We are traveling from Orange County north on hwy 15 with the goal of getting to hwy 12. We will be traveling in an older motorhome and trying to decide which route to take, preferably one with the least amount of hill climb or grade. We are debating between hwy 9 through Zion, hwy 14 out of Cedar City, or Hwy 20. What do you think?

The route through Zion has the least extreme climbs and descents of the three you mentioned. The drawback is the extra charge for going through the tunnel in the park. It's not wide enough for two way traffic with a motorhome involved so they stop traffic for you and you go down the middle of the road in the tunnel. They do charge for that and you should check the National Park web site for the current cost and how to make the arrangements.

Of the other two you mentioned, Hwy 20 is slightly better for motorhomes than Hwy 14 over Cedar Mountain. In both cases, howwever, there are some fairly steep climbs and descents. Nothing a motorhome can't handle (thousands use both routes every year).

There is also one six-mile descent called the Tropic grade just east of Bryce Canyon on Hwy 12 that catches some folks by surprise. Again, nothing a motorhome can't handle; however, if you are not experienced in mountain driving, you need to do a couple of things. First, have your entire motor home generally and your brakes specifically inspected before you leave. Second, have someone who is experienced give you a short tutorial on using the vehicle transmission to retard your speed on downgrades.

All three of these routes are wonderful and you are probably worrying a bit more than necessary. Have a great trip.

Thanks for the info. I really didn't want to go up the switchback just before the tunnel but it might be the better way to go. I was also trying to save driving time by taking hwy 20 to hwy 12. Would it be worth it?

The shortest driving time, barring accidents or road construction, will be first, Zion Canyon; second, Hwy 14 across Cedar Mountain; third, Hwy 20. To use Hwy 20, you will be going out of your way about 20 miles north on I-15 then backtracking about 18 miles on US-89 after you cross the mountain on Hwy 20.

gammagirl,

How old is your motorhome? We have an 1985 Winnebago and have done all the routes without any problems.

Also if you plan on doing all of Hwy 12 to Torrey you will be going over the Boulder Mountains.

Utahtea

Utahtea

We have a 1990 Winnebago. I don't worry about not making it, I wanted to find the best route to cause the least strain on a motorhome that's starting to get tired. Zion route it is!

One more question--We are staying @ 2 National parks and 2 State parks (1 night @ each). Is there a pass to buy for both types of parks or would it be better to buy a 1 day entrance fee @ each?

I don't know that much about the State Park Pass but the National Park Pass is $50 & is good for 1 full year from the month of purchase.

http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm

Zion entrance fee is $20. If you plan on going to Bryce which is on Hwy 12 is also $20. If you also hit Capitol Reef for $5.

Then you have the rest of the year to find other National Parks, National Monuments, National Historical, National Recreational areas to use it in.

If you are JUST going to Zion, then just pay for the $20 for the 7 day pass.

Utahtea