What tour operators might see as a roadblock, the team at Southwest Adventure Tours views as an open lane for groups touring Utah’s popular national parks.
When the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel was completed in 1930, it provided a connection between Zion National Park’s east and west sides. But in recent years, the tunnel was the scene of more and more collisions and traffic tie-ups caused by large vehicles. Last year, the U.S. National Park Service announced that, beginning in mid-2026, Zion National Park would reroute oversized vehicles, including most full-size tour buses, around the famous tunnel.
With that announcement, tour operators who take groups into Zion and other national parks in Utah were looking at a drive around the tunnel that would take away from their guests’ sightseeing time—along with the tunnel experience. Then Southwest Adventure Tours stepped up with an idea.
“We created a work-around,” says Shawn Horman, director of large group sales for Southwest. “We can use our fleet of Mercedes Sprinter vans to meet your motorcoach on either the east or west side of the park, take your guests through the historic tunnel, make a few photo stops along the way, and then meet back up with your motorcoach on the other side.”
In anticipation of the tunnel restrictions, tour operators can work with Shawn now to choose among several Southwest shuttle plans that give their guests a full Zion experience.
“It’ll be pretty seamless—and enjoyable—for your guests,” Shawn says. “Each shuttle is driven by a professional guide who adds comments and insights along the way, and our park-approved Sprinter vans are a smooth, efficient way to keep your group inside the park and on schedule.”
To learn more about Southwest Adventure Tours’ Zion shuttle service—itinerary, costs, and scheduling options—contact Shawn at shawn@southwestadventuretours.com or call 800.970.5864.
Photos submitted by Southwest Adventures
