Drive the Alpine Loop
Just south of the city, this route passes through American Fork Canyon and past Sundance Resort for the state’s best fall foliage.
Itinerary tips
- 1Allocate at least 2 to 3 hours to complete the loop, as the road is narrow and requires slow speeds.
- 2Purchase a $6 American Fork Canyon pass at the entrance station or use an America the Beautiful federal lands pass.
- 3Download offline maps before heading out, as cellular service is non-existent in the deep canyons.
- 4Plan a stop at Sundance Mountain Resort for a lift ride or a quick meal at the Owl Bar.
- 5Avoid using vehicles longer than 30 feet due to several extremely tight switchbacks on the descent toward Provo Canyon.
- 6Pack a light jacket even in summer, as temperatures at the 8,000-foot summit are significantly cooler than in the valley.
More in Salt Lake City
Drive the Guardsman Pass Scenic Byway
Witness the spectacular transformation of Big Cottonwood Canyon as the quaking aspens turn vibrant gold and orange in late September.
ScenicRide the Snowbird Aerial Tram
Ascend to the 11,000-foot Hidden Peak for 360-degree views of the Wasatch Range without the strenuous climb.
ScenicSearch for Bison on Antelope Island
Drive across the causeway to the Great Salt Lake’s largest island to see free-roaming bison, pronghorn, and dramatic desert landscapes.
ScenicDrive the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway
The Alpine Loop Scenic Byway (State Route 92) climbs between American Fork Canyon and Provo Canyon past Mount Timpanogos, Sundance and Timpanogos Cave National Monument. It is a slow, winding drive rather than a fast one, a recreation fee applies in American Fork Canyon, and the upper section closes through the winter months.
scenic