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Guardsman Pass   |  Austen Diamond

Guardsman Pass

Guardsman Pass is a breathtaking scenic byway connecting Park City, Heber Valley and Big Cottonwood Canyon. Situated just south of Tri-County Peak, where Summit, Wasatch and Salt Lake counties meet, Guardsman Pass seamlessly links state routes 224 and 190. 

Enjoy a leisurely, hour-long scenic drive on this paved road and prepare to be captivated by panoramic vistas of the majestic Wasatch Mountains from the Guardsman Pass Overlook. Discover abundant wildlife, wildflowers in spring, and a display of golden foliage in the fall. 


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Leaf peeping alert! Plan a day trip in September or October to Guardsman Pass, which boasts ample fall foliage.

Leaf peeping alert! Plan a day trip in September or October to Guardsman Pass, which boasts ample fall foliage.

Photo: Austen Diamond

History of Guardsman Pass

The 1860s mining boom in Park City drew people to the Rocky Mountains with the promise of wealth hidden within its peaks. The mining town flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, attracting a diverse population eager to strike it rich. Once a quiet mountain landscape, the mining industry gave way to a bustling mining town.

The name “Guardsman Pass” comes from the Fort Douglas soldiers who crossed the area to access potential mining claims. Beyond its military connection, Guardsman Pass served as a vital artery for miners, connecting Park City with the mining district of Alta. Along this historical path, numerous sites bear witness to the region's rich mining heritage. Among these, the Flagstaff Mine stands out as one of the earliest recorded mining claims in the area.

Guardsman Pass captivates visitors with its rugged beauty and historical significance. Offering a tangible link to the industrious past of the American West, the mines highlight the pioneer spirit and the initial discoveries that shaped Park City's future.

Scenic Backway Details

Is Guardsman Pass open?

UDOT closes Guardsman through the winter, typically November through May or June, depending on the weather. Check Utah Department of Transportation's website for more information. 

How long is the road?

Guardsman Pass is 24.2 miles from the turn off on Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd and Marsac Ave. near Deer Valley.

What’s the easiest way to get there from SLC?

There are two ways to access Guardsman Pass from Salt Lake City.

  • To access from Big Cottonwood Canyon, take I-215 South from Salt Lake City to Exit 6. Then, head east up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Before Brighton, turn left (north) onto the Guardsman Pass road.

  • To access from the Park City side, start in Salt Lake and take Parleys Canyon, also known as I-80. Take exit 145 onto SR 224 South toward Kimball Junction. From downtown Park City, head south on UT-224 (also known as Main Street). Then, continue south on UT-224 and take the Marsac exit off the roundabout. Then, follow Marsac as it becomes Guardsman Pass Road.

What are popular starting points?

Guardsman Pass is a two-way road that can be accessed from Big Cottonwood Canyon or from Park City. 

What seasons are best to visit?

Guardsman Pass is typically open from late spring through early fall, offering distinct seasonal experiences. Springtime visitors witness wildflower blooms, while autumn transforms the aspen trees into a display of golden yellow.

What’s the elevation?

Guardsman Pass’s elevation reaches 9,717 feet (2,962 meters).

Are there fees to drive on the byway?

There is no cost to drive Guardsman Pass. The adventure is completely free. 

What types of vehicle restrictions are there?

The pass does not allow semi-trucks or other vehicles pulling trailers due to its narrow road and tight turns. 

Photo: Austen Diamond

Nearby Activities

Guardsman Pass is an alpine gateway to some of the Wasatch Range’s most iconic outdoor experiences. Offering something for every adventurer, this area is perfect for wheels, foot, or setting up camp.

Road Biking: Known as a rite of passage among Utah cyclists, the Guardsman Pass Road is a challenging but rewarding ride. With an average 8.5% grade, the Guardsman Pass offers breathtaking inclines and views, reaching 10-18% at certain points.

Hiking: From short lake hikes to full-day loops, Guardsman Pass and nearby Bonanza Flat provide some of the most scenic trails in the Wasatch. Some of the most popular include: Bonanza Flat Trailhead, Bloods Lake Trailhead, Little Joe Loop, Pinecone Ridge, Scott’s Bypass

Mountain Biking: Guardsman Pass and Bonanza Flat are hubs for high-alpine mountain biking, featuring epic descents, switchbacks, and ridge-top rides. Signature Rides: Wasatch Crest Trail (via Crest Connector), Scott’s Bypass & Pinecone Ridge, Dead Tree & Jupiter Peak, Alpine Lake Access Trails

Alpine Lakes: The Guardsman Pass area is home to several accessible and serene high-elevation lakes: Shadow Lake (via Bloods Lake Trailhead), Lackawaxen (Luckawaxen) Lake, Bloods Lake

Camping: Looking to extend your stay? There are several campgrounds near Guardsman Pass with access to trails. Redman Campground: The closest campsite to Guardsman, Redman hosts family and group sites with picnic tables, fire pits, flush toilets, and drinking water. Pine Creek Campground (Wasatch Mountain State Park): Featuring paved parking, tent pads, flush toilets, showers, and reservable sites, Pine Creek Campground is just 8.4 miles off Guardsman Pass via Pine Canyon Dr.



Bonanza Flat Conservation Area

In the upper elevations of the Wasatch Mountains, Bonanza Flat lies right off of  Guardsman Pass Road. Saved from development through a monumental collaborative effort, approximately 1,500 acres of preserved conservation lands boast miles of winding trails. 

Discover adventure within the conservation area, featuring a vibrant ecosystem, a network of trails with sparkling lakes, vibrant wildflowers, and picturesque aspen groves, all teeming with local wildlife. Easily accessible from Guardsman Pass, the trailhead at 40.6058° N, 111.5179° W provides access to Bonanza Flat Conservation Area. 

Park City Hikes

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