Zion National Park Large Vehicle Info

Zion National Park has strict large and oversize vehicle regulations that include escort requests to travel through the park. In fact, these regulations apply not only to heavy trucks, but to many other tourist vehicles, too. It is important to understand these rules before attemping a visit. There are also designated parking spots that have to be adhered to.

Whether driving into Zion National Park with a tour bus, large truck or oversized RV, the park has been forced to set strict rules as to where, when and how these large and oversized vehicles can go, park and get through the park's tunnel. Larger vehicles require an escort to use the tunnel.

Tour coaches have specific parking spots close to the theater at the southern entrance, and are forbidden to park anywhere between the tunnel and the Checkerboard Mesa. Passengers have to disembark and use the park's shuttle service the rest of the way, unless prior permission has been granted due to lodge stays, meal reservations and/or large numbers of disabled passengers. Coaches are also expected to travel at no faster than 20 miles per hour, not go beyond the lodge and never pass shuttled buses on the road.

Since traffic increased in the 1980's, larger vehicles have been involved in accidents and close calls on too many occasions. So, park authorities had to ensure safety was being adhered to. It is now mandatory for all large or oversized vehicles to have permission to use the park road, as well as being specially escorted through by professional and park assigned drivers. These vehicles include, tour buses, trailers and motor homes. All escort arrangements are made at the park entrance, and fees start at $15/ vehicle, which apply to any vehicle that is over seven feet and ten inches wide and/or eleven feet and four inches high. Annual passes are another option. However, vehicles that exceed thirteen feet and one inch in height, carry hazardous things, and/or weigh in excess of fifty thousand pounds, are prohibited. This also includes any single ones exceeding forty feet in height, or combined ones exceeding fifty feet in length.