Safe route from Grand Canyon to Zion?

[badkat]

We are going to the Grand Canyon next week and after headed to Zion Natl Park. Is there a safe route to take pulling a 28'?

[SteveH]

My only suggestion is to not come into the Zion from the East on Hwy 9 as there is a tunnel on that road that might unnerve you. You can make it thru, but I'd avoid it towing a trailer, and come in from the West thru the little town of Rockville if you are towing the trailer into the park.

[wkerfoot]

Badkat,

Are you coming from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon or the South Rim?

Bill

Originally Posted by badkat

We are going to the Grand Canyon next week and after headed to Zion Natl Park. Is there a safe route to take pulling a 28'?

[vinstream]

The tunnel that SteveH is mentioning is the one of the coolest roads built outside of highway to the sun in all of the National Park System! They shut two way traffic down to a single lane for over sized trucks and trailers. It seams tight but they have been sending Airstreams trough the tunnel for years with no mishaps! From there you can take 89 to the north rim (closed in winters) or head north to Brice Canyon National Park... Both amazing and the reason why you are pulling your 5 av on wheels...

[wkerfoot]

My mistake, if you are going next week, you have to be going to the South Rim, the North Rim is still closed.

Highway 64 from the east end of the park to 89 north to 89A west to 89 north if you want to take the tunnel, like Vinstream says you may regret not taking the tunnel, or 389/59 to 9 and then into Zion from the east.

Check road conditions and road closures on that route.

The only other way is west to Las Vegas NV and then to Zion.

Bill

[badkat]

Yes, it is a visit of the South Rim. Thanks for the info!

[badkat]

Think we have decided to go interstate to Lake Mead and boondock at a couple great spots then on to Zion.

[Len n Jeanne]

The tunnel between Mount Carmel Junction and the floor of Zion Canyon is way cool, but there are some restrictions and fees. The Zion National Park website has the details.

[spenfolder]

Pulled my 16' through the tunnel last fall. They charge $15 and stop traffic from the opposite direction, so you drive right down the middle. Very easy and very cool.

Stan
Salt Lake City

Sent from my SCH-I915 using Airstream Forums mobile app

[Phoenix]

FYI, my notes from a Zion roadtrip last fall (2013):

Tunnel Fee $15, good for two ways (one-way and return) within a 7-day period. Plenty of clearance when you straddle the center line (2005, 19-foot Bambi).

WATCHMAN CAMPGROUND is reservations only, and it was full. They do not accept same day reservations, but you can make them 6 months in advance. Some sites have electric only, others do not have any hookups. No generators allowed.

SOUTH CAMPGROUND is adjacent to Watchman, and it is first-come-first-served (no reservations). However, none of the sites have electric (or any hookups), and it closed on 11/04/13. Generator hours are 8-10 AM and 6-8 PM. Both campgrounds have dump stations. Only 2 TV stations, CBS & PBS. Mobile broadband is only 3G, but 4 bars. Good cell service.

Note: Tent caterpillars fall from trees from spring to early summer. Summer has big ant infestations. Best time to visit is in the fall and early spring.

[Zeppelinium]

Originally Posted by vinstream

The tunnel that SteveH is mentioning is the one of the coolest roads built outside of highway to the sun in all of the National Park System! They shut two way traffic down to a single lane for over sized trucks and trailers. ..

Are they always shutting the tunnel for one-way traffic for all Airstreams? My last experience was that I could go through normally (no fee) if I didn't have an awning, but when I came back with an awning installed, the width of the Airstream was 2" inches over the limit. I was amazed that the ranger knew the difference.

Zep

[spenfolder]

Originally Posted by Zeppelinium

Are they always shutting the tunnel for one-way traffic for all Airstreams? My last experience was that I could go through normally (no fee) if I didn't have an awning, but when I came back with an awning installed, the width of the Airstream was 2" inches over the limit. I was amazed that the ranger knew the difference.

Zep

My 16 footer is 8' wide, so $15. I don't know about the narrower sport versions. Anyone know what the width cutoff is?

Stan
Salt Lake City

Sent from my SCH-I915 using Airstream Forums mobile app

[tulip09]

Our silver dream is 23 feet long pulled by a Ford F1 50, no problem at all getting through the tunnel yesterday.

[Markj55]

Originally Posted by badkat

Think we have decided to go interstate to Lake Mead and boondock at a couple great spots then on to Zion.

I was just in Zion 4 weeks ago and it's $15 no matter how wide your trailer and it is very safe. The only thing that makes it unsafe is keeping your eye on the road instead of the scenery... So you pull over and enjoy.Attachment 210475Attachment 210476
My personal opinion is that the route through Cameron and Page is much more scenic, laid back, and interesting. If you didn't check out dessert view tower on the eastern side of the south rim, you need to. Further along you can tour Glen Canyon Dam, camp on Lake Powell at Lone Rock just beyond PageAttachment 210477Attachment 210478
Onward to Kanab an area where many John Wayne's were filmed. Then you can continue on to Mt. Carmel Jct. And the east entrance and tunnel to Zion ( the least visited area of Zion and maybe the most scenic rock formations you'll ever see... Or you can go around through Hillsdale, Hurricane, Springdale and into Zion. The back roads are the way to go. I hope I changed your mind.

[ghaynes755]

MJ your photos didn't work.

[Markj55]

Originally Posted by ghaynes755

MJ your photos didn't work.

Thanks, I'll repost them.

[Markj55]

Originally Posted by ghaynes755

MJ your photos didn't work.

Thanks, I'll repost them.

[badkat]

We have a 28' AS and extended bed P/U. Is that within restrictions for this route? About 50'

[Markj55]

I would have thought you would have long since finished this trip. I listed reasons for going the route through Page. I googled for you and the answer is 40' for a single vehicle and 50' for a tv and trailer - good for round trip within 7 days..... Enjoy

[badkat]

Still enjoying the canyon :-)