Zion-Mount Carmel Highway (UT-9)

The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, also known as Highway 9, is an 11-mile scenic route through Zion National Park's eastern entrance. The climb happens fast, through a series of tight switchbacks carved into the cliff face—specifically six switchbacks climbing rapidly over the course of just 11 miles. The highway gains about 850 feet of elevation from the canyon floor to the high plateau on the east side. Workers blasted a 1. 1-mile tunnel through the Navajo Sandstone, making it one of the longest tunnels in the United States when it opened. After emerging from the tunnel, the road opens into a series of flowing curves and red rock formations as it winds through high desert and slickrock terrain. The combination of tight switchbacks, the dramatic tunnel, and sweeping desert curves makes this a memorable and technical ride.