The Zion - Mt Carmel Highway is the most scenic road we traveled on this vacation. The
views are incredible. Completed in 1930, it includes a 1.1 mile tunnel that is 1200 feet
above the canyon floor. The tunnel has 4 windows in it, one of which you can see
from the switchbacks as you approach the tunnel.
The tunnel is narrow, and cannot accommodate 2 way traffic of large vehicles. Cars
have no trouble, but campers and trucks have to go right down the middle, straddling the yellow line.
During the day, each end is monitored, and traffic only flows one way at a time, when large vehicles are present.
On the east end of the tunnel is the Canyon Overlook Trail. The brochure claims its only
a half mile long, but even I thought it was longer than that. Its a bit of a tricky hike,
over steps and rocks, and narrow passes, but the overlook at the end is well worth it. The
overlook is where we took the pictures of the switchbacks.
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