Continued on next page« Previous Next »
10. Zion-Mount Carmel Scenic Drive
Another very popular activity here in Zion National Park is the Zion-Mount Carmel scenic drive. It runs in an east-west direction, passes through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel and ends at the park entrance. The tunnel itself is one mile in length and somewhat narrow depending on the size of your vehicle.
In fact, you should know that if you drive a big RV, you will have to get a special permit and an official escort in order to drive through the tunnel. The tunnel is occasionally closed for maintenance so do your homework when you plan your trip. Those who have been, suggest that if you are planning on also visiting Bryce Canyon National Park this is an even better road to take.
The scenery on the park’s eastern side is noticeably different than the opposite side because the elevation is higher. Here there are more bighorn sheep and pine trees. Additionally, the rocks and cliff faces are more of an orange color than yellow.
The views in the Zion Canyon as you drive towards the tunnel are also exceptional. It’s reportedly the best place to take in the rugged red mountains and verdant green valley. Finally, be sure to stop off at the Canyon Overlook, too. It’s a must-see!
11. Visit Zion Lodge
When you decide it’s time for a break, have lunch and a cold brew at the Zion Lodge located in the heart of the park. Here you’ll find a great, grassy area with a huge tree in the very center. Enjoy your picnic food while you study the canyon walls.
If the weather turns bad or you simply prefer to eat indoors you can do that too. There’s a cafeteria and a welcoming restaurant complete with an outside deck that overlooks the entire canyon. The outside bar even serves up an interesting IPA from Springdale. If you’ve recharged your batteries, this spot is also where both the Upper and Lower Emerald Trails begin.
Continued on next page« Previous Next »
Related Posts
The Righteous Brothers: The Bitter Rivalry Behind Soul’s Greatest Sound
They were never blood relatives, and if you believe the whispers from the smoke-filled recording booths of the early 1960s, they barely even liked each other. The…
The Dark Reality Behind The Mamas and the Papas 1967 Hit
In the summer of 1967, the world was humming along to the bright, sun-drenched harmonies of The Mamas and the Papas. Their sound was the golden standard…
The Heartbreaking Silence Behind The Righteous Brothers Legendary Harmony
In the golden age of the mid-sixties, when the airwaves were dominated by the British Invasion and the crackle of AM radio, two voices rose above the…
The Righteous Brothers and the Unchained Melody Resurrection
It is the haunting opening sequence that defined a generation. A potter’s wheel spins, hands entwine, and the ethereal, soaring notes of a forgotten masterpiece fill the…
The Hidden Scandal Behind Rick James and His 1981 Masterpiece
In the gilded, cocaine-dusted hallways of the early 1980s music industry, few figures burned as brightly or as recklessly as Rick James. By 1981, the funk superstar…
The Dark Secret Behind The Kinks Waterloo Sunset Revealed
When the soft, shimmering melody of Waterloo Sunset first graced the airwaves in 1967, the world heard a melancholic love letter to London. Millions of fans, mesmerized…