A place like no other near Zion National Park in Utah
In the early 1900s, park promoters had a brilliant idea. They wanted to make it easier for people to visit Zion National Park, as well as other nearby parks like Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon. So they came up with a plan: build a road that would connect these parks in a loop. This is how the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway was born. Stretching for 25 miles, this highway allowed travelers to explore multiple Utah national parks.
One of the most remarkable features of this project was the construction of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. This tunnel, which spans 1.1 miles, was built right through the sandstone cliffs above Pine Creek Canyon. The work began in the late 1920s and the first vehicle passed through in 1930. It’s worth noting that when the tunnel opened on July 4, 1930, it held the distinction of being the longest mountain tunnel in the United States.
Today, the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel is not only a vital roadway but also a popular attraction within Zion National Park. As you drive through the tunnel, you’ll notice large windows carved into the sandstone walls. These windows serve two purposes: they provide natural light and ventilation, and they also offer drivers breathtaking views of the magnificent scenery outside the tunnel.