Zion–Mount Carmel Highway
Zion Canyon → east entrance, UT (UT-9) · ~12 miles · half day
Stylized illustration, not a photo — the real place looks different (and that’s half the fun).
An engineering marvel from 1930 climbs out of Zion Canyon on tight switchbacks and burrows through a 1.1-mile tunnel, emerging into the slickrock wonderland of the park’s east side.
Updated July 2026.
Switchbacks and a mile-long tunnel out of Zion Canyon.
Window galleries in the tunnel tease the views; big vehicles need a timed escort. Stop for Checkerboard Mesa and the short, sublime Canyon Overlook Trail.
States on this route
The signature stops
What to pull over for.
The best stops on the Zion–Mount Carmel Highway are the places that define the drive, not just the nearest towns. Roamward orders them for the road: start with Pine Creek switchbacks, Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel, Canyon Overlook Trail, Checkerboard Mesa, then open each stop guide for the pull-over context.
01Pine Creek switchbacksthe dramatic climb out of the main canyon — open the stop guideUT
02Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnela 1.1-mile tunnel with window cutouts — open the stop guideUT
03Canyon Overlook Traila short hike to a jaw-dropping canyon view — open the stop guideUT
04Checkerboard Mesacross-hatched sandstone on the east side — open the stop guideUT
Where to eat
Restaurants along this route.
Restaurants on the Zion–Mount Carmel Highway are chosen for trip usefulness: gateway-town location, a clear reason to stop, and enough quality to make a traveler save the pick. Start with Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon, Camp Outpost, Deep Creek Coffee Co., FeelLove Coffee Zion.
A curated set of trip-useful meals near the route — enough to anchor driving days without turning the guide into a phone book.
- Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon
A Springdale institution since 1977 — Utah-famous Mexican and Southwest plates with a lively saloon.
- Camp Outpost
A quick, design-forward Springdale stop that adds another flexible Zion-Mount Carmel option for groups after the tunnel drive.
- Deep Creek Coffee Co.
Springdale coffee, smoothies, and breakfast sandwiches for a Zion-Mount Carmel day that starts before shuttle crowds.
- FeelLove Coffee Zion
Stylish Springdale coffeehouse with pastries and a softer landing after a big Zion day, especially for travelers lingering in town.
- King's Landing Bistro
Springdale's refined, seasonal fine-dining room for a celebratory dinner after a big hike.
- MeMe's Cafe
Crepes, breakfast, and coffee to fuel up before the trail — a friendly local morning spot.
- Oscar's Cafe
Hearty Southwest breakfast and lunch on a shady patio — the classic pre- or post-hike fuel stop.
- Spotted Dog Cafe
A Springdale dinner pick for travelers who want the Zion route day to end with a quieter, more polished meal.
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Stay & experience
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Things to do near Zion–Mount Carmel Highway
Browse guided tours and bookable activities that fit this stop.
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