What to know about Zion National Park east entrance (to tunnel)in Utah

Hi there!

If you are coming from Bryce Canyon National Park or Page AZ (Horseshoe Bend), then generally speaking, the east entrance is the best entrance to get to Zion National Park.

You will pass through Kanab UT to get to the Zion National Park east entrance. (You might also want to stop by to do some things in Kanab!)

I entered Zion National Park through the east entrance, and here’s what to know.

 

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Going to Zion National Park from the east entrance

 

Since I was coming from Arizona, I went through Kanab to get to the east side of Zion National Park.

 

 

Continuing on the road, this will eventually lead to the Mount Carmel junction, and then you’ll make a turn to drive to the east entrance of Zion National Park.

You’ll first see the official Zion National Park sign, and you can stop to get a picture!

 

 

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And then you will arrive at the Zion National Park east entrance station!

 

 

You will probably be asked if you want a Zion National Park map.

If not, be sure to ask for one!

And then once you pay the entry fee or show your national park pass, you will continue driving ahead!

Shortly after you pass the east entrance station, you will see the iconic Checkerboard Mesa in front of you!

 

 

Then it will continue to be a scenic drive as you continue on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway!

 

 

Driving on, you will see a parking area and a sign for the Canyon Overlook Trail parking aka the first perfect stop in Zion National Park when coming from the east entrance!

 

 

You’ll walk a little bit along the road to get to the Canyon Overlook trailhead.

 

 

And then you can start hiking in Zion National Park!

 

 

And once you have taken in the views, you can hike back to the road!

It’s an out-and-back hike so you’ll hike back the same way you came.

 

 

To get from the Zion east entrance to the Canyon Overlook Trail will be around a 15 to 20 minute drive.

Or instead of stopping for a hike, you can keep driving and then right after the Canyon Overlook Trail parking will be the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel!

There is another parking area right before you enter the tunnel, but this parking area is only accessible to drivers coming from the opposite direction.

So it won’t be a parking area for you if you’re driving from the east entrance.

 

 

And then you will keep driving for more scenic views on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway!

This part has lots of twists and turns!

 

 

Then you will arrive at the junction that will take you into the main part of Zion National Park!

 

 

 

Zion east entrance to Zion – Mount Carmel Tunnel

👆 View of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel from the Canyon Overlook Trail.

 

If you’re entering Zion National Park from the east entrance, you will drive through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel to get to the main part of Zion National Park.

There are limitations for driving through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel for large vehicles, including RVs.

Some large vehicles are allowed at certain times, and a tunnel permit is required.

Be sure to read about it if it applies to you: Driving through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.

 

 

Zion National Park entry fees

 

There is an entry fee for Zion National Park no matter which entrance you drive through.

In 2023, the cost of a Zion National Park 7-day pass is $35 per car. There is no one-day Zion pass. See current fees.

As a national park, Zion does accept the America the Beautiful pass!

The America the Beautiful pass is the annual national park pass.

Generally speaking, If you will be visiting 3 national parks within a year, then it will be worth it to get the America the Beautiful pass.

This is especially true if the 3 national parks that you plan on visiting are the popular national parks. If you plan on visiting 3 Utah national parks, it will be worth it.

If you’re a senior, then there is the senior annual national park pass, which is worth it even if you are going to only Zion. It’s $20! See current fees under annual pass.

As long as the Zion National Park entry booth is staffed, you can buy an annual pass when you arrive at Zion.

 

👆 Cost of Zion National Park entry fees.

 

And that’s a bit about going to Zion from the east entrance!

I went through the Zion east entrance in December 2019. Your experience may vary!

 

More for your Zion drive and beyond:

• One day in Zion National Park
• Arizona Utah national parks road trip
• How to hike the South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon
• One day in Bryce Canyon in winter
• Must-see things in Yellowstone National Park
• Must-see things in Grand Teton National Park
• Best places to visit in Wyoming

 

HAPPY DRIVING THROUGH THE ZION EAST ENTRANCE!

 

👆 The Canyon Overlook Trail can be your first stop in Zion when you enter Zion National Park through the east entrance!