Oversized vehicles restricted on Zion-Mt. Carmel Hwy

SPRINGDALE — New vehicle size restrictions on Zion National Park’s Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway took effect June 7, ending the park’s longstanding oversized vehicle permit program and changing how some large vehicles travel between the park’s south and east entrances.

A recreational vehicle travels near the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel in Zion National Park. New vehicle size restrictions took effect June 7 on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway corridor, ending the park’s oversized vehicle permit system and restricting some large vehicles from using the route. Photo by David Wall.

The restrictions apply to the entire section of state Route 9 between Canyon Junction and the East Entrance, not just the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. Vehicles exceeding certain size and weight limits are no longer permitted to travel through the corridor.

Under the new rules, vehicles longer than 35 feet, nine inches; wider than seven feet, 10 inches; taller than 11 feet, 4 inches; or weighing more than 50,000 pounds are prohibited. Combined vehicles and trailers may not exceed 50 feet in total length, and trailers may not exceed 26 feet from hitch to rear axle.

The new policy replaces the oversized vehicle permit system that previously allowed some larger vehicles to pass through the Zion- Mount Carmel Tunnel under escort.

The change is expected to affect some visitors traveling between Springdale and destinations east of the park, including Mt. Carmel Junction, Kanab and Bryce Canyon National Park.

“Kane County Office of Tourism has been preparing for this for the past two years,” said Janette Peatross, executive director of the Kane County Office of Tourism. “We’ve been actively attending bus and group travel trade shows to remind tour operators that Kanab and Kane County are an excellent place to stay overnight and experience what we have to offer.”

Peatross said the tourism office has also worked locally to raise awareness through social media outreach and informational flyers distributed at RV parks and businesses.

“Our goal is to help visitors plan ahead while encouraging them to explore the many experiences available throughout Kane County,” she said. “We see this as an opportunity to showcase everything our area has to offer and support our local tourism partners.”

Park officials encourage travelers to review vehicle requirements before departing and plan alternate routes if their vehicles exceed the new limits.