We had to drive through the tunnel while we were in the area and even though we were only driving through and then turning back to come back to the park we enjoyed the views and the changes in the landscape after you come through the other side. We had to stop and wait for motorhomes to come through but there really wasn't too much traffic cause we were even able to stop in the tunnel and take a few pictures! Its amazing they were able to make this tunnel through the rock and for such a long distance you really should drive through to appreciate the size.
We'd visited Zion several times and whether entering or exiting the park via the tunnel it's always impressive.Views from the road as you're nearer the bottom of the main canyon are amazing, definitely different views than you get during various hikes in the canyon.The tunnel itself is different for sure but it's only a means to an ends to get in/out of the canyon or to other hikes.
I was surprised to see that there are a handful of reviewers who really hate this tunnel! Not me; I found it a unique and amazing experience to drive through this mile-plus stretch cut through the solid rock of the mountain. Some folks think it should have lights or even be widened, but I think it’s an historical feature of the park and reflects the times in which it was constructed. It’s not a straight span of road either - it’s got a bend to it. And the five “windows” of various sizes add to the experience. Another thing that struck me is how different the topography and scenery is on either side of the tunnel. I would recommend everyone who visits the valley drive through the tunnel to at least see the east side of the park, as it’s very different in character from the main valley.
But since they've pointed it out it as one, our experience is funny is because there happened to be no cars behind us, and when we look back, seems really spooky.
The tunnel is very dark, and there is no two-way traffic. A certain amount of cars are let in each way at different times.
Although the engineering intrigued hubby, the tunnel itself was dark and really nothing to see. Drive had lots of switchbacks with pretty vistas but not very many places to pull off
We witnessed a traffic stop in the westerly direction caused by what appeared to be a smallish sized camper (but with mirrors that jutted out) coming east. This could be an inconvenience to put it mildly if this happens frequently! If you're not in a hurry .... you just have more time to oggle the surrounding rock formations!
We didn't have any prior knowledge of how beautiful the Mt. Carmel Highway connecting Zion and Bryce is before we embarked on our journey. But in the midst of our "Oohs" and "Aahs" and "Wows!" this came as an "Oh My God!!". It was in mid January so we didn't expect any delays other than that caused by the slow driving traffic through the tunnel. It is inhuman to expect people to not go at a creeping pace while they are experiencing something this fantastic as there are not stops or pullouts allowed inside the tunnel and on the sides of the windows carved on the wall. But the traffic was regulated on both ends and we could understand that this has the potential to get a bit annoying during the busy season. But in all fairness its probably worth the wait.
I can see this being a major nuisance when busy waiting for larger RV's or motor homes as the tunnel is long and narrow. A couple of look outs are scattered through to give brief views (no stopping) that break up the darkness a bit. An engineering marvel for sure, and thankfully not busy in winter.
If there are RVs about, be prepared to wait 5-10 minutes to be let through. Not a real problem though because the scenery is so nice. Tempting, but no stopping at the windows.