We almost skipped it but so glad we didn't, we drove in from the East, the scenery just got more and more spectacular. Then we saw the sign, anyone over 11” 4’ must stop for an escort through the tunnel to enter the park. We are 12”. Fair enough, it is a really narrow tunnel carved through the cliff into the park, anyone in a tall vehicle needs to have the traffic stopped and an escort to drive right in the middle of the tunnel to avoid hitting the sides. When we arrived at the entrance the ranger told us just to pull in our mirrors and we would be fine. Yikes – the sign definitely said 11” 4’ clearance as we drove in. It was very tight, with holes cut in the wall – to push the rubble out when they were boring the hole - which now produce stunning vistas as you drive through. After the tunnel the road just dropped with lots of switchbacks and towering red cliffs all around.
We took the shuttle bus and did a couple of hikes to the Emerald Pools and the Narrows – stunning! A very nice lady approached us in the car park and asked if we would like a camping spot as her husband had left early – result – usually you have to reserve six months in advance. Isla discovered her new favourite food, then we swam in the river and went to sleep surrounded by the red rock – lovely.
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