Zion: Mount Carmel Highway Closed to Traffic After a Rockfall

If you're planning a trip to Zion, put this on your radar right now. The Zion Mount Carmel Highway is currently closed to traffic in both directions. The cause is a rockfall on the roadway. There's no reopening date at this point, so the closure stays in effect until further notice.

The closed stretch runs from the park's East Entrance to Canyon Junction. It's a key route, since it connects the east side of Zion to the heart of the canyon. Right now, you can't cross the park east to west on this road. Travelers who were coming in through the East Entrance will need to rethink their approach and plan on entering from another side.

This closure has real, on-the-ground consequences for your trip. The famous Zion Mount Carmel Tunnel and the views that go with it sit on this section. If your plan was to enter from the east and head straight for Springdale and Zion Canyon, you'll need to recalculate your route and budget extra driving time.

Here's our advice. Before you go, check that the road has reopened and keep a plan B for reaching the South Entrance, the busiest one. Build some slack into your day, too, since a detour can add up the miles fast. In peak season, it's best to arrive early to beat the crowds at the entrances.

To plan your visit around this setback, lean on our Zion National Park guide, where we break down the entrances, the shuttles, and the highlights you won't want to miss. And if you're putting together a bigger trip across the American West, take a look at our road trip itinerary that runs through the park to slot Zion into the right spot on your route.

One thing is certain. A closed road doesn't ruin a visit to Zion. It just means adjusting your plan and showing up well informed.