Hi Everyone,
I wanted to see if you think the Zion Mt. Carmel Highway in Zion National Park is dangerous. I'm not concerned with the tunnel portion, but I am concerned with the switchbacks or any other section of high elevation. How is it compared to the Road to Hana in Hawaii? That was too scary for me to drive/be a passenger.

No, it is not dangerous. There is a short switchback portion in the park leading to/from the tunnel that is the only part of the entire road which would give anybody any pause and even that portion is nothing to worry about. They spent all summer a year ago rebuilding that section making it even safer. Millions travel it every year without more than an awe struck look at the scenery. If for some reason you are too nervous about it do what I have been known to do and just close my eyes for that five minutes ---(of course that is when I am a passenger ).

I thought the road to Hana was very narrow, and those big trucks were going so fast around those curves that it was alittle hairy. You'll be going much slower on the switchbacks and will be able to see what is coming at you. No comparison really

I agree with InSandy. I can get freaked out by Rt 12 or others but not that one.

Pretty tame.

Also, a good place to stop for the Canyon Overlook hike.

Thanks for your replies. I think we might do it then!

Pretty mild. Nothing to worry about at all, IMOP.

Though I've never been to the road in Hawaii that you described getting freaked out on, I have traveled with acrophobic folk on the Mt Carmel Highway and they didn't have a problem. Here's a video re: Zion and some footage from one of the scarier bits of that road (forward to the :55 mark) ->: http://youtu.be/jSlWi4DCKgc

Thank you all again. The video is awesome, what a beautiful road!