Beginning Sunday, June 7, 2026, Zion National Park in Utah will enforce existing size and weight limits on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway from Canyon Junction to the East Entrance. The highway is the main road between the Park’s East Entrance (found west of Mt. Carmel Junction) and the mouth of Zion Canyon. It features more than a dozen sharp curves, narrow lanes, and steep drop-offs.
After years of study and assessment, the National Park Service has determined that large vehicles cannot safely traverse the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway due to the roadway’s design and capacity. As a result, Zion National Park is requiring vehicles to meet certain size criteria in order to traverse the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. If a vehicle does not meet any one of the following criteria, entry at the East Entrance to Zion National Park will not be allowed. The new criteria are as follows:
- Single or combined vehicles cannot be wider than 7 feet 10 inches or taller than 11 feet 4 inches. Vehicles wider and/or taller than the limits can’t pass through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel in a single traffic lane.
- Single vehicles cannot be longer than 35 feet 9 inches, and combined vehicles cannot be longer than 50 feet. Single and combined vehicles longer than the established limits can’t safely maintain their lane on the highway’s tight curves.
- Neither single nor combined vehicles can be heavier than 50,000 lbs. The four historic bridges on the highway are not rated to carry anything above that weight.
Impact on RVs
Please note that RVs that do not exceed any of the above limits may freely traverse the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. However, if the RV exceeds any of the size or weight limits, visitors will be instructed to turn around upon arriving at the Park’s East or South Entrances. The only exceptions will be those entering the Park through the South Entrance who are:
- Parking in the Zion Canyon Visitor Center’s large vehicle lot, and space is available
- Visiting Zion Lodge (pass required)
- Driving the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during the shuttle off-season
- Camping in Watchman Campground or South Campground
Current Shuttle Service
During the recreation season (March-November), the Zion Canyon Shuttle provides free transportation between the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and stops along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Shuttles arrive frequently, and visitors may get on and off at any open stop.
If parking inside the Park is at capacity, paid parking options are available in the town of Springdale. If visitors leave their vehicle in Springdale, they can ride the free Springdale Line shuttle to enter the park. Additional park-n-ride shuttle service options are being developed in the communities around Zion. One example is the White Bison Resort in Virgin, UT, which will introduce a new shuttle service for Park visitors from their location starting on March 1, 2026.
Alternate Routes
Numerous state highways bypass the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. Common routes to popular destinations are as follows:
- To get to Bryce Canyon, travelers can take Highway 20 (north of Cedar City). This route is estimated to add 63 miles / 42 minutes to the trip.
- To get to the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, travelers can take Highway 59 southeast towards Jacob Lake. This route is estimated to add 23 miles / 10 minutes to the trip.
Next Steps
The RV Industry Association’s Government Affairs team is reaching out to the National Park Service on this change to ensure clear messaging and to encourage NPS to educate consumers about the change. The team is also conversing with Zion Forever Project on plans to expand shuttle service to the East Entrance of Zion National Park. More information will be provided as it becomes available. Please contact the RV Industry Association’s Manager of Federal Affairs, Jack Holt, at jholt@rvia.org for more information.
