Here at All Seasons Adventures, we prefer the road less travelled – especially those open for only about 5 months out of the year. We’re passionate about connecting folks with the beauty of our local mountain ranges and all they offer throughout the year.
The opening of Utah’s seasonal roads is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year for recreationalists. Once the skis get put away and the bikes get brought out, you know a beautiful drive or ride is right around the corner.
In particular, two iconic scenic byways—Mirror Lake Highway and Guardsman Pass—offer a front-row seat to nature’s grandeur. Whether you’re a visitor seeking alpine views or a local chasing technical bike trails, these routes are more than just roads—they’re gateways to adventure.
Mirror Lake Highway: Alpine Beauty at Every Turn
Seasonal Access: Late May – Mid October (weather dependent)
Route: East on Highway 150 from Kamas to Evanston, WY via Wasatch-Cache National Forest
The Mirror Lake Highway winds through the western Uintas, offering access to high alpine lakes, dense forests, and expansive mountain vistas. As one of Utah’s highest roads, topping out above 10,600 feet, it’s no surprise this byway delivers unforgettable views.
Summer: In July and August, the highway comes alive with wildflowers and wildlife. It’s a perfect season for both steep climbs as well as gentler scenic hikes. Our guided hikes take you to pristine lakes and overlook points where the air is cool and the scenery rivals any national park.
Fall: When autumn hits the Uintas, Mirror Lake Highway becomes a living postcard. Winding through golden aspen groves and rugged mountain peaks, this high alpine route is one of the best places in Utah to experience fall in full color—and it’s closer and more doable than you might think.
- Aspen Glory: From late September to mid-October, the mountains explode in a tapestry of yellows, oranges, and reds. The contrast against the granite peaks and clear blue skies is breathtaking.
- Cooler Temps, Clear Trails: With fewer crowds and crisp mountain air, fall is the perfect time for quiet walks, reflective paddles, and cozy fireside picnics.
- Wildlife Sightings: Moose, deer, and eagles are often out and active, especially near dawn and dusk.
What to Do
Scenic Pull-Offs: Sometimes the best activity is just pulling over, sipping something warm, and soaking in the silence and color.
Paddle on Mirror Lake: With its glassy surface and surrounding fall foliage, a kayak or paddleboard session here feels like gliding through a painting.
Hike to Lofty Lakes or Ruth Lake: These moderate trails offer huge scenic payoffs and are manageable for most fitness levels.
Visit Provo River Falls: Just off the highway, this stepped waterfall is a perfect quick stop for photos, exploration, or dipping your toes in chilly alpine water.
Winter: While the road closes to vehicles, parts of the area are accessible by snowshoeing. All Seasons Adventures offers custom snowshoe tours that venture near this region, immersing guests in Utah’s snowy serenity.
Guardsman Pass: Epic Views Made Easy
Seasonal Access: Late May – Mid October (weather dependent)
Route: Park City to Midway/Heber (east) or Brighton (west)
Summer: Summer transforms Guardsman Pass into a high-altitude playground where the alpine air is crisp, the wildflowers are bold, and every bend in the road leads to another jaw-dropping view.
Rising to nearly 10,000 feet, Guardsman Pass connects Park City with Brighton and Midway, offering an exhilarating drive through some of the Wasatch’s most scenic terrain. The road itself is a thrill—tight curves, steep climbs, and panoramic drop-offs that demand your attention and reward it with unforgettable vistas.
What to do
Cycling Challenge: For the strong-legged, the climb from Park City to the summit is a bucket-list road ride with stunning views as your reward.
Hike to Bloods Lake: A local favorite, this short 2.8-mile roundtrip trail takes you through meadows and aspen groves to a serene alpine lake. Perfect for a picnic, a dip, or a quick adventure between stops.
Photography & Wildlife Viewing: Wildflowers bloom from late June through August, and with luck, you might spot moose, deer, or hawks soaring above the ridgelines.
Sunset Drives: With long summer daylight, an evening cruise over Guardsman Pass delivers golden-hour magic—aspens glowing, skies wide open, and the quiet solitude of high elevation.
Fall: Come September, the aspen groves begin their annual transformation. Seeing the aspens at their peak golden foliage near Wasatch State Park at the top of Guardsman Pass should be on everyone’s bucket list.
At All Seasons Adventures, we believe you don’t need to go far off-grid to feel miles away from it all. Guardsman Pass is proof—just minutes from Park City, it’s a quick escape into big-mountain country. Whether you’re hiking with family, chasing photo ops, or just breathing in cooler air on a hot July day, this is high-alpine exploration at its most approachable.
Want to make a day of it? Pair Guardsman Pass with nearby hikes, mountain biking trails, or scenic stops in Brighton or Midway. We can help you craft an itinerary that matches your group’s comfort level and stoke factor.