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.
Itinerary tips
- 1Budget at least two to three hours for the round trip from Salt Lake City to allow for frequent photography stops at scenic pullouts.
- 2Ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas and reliable brakes, as the descent into either Park City or Midway is steep and winding.
- 3Pack a light jacket or windbreaker even in summer, as temperatures at the 9,700-foot summit are significantly cooler than in the valley.
- 4Download offline maps before entering Big Cottonwood Canyon, as cellular service becomes unreliable once you pass the initial canyon mouth.
- 5Arrive at the Bloods Lake trailhead early if you plan to hike, as the small paved parking lot often reaches capacity by 9:00 AM.
- 6Continue the drive over the ridge toward Midway for a unique perspective of the Heber Valley and the backside of Mount Timpanogos.
More in Salt Lake City
Ride 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
Just south of the city, this route passes through American Fork Canyon and past Sundance Resort for the state’s best fall foliage.
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