Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel
Nps.gov: The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and Tunnel provides direct access for travel between Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, and Zion National Parks.
On November 19, 1919, President Wilson signed the bill into law establishing Zion National Park as Utah's first national park.
Over a three-year period, this improbable route presented unique logistical, engineering, and design challenges. Extensive effort and planning were required to incorporate natural materials and colors into a highly engineered, sophisticated, yet rustic construction to ensure that the road blended into the surrounding landscape. The galleries, or windows, within the 1.1-mile tunnel were placed to provide views of Zion Canyon's spectacular beauty. Numerous rustic masonry and wooden bridges, long lengths of expertly constructed rock walls with massive stones, beautiful arched-masonry culverts, and other features are visible along the road.
Two years and ten months after the project began, the work was completed, and on July 3, 1930, the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and Tunnel was officially dedicated and opened to the public. Visitors traveled along the new scenic route in the comfort of an automobile and enjoyed views of the high desert landscape along the way. The once imagined "Grand Circle Tour" of Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Canyon National Parks was now a reality.
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Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel
Nps.gov: The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and Tunnel provides direct access for travel between Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, and Zion National Parks.
On November 19, 1919, President Wilson signed the bill into law establishing Zion National Park as Utah's first national park.
Over a three-year period, this improbable route presented unique logistical, engineering, and design challenges. Extensive effort and planning were required to incorporate natural materials and colors into a highly engineered, sophisticated, yet rustic construction to ensure that the road blended into the surrounding landscape. The galleries, or windows, within the 1.1-mile tunnel were placed to provide views of Zion Canyon's spectacular beauty. Numerous rustic masonry and wooden bridges, long lengths of expertly constructed rock walls with massive stones, beautiful arched-masonry culverts, and other features are visible along the road.
Two years and ten months after the project began, the work was completed, and on July 3, 1930, the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and Tunnel was officially dedicated and opened to the public. Visitors traveled along the new scenic route in the comfort of an automobile and enjoyed views of the high desert landscape along the way. The once imagined "Grand Circle Tour" of Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Canyon National Parks was now a reality.
2815a