The Zion Tunnel: From Slickrock to Switchback

by Donald T. Garate

The intent of this small volume is to pay tribute to all those who, with insight and perseverance, contributed their individual skills to overcome the seemingly insurmountable obstacle of bringing Zion within the reach of all of us. In so doing, they not only brought many of Zion's wonders within our grasp, but created another wonder in itself at which we can the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and Tunnel.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

52 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Patty Heasley]

Purchased at Zion, but didn't read until I got home. Sure wish I would have read it before experiencing the Tunnel and Highway :)

[Jennifer]

A very interesting book about the building of the Zion-Mt Carmel Highway and the Tunnel located in Zion's Park. This book is full of historic photos, and drawings. The highway & tunnel are an amazing feat. They were constructed in the 1920's, and even with modern machinery and today's technology, building this would have been highly difficult. The story of the construction of this highway and tunnel, are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2011, it was designated as a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

[Brittany Parker]

Purchased and read while at Zion with family. Great little book on the tunnel construction. Really appreciate the effort that went in to locating the photos and researching the finer details. Certainly an engineering marvel for the times and our visit was made even more meaningful after reading about its conception, challenges, and completion. Definitely a must read for anyone visiting the park.

[Zack]

Amazing photos. Good info, just wish there was more of it.

A quick and dirty history of the construction of the Zion Tunnel, the Switchbacks, and road on the East Side of Zion, and a passing mention of the road from Mt Carmel to the East Gate.