Drive the Guardsman Pass Scenic Byway
ScenicEasySummerYear-round
Navigate the winding mountain road connecting Midway to Big Cottonwood Canyon for Utah's most spectacular fall foliage display.
Itinerary tips
- 1Plan for a two-hour round trip to allow for frequent photo stops at the numerous overlooks along the ridge.
- 2Ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas, as there are no service stations between Midway and the Big Cottonwood Canyon base.
- 3Pack a light jacket even in summer, as temperatures at the 9,700-foot summit are significantly cooler than in the valley.
- 4Arrive before 9:00 AM on autumn weekends to secure a spot at the popular Bloods Lake trailhead parking area.
- 5Download offline maps or bring a paper guide because cellular service is non-existent for large stretches of the mountain pass.
- 6Combine the drive with a visit to the Homestead Crater in Midway for a post-drive soak in the geothermal waters.
More in Heber Valley & Midway
Stroll the Boardwalks of Cascade Springs
Walk the easy wooden pathways around crystal-clear terrace springs where water flows at a rate of 7 million gallons a day through lush vegetation.
ScenicClimb the Memorial Hill Lookout
Walk or drive up this circular hill dedicated to veterans to gain a 360-degree vantage point of the entire Heber Valley and Wasatch Mountain Range.
ScenicTake a Hot Air Balloon Ride over Heber
Ascend at sunrise to see the patchwork valley floor and the towering peaks of the Uinta Mountains from a silent, drifting perspective.
ScenicVisit the Midway Memorial Hill
Take a short walk up this historic hill for a 360-degree view of the valley’s patchwork of farms and fall colors.
Scenic