Guardsman Pass
This is the first backroad I stumbled upon in Utah while passing through on my way to Wyoming. On the advice of the local Ducati dealer, I was able to experience Guardsman on the first day it was opened that spring. I don’t recall seeing another person. Open only in the summer, Guardsman Pass connects Big Cottonwood Canyon to Deer Valley/Park City. As you crest into Guardsman pass the view seems to explode and suddenly you can see across the valley to Midway, Heber City and Deer Creek Lake. It is a challenge just to keep your eyes on the road! From the east there’s a trailhead parking lot just around the first bend. From the west there’s a parking lot right at the crest. I mean RIGHT at the crest on a very sharp curve. I don’t like this stop – it is not well designed, usually crowded and in my opinion rather dangerous. But if traffic is light the views are great. Ditto for Empire Pass parking lot at the eastern end by the ‘Church of Dirt’.
Guardsman can be busy on a summer weekend as several popular hiking trails bring in the crowds. There’s plenty of parking for cars but a lot of pedestrian traffic in some spots. Ride it on a weekday.
Quick Glance
Starting Points: West end near the end of Big Cottonwood Canyon.
East end is the traffic circle in Park City at Deer Valley Road.
Distance: 10 miles.
Elevation Gain: 2900 feet.
Road Rating: Short but so sweet – it’s a must ride.
Scenery: Indescribable. 5 out of 5.
Traffic: Busy at times and a narrow road means one rental car can ruin your ride! 3 out of 5.
Highlights: Montage Resort at Deer Valley is a well known and luxurious hotel nestled into the side of Empire Pass.
The Church of Dirt is an outdoor collection of benches with an amazing view. A popular place to get married, many couples write their wedding dates on a of piece of wood and leave it on the pile of hundreds before them. Even if you aren’t getting hitched it’s worth the short walk from the Empire pass parking lot. If you ARE getting hitched and reading about the Church of Dirt for the first time, please email me and send along some pictures!
Connecting Routes: Highway 224 from both Park City if coming from the east/North or Midway from the south. Big Cottonwood Canyon from the west.
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