One of Utah's most stunning drives, State Route 9 through Zion National Park, is already a state scenic byway. But some people want to elevate the 44-mile route to a National Scenic Byway, which would not only protect it but also possibly garner federal funding. The highway, from I-15 at Hurricane in Washington County to Mount Carmel Junction in Kane County, passes through Zion National Park, including its tunnel, and the communities of Hurricane, La Verkin, Virgin, Rockville and Springdale. The road is bordered by wide vistas of southern Utah's characteristic redrock formations.
The proposal is being floated by the Zion Canyon Coordinating Council, which was created two years ago to promote the highway traveled by more than 2 million visitors a year to the park. The council has begun work on a corridor management plan that will identify, promote and protect resources along the road. A series of workshops this month will solicit public input. The designation would protect the drive and garner federal funding. The Salt Lake Tribune
