What Size RV Is Allowed in Zion National Park?

July 12, 2025

If you’re planning an RV road trip through Zion National Park, one of the most important things to figure out early is whether your rig is allowed through Zion’s tunnels—especially the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. With strict size regulations and time-specific access, this is one part of the trip you don’t want to leave to chance.

Let’s break down the rules so you can hit the road fully prepared.

🚐 Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel: The Big Deal for RVs

The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel was completed in the 1930s—long before today’s massive Class A motorhomes and fifth wheels existed. While breathtaking, the tunnel wasn’t built for wide or tall modern vehicles, which is why Zion has special permit rules in place.

📏 What Are the Size Limits for RVs in Zion?

Here’s what the National Park Service currently allows:

Height limit: Vehicles taller than 11 feet 4 inches need a tunnel permit.
Width limit: Vehicles wider than 7 feet 10 inches, including mirrors, also require a permit.

If your RV meets either of these dimensions, you must request a tunnel escort from the park rangers.

✅ Tunnel escort means: Rangers temporarily stop oncoming traffic so your RV can drive down the center of the tunnel (the tallest/widest part).

🕓 Tunnel Escort Hours & Fees

Tunnel escorts are only available during specific hours, and the service requires a one-time $15 fee in addition to park admission.

🔹 Current Tunnel Escort Hours (subject to seasonal change)

Spring–Fall: Typically 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Winter: Limited hours; check NPS Zion Tunnel Info Page before arrival

⚠️ You cannot drive through the tunnel with an oversized RV at night or outside escort hours. Plan accordingly.

🅿️ Where to Get the Permit

Permits are available:

At the South Entrance ranger station when entering Zion
Valid for two trips through the tunnel within 7 days

💡 Tip: Let the ranger know your vehicle’s dimensions, and they’ll guide you through the process.

🚫 What If Your RV Is Too Big?

If your RV or trailer exceeds the maximum dimensions allowed—even with an escort—you cannot drive it through the tunnel. Instead:

Take Highway 59 from Hurricane, UT to Kanab, UT and access Zion from the East Entrance
Consider parking your RV at a resort like Gateway RV Resort and entering the park in a tow vehicle or shuttle

🔄 What About Trailers & Towed Vehicles?

If you’re pulling a trailer:

You’ll be asked to disconnect and drive through separately.
This includes fifth wheels, boat trailers, or anything towed that increases your combined length

Make sure your setup is flexible, and avoid backing up traffic by pre-unhooking if possible.

🧠 Quick Recap: RV Size Rules for Zion

Specification	Allowed Without Permit	Requires Tunnel Escort	Not Allowed
Width ≤ 7’10”	✅	❌	❌
Width > 7’10”	❌	✅	❌
Height ≤ 11’4″	✅	❌	❌
Height > 11’4″	❌	✅	❌
Length (Single Vehicle)	≤ 40 feet	✅	❌
Combined Vehicle Length	≤ 50 feet	✅	❌

🌟 Pro Tips for RVers Driving Through Zion

Plan arrival around escort hours. You don’t want to be stuck waiting or forced to reroute.
Fuel up before entering. Services are limited within the park.
Don’t rely on GPS routing. Many apps don’t flag tunnel restrictions. Stick to NPS recommendations.
Know your rig’s exact height and width. Guessing can cost you time, money, or worse.