Zion's East Side: The Tunnel, Slickrock, and Fewer Crowds
The quieter side of Zion, reached through the historic Mt. Carmel Tunnel — slickrock domes, Checkerboard Mesa, and drive-up hikes with no shuttle.
Zion's East Side: The Tunnel, Slickrock, and Fewer Crowds
Most visitors funnel into Zion Canyon, but the park's east side — reached through the historic Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel — is a different, quieter world of slickrock domes, checkerboard cliffs, and pull-off hikes you can drive to.
Highlights
- The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway: a spectacular scenic drive with switchbacks and the mile-long 1930 tunnel
- Canyon Overlook Trail: a short hike to a big canyon view (just east of the tunnel)
- Checkerboard Mesa: the famous cross-hatched sandstone dome near the east entrance
- Open slickrock: informal scrambles and photo stops with far fewer people
Know before you go
- No shuttle needed here — you explore by car
- Oversized vehicles (large RVs/trailers) need a tunnel permit, and as of 2026 may be rerouted — check current rules
- Parking at popular pull-offs is limited; go early
Tips: enter or exit Zion via the east side to loop past Mt. Carmel toward Bryce or Kanab. It's the scenic, low-stress side of the park.