How to drive the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, one of the most scenic roads in Utah?
Usa, north-america
40 km
4 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! You HAVE to experience the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway in Utah. Seriously, this 25-mile stretch of State Route 9, winding through Zion National Park, is a total feast for the eyes.
Picture this: You're cruising from Springdale to Mount Carmel Junction, surrounded by insane scenery – think switchbacks, those famous slickrock formations, and if you time it right, maybe even some seasonal waterfalls. The whole trip takes about 22 minutes if you don't stop (but trust me, you'll want to!). Pro tip: hit the road early to beat the crowds and soak in the peaceful vibes.
The highlight? The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. This 1.1-mile tunnel, built back in the day, has these awesome windows carved into the rock, giving you seriously epic views. Just a heads up – it’s a bit of a squeeze, so larger RVs and trailers need to get a special escort to navigate it. If you're rocking anything over 13 feet 1 inch tall, a semi-truck, a vehicle carrying hazardous materials, weighing more than 50,000 pounds, a single vehicle over 40 feet long, or combined vehicles over 50 feet long, you're out of luck; as are bicycles and pedestrians. This is a drive you won't forget!
Where is it?
How to drive the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, one of the most scenic roads in Utah? is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.1133, -103.0287
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 40 km
- Max Elevation
- 4 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 40.1133, -103.0287
Related Roads in north-america
moderateJones Gap, an awe-inspiring drive
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! We're heading to Jones Gap, a killer mountain pass perched right on the South Carolina/North Carolina line in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This beauty clocks in at a lofty 2,929 feet (893m) and sits nestled within the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. The entire route is paved – just look for US-276 E. But don't get too comfy! This 16.4-mile (26.39km) stretch from Cedar Mountain, NC, to Cleveland, SC, packs a punch with some serious steep sections. We're talking gradients hitting a max of 11.1% in spots! But the views? Totally worth it! Get ready for some seriously scenic vistas as you wind your way through this mountain paradise. Just keep your eyes on the road… those inclines are no joke!
hardWhere is Juniper Canyon Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Big Bend National Park in Texas and craving a truly rugged experience, Juniper Canyon Road in the Chisos Mountains is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking seriously remote, folks. You'll be deep in the heart of the park, with zero cell service. Download those maps beforehand! The 5.4-mile stretch is entirely unpaved, twisting through desert wilderness. Picture this: rocky terrain, loose stones, and maybe even a dry creek crossing or two. Rain turns this road from challenging to downright treacherous, so keep an eye on the weather. Think twice about bringing anything but a 4WD vehicle with solid tires. Low clearance? Forget about it. And trailers? Definitely not recommended. You'll be crawling at a snail's pace (5-10 mph), but the solitude is worth it. The road ends at a parking area near Juniper Canyon Trail and Dodson Trail, sitting pretty at 3,973 feet. It climbs a good 1,079 feet in elevation. Plus, there's a water storage locker for long-distance hikers. All that said, the views of the Chisos Mountains are nothing short of breathtaking! Just be prepared for a bumpy ride.
moderateTray Gap
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near White County, Georgia, you HAVE to check out Tray Gap. We're talking a legit mountain pass sitting pretty at 3,841 feet. Forget crowds, this place is all about stunning views and getting away from it all. Now, a heads up: the road up, Tray Mountain Road (or Tray, as the locals call it), is a gravel forest service road. It's definitely a job for your 4x4 – leave the low riders at home for this one! But trust me, the views are worth the rugged trek. Prepare for beauty and solitude like you wouldn't believe!
hardWhy is it Called El Camino del Diablo?
🇺🇸 Usa
Dare to tackle El Camino del Diablo – the Devil's Highway – in Arizona? This isn't your Sunday drive; it's a backcountry adventure right along the Mexican border, so prior experience is a must. This historic route cuts through the Sonoran Desert. The name? Earned. It's sadly known as one of the deadliest migrant trails, with a tragic history. Clocking in at 120 miles along the southern US border, it winds through some seriously remote and arid landscapes. Forget pavement; expect unpaved, extremely rough conditions in sections. A high-clearance 4x4 is non-negotiable. You're on your own out there – no emergency or tow services. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The scenery is incredible: rugged mountains, flat desert expanses, cacti galore, shifting sand dunes, and old lava flows. But heads up! This trip demands detailed planning. No drinking water is available. You'll be trekking through active military bombing ranges, areas with unexploded ordnance, plus zones with illegal activity, abandoned mines, and potentially dangerous wildlife. Never attempt this journey solo. Avoid summer due to scorching heat. Even outside summer, be prepared for extreme conditions. Bring ample supplies, let people know your itinerary, and ensure your vehicle is in top shape.