The Tunnel, the Adventure, and the Creek We Had All to Ourselves
Some roads take you somewhere.
Others become part of the story.
Our journey through Zion National Park in our M1087 military truck was definitely the second kind.
The Tunnel Experience
One highlight was driving through the famous Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. Because our M1087 is larger than most vehicles, park rangers temporarily stopped traffic in both directions so we could drive straight down the center of the tunnel.
For a few unforgettable minutes, the entire tunnel belonged to us.
Built in 1930, the tunnel stretches 1.1 miles through solid Navajo sandstone. When it opened, it was the longest road tunnel of its kind in the United States. Workers carved it through the mountain using innovative techniques and even built sections from openings in the cliff face.
Today, oversized vehicles still require special permits and traffic escorts, making every trip through the tunnel feel like a special event.
And honestly? Driving a military truck through the heart of a mountain is something we'll never forget.
Zion During COVID
We were fortunate to experience Zion during a very unusual time.
During the COVID shutdowns, visitor numbers were incredibly low. The park felt peaceful and almost surreal. While hiking restrictions were in place, we could still drive through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country with hardly anyone around.
It felt like we had stepped into a private showing of one of America's greatest national parks.
That trip also reminded us how special the overlanding and van-life community can be.
A fellow traveler we had become friends with hadn't had access to a shower in weeks after many public facilities closed.
We told him, "We're heading into town. Make yourself at home. Take a shower and relax."
The next morning, he joined us for breakfast and brought coffee made from his own secret recipe.
To this day, I call it the "Matte Latte."
It was one of those simple moments that reminds you how quickly strangers can become friends on the road.
The Scenic Drive
The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is much more than a road.
Over ten miles, the route climbs more than 800 feet through switchbacks, tunnels, towering cliffs, and dramatic rock formations. Six massive windows cut into the tunnel walls provide light, ventilation, and incredible views.
The drive also saves roughly 70 miles when traveling between Zion and Bryce Canyon.
It's part engineering marvel, part scenic byway, and 100% unforgettable.
Angels Landing: Luck, Courage, and a Little Common Sense
One experience stood above all the others.
We entered the lottery for permits to hike Angels Landing, one of the world's most famous and challenging hikes.
And somehow...
We won.
The trail is legendary for its steep drop-offs, narrow ridges, and breathtaking views. It's also known for being one of the most dangerous hikes in the United States.
When the day arrived, Zack set his sights on reaching the summit.
I made it to the final landing area and decided that was exactly where I wanted to be.
The sunshine was warm, the views were spectacular, and I found myself talking with visitors from all over the world.
A couple sitting nearby had traveled to Utah for the Ironman competition. They commented on how difficult the hike had been and were impressed that Zack continued all the way to the top.
While Zack conquered Angels Landing, I enjoyed something equally valuable:
The chance to slow down, soak in the scenery, and appreciate where we were.
Our Secret Spot
One of the best parts of the trip wasn't inside the park at all.
It was where we camped.
We found a beautiful boondocking location across a shallow creek that discouraged most vehicles from crossing.
Most vehicles.
Not our M1087.
The truck carried us right through, giving us what felt like a private backyard. A cool creek flowed beside our campsite, creating the perfect place to sit, relax, and escape the desert heat.
While others searched for campsites, we had our own little corner of Zion.
Two Weeks We'll Never Forget
We spent nearly two weeks exploring Zion National Park.
Every day brought a different trail, a different view, and another reason to be amazed by the landscape around us.
From driving through a historic tunnel with traffic stopped in both directions, to sharing coffee with fellow travelers, to hiking Angels Landing and discovering hidden camping spots, Zion delivered adventure at every turn.
Some places are beautiful.
Some places are memorable.
Zion is both.
And experiencing it from the driver's seat of an M1087 military truck made the adventure even better.
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