scenic drives for leaf peepers around park city
Guardsman Pass
Park City, Utah, is known for its stunning natural beauty and scenic drives, especially during the fall when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Here are some scenic foliage drives you can enjoy in and around Park City:
Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway: Guardsman Pass is a popular route for viewing fall foliage. This scenic byway offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and the aspen trees that line the road turn a brilliant golden hue in the fall.
Mirror Lake Highway (Utah State Route 150): Located northeast of Park City, Mirror Lake Highway takes you through the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The drive offers picturesque vistas of lakes, forests, and colorful foliage. It's a fantastic place to see the fall colors.
Alpine Loop Scenic Byway: This drive takes you through the scenic Wasatch Mountains, offering breathtaking views of aspen and pine forests. It's especially beautiful during the fall when the leaves change. The Alpine Loop is accessed from Provo Canyon, which is about an hour's drive from Park City.
Weber Canyon: Head east from Park City on Interstate 80 and drive through Weber Canyon. This route follows the Weber River and is surrounded by trees that change color in the fall. It's a more relaxed drive with plenty of opportunities for scenic stops.
Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon: These canyons are a bit farther from Park City, but they offer spectacular foliage displays in the fall. You can take either Big Cottonwood Canyon (Utah State Route 190) or Little Cottonwood Canyon (Utah State Route 210) for a scenic drive through rugged terrain with colorful aspen groves.
Provo Canyon: Provo Canyon, located south of Park City, is another beautiful destination for fall foliage. The Provo River runs alongside the road, and you'll be treated to stunning views of the changing leaves.
Remember to check local weather and road conditions before embarking on your scenic drive, as some of these routes may be affected by seasonal closures or adverse weather conditions. Additionally, the timing of the fall foliage varies from year to year, so it's a good idea to inquire locally about the best time to visit for peak colors. Enjoy your autumn adventure in Park City!
