Drive the Guardsman Pass Scenic Byway

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.