
  
  
• Drive-up North Fork Rd. 5 more miles to our entrance.

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.