guardsman pass scenic backway

Any summer or fall visit to Park City isn't complete without a drive up and over Guardsman Pass, offering breathtaking views of the vast Wasatch Range. In recent years the roadway has been improved dramatically.

It's a wonderful trip over the mountains. The views are fantastic. Part of it has been paved and condos and a hotel build. But that has not distracted from its beauty. This trip is not suggested for the winter months.

Love the short-cut to Brighton/Solitude - especially during fall. Difficult to find parking on the narrow platform at top of Guardman's pass - the road is good only during clear roads (closed in winter) and not for the "faint-of-heart" person. Spectacular views once you pass it coming from PC and access to terrific hiking in Brighton within a short 30 min drive from PC.Drive carefully....

While it's only open over the later summer, this is an excellent ride, over the mountains into Park City/Deer Valley, or Heber. Atop Big Cottonwood Canyon, this old road is nearly all paved now, and a fun alternative to I-80. It offers excellent views of the Uinta mountain range, as well as the Heber Valley. No charge for this drive either. If you're from out of town, this is a beautiful way to see some of our mountains & high country. Also a nice viewing area for the Tour of Utah bike race each summer!

I love this spot. Guardsman's Pass has excellent views in all directions, and at the very top, you're only a few hundred feet from the top of Jupiter Lift at Park City Mountain Resort. There are many excellent trails from here. Stop by in the summer or fall.

Believe it or not, you can park your car and just down the dirt road, you'll not an arbor for weddings. Be here for magical sunsets in summer.

Brilliant views, peace and quit. Bird and animal varieties spectacular. I explored very early and late afternoon, never disappointed.

The "Guard Road" as us Park City locals call it is a great connection between Park City and Big Cottonwood Canyon in the late Spring to Fall. The views of the fall colors and peaks of the Wasatch Range are spectacular. The road closes after the first big snowfall but makes for a nice snowshoe or back-country playground in the Winter.

The backway scenic drive through Guardsman Pass is delightful. The color of Fall leaves against the mountains and pines is spectacular. The drive can be dusty if you go on a Sunday with all the cars.

Winding road, narrow, steep drop-off, scenic views of Big Cottonwood canyon area and Salt lake City and Park City on the other side. Great road to travel when the leaves are changing, closed in the winter months.

The drive up past Deer Valley was gorgeous, with fresh snow on the mountain, but a dry road. Once we crossed over the summit, the south side of the pass was dry, and all the Quaking Aspens had lost their leaves. The road to Brighton ski resort had been closed already. Next time, we need to take the drive in October.

I ventured down the Guardsman Pass and Scenic Backway on recommendation of our concierge and it was well worth it. If you drive a larger vehicle can be very hard on your brakes and is a bit rough in places.

This was a pretty drive over looking the valley of Park City and others. There were several nice hikes in the area.

I was lucky enough to have Jeff from Exclusive Excursions drive me thru the pass on a beautiful Autumn day. A lot of the leaves had fallen, but the Yellow Aspens were still there to provide the nice contrast during our hikes at Blood Lake and Silver Lake. Like everyone else says, the road is windy in some places, but the views are outstanding! I was lucky enough not to be driving so I could look out and take it all in.

I enjoy regular drives over Guardsman Pass from summer through fall. It is a great introduction or access to the Wasatch Range via automobile. By travelling up Big Cottonwood Canyon and down into Park City (or vice versa), you pass 4 major ski resorts, scenic mountain peaks, alpine lakes, wildlife, multiple recreation trailheads, and great vistas of the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains.Tip for drivers: though the pass is easily navigated with a 2-wheel drive sedan (there is some gravel so it is not great for a low-clearance sports car), do make sure that your brakes are in good working condition, as a descent in either direction will require their extensive use (or engine braking).