There’s no doubt Zion National Park has become quite popular over the years. It’s a busy, bustling park during peak season. How do you make sure you experience nature’s artistry throughout Zion? A scenic drive is one way to explore the beautiful landscape surrounding the park.
Several scenic routes pass through, or lead to and from Zion, any of which make a fantastic road trip. The added bonus of a scenic drive is discovering remote areas most visitors to Zion ignore. So pack some snacks and drinks, crank the AC, and let’s roll.
Scenic Drives of Southern Utah
Sometimes a drive is the best way to see the tapestry of nature. The views are abundant with incredible red rock canyons, desert landscapes, and towering mountains. All enjoyed from the privacy of your own vehicle. A drive lets you take your time, stop when you want to, and appreciate the moment with photo ops or a short hike. So hop in the car for a road trip along some of America’s most stunning highways. The views won’t disappoint.
Highway 9 to Zion-Mount Carmel Road
There is something undeniable and special about following a scenic route. And the one starting on Highway 9, connecting to the Zion-Mount Carmel highway is no exception. It’s a winding road of sweeping vistas and sandstone cliffs. This route is the perfect representation of the American West.
Highway 9 is also a great starting point for a scenic drive to Zion National Park. This route is appealing because it has many access points linking to other scenic roads. You’ll have plenty of choices for creating a memorable road trip to Zion.
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is one of the main roads in Zion National Park. It has several start and stop attractions throughout the eight mile course. If you want to visit iconic sites like Weeping Rock and Zion Lodge, it’s a fantastic route. From March to late November private vehicles are not allowed. A shuttle system runs during the busy tourist season.
Off season is the best time to enjoy this surreal landscape of color from the privacy of your own car. It takes planning and waiting, but it’s worth it. There are fewer people about to inhibit your experience of the park’s natural beauty.
Mount Carmel Highway
Embark on a scenic drive hailed as one of the most spectacular in the US. The route is 40 miles long and connects the South and East entrances of Zion National Park. In its entirety, this drive links access points to Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon.
The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway takes you over bridges and along switchbacks for panoramic scenes. The highlight of the drive is the mile long Mount Carmel Tunnel. Views from both sides of the tunnel are magnificent and will leave you in awe. For an epic road trip, this highway route won’t disappoint.
Kolob Terrace Road
As mentioned earlier, there’s more than one way to see Zion National Park. Kolob Terrace Road is one of them. It runs through Zion and passes between Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyons. The highway is steep, but has plenty of viewpoints for savoring the natural beauty of the land.
This scenic drive will leave you mesmerized with its majestic forests, towering peaks, and rolling hills. It’s the kind of landscape that inspires paintings or stunning photographs. A big benefit of this route is that it’s a quieter, less crowded area of Zion National Park. The Kolob Terrace Road is ideal for those who desire a peaceful, scenic drive.
Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive
This scenic drive is a great option if you want to stay within the vicinity of Zion National Park. It’s a five-mile highway tucked away in the northwest corner of the park. The drive is beautiful and remote and worth it. Most visitors to the park miss this area, so it’s perfect for enjoying a little solitude.
Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive is shorter than others, but it’s packed with stunning views. The vibrant landscape is a palette of crimson, orange, and pink sandstone surrounded by green junipers and scrub. This route also has access to some of the highest-rated hikes in Zion. Hiking or a scenic drive, Kolob Canyons has the best of both, and it’s one remote area worth exploring.
Gateway Luxury RV Resort: Your Hub for Exploring Zion
Zion Gateway RV Resort is the perfect place to park your RV or rent a luxury tiny home. Our resort has full RV hookups and generous amenities: bathrooms, showers, laundry facilities. Everything you need in one place. And for entertainment, we have the best options. Play pickle ball or cornhole, swim in our resort sized pool, and let the kids hang out in the play area. For your furry companion we have an off-leash dog area.
Our luxury tiny homes brim with style and the best in modern comfort. You’ll fall in love with our interiors and cozy furnishings. Each tiny home includes a kitchennete, a bathroom, and living room area. When you’re ready to call it a night, fall into a plush bed and deep sleep. So come explore Zion National Park and enjoy the comforts of home at Zion Gateway RV Resort!
Book your stay today and start planning your Zion adventure.
