37 12' 47 N
112 57' 35 W

Mt. Carmel Highway was constructed in the 1930's and was considered to be one of the greatest engineering feats of the time. It is built across rough terrain which quickly changes elevation. There are two narrow tunnels, one which extends 1.1 miles through the cliffs. In order to be completed the tunnel had to be drilled through 260 feet of Navajo Sandstone. It was the first million dollar highway construction plan in U.S. history. The road connects lower Zion Canyon with the high eastern plateaus.

The landscape changes remarkably as you travel from one side of the long tunnel to the other. On one side of the tunnel lie the massive cliffs of Zion Canyon while the other side opens up to a view of the Great Arch of Zion. This arch is considered a ÒblindÓ arch, and as seen below, is carved high in a vertical cliff wall.

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Zion | Red Canyon | Bryce Canyon | Highway 12 Scenic Byway |

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