Guardsman Pass is a popular breathtaking alpine route connecting Heber Valley, Park City, and Big Cottonwood Canyon. This seasonal byway is fully paved and climbs approximately 7 miles (11 km) to the summit at 9,717 feet (2,962 m) elevation, offering panoramic mountain views, vibrant wildflowers, and stunning fall foliage. This well-trafficked pass is a must-drive for outdoor enthusiasts, offering some of the best mountain views near Heber Valley.

Key Highlights:

• Scenic Overlooks: Sweeping vistas of the Wasatch Mountains and Heber Valley.
• Wildlife & Photography: Frequent sightings of deer, moose, and colorful aspen groves.
• Hiking & Outdoor Adventure: Access to trails leading to Bloods Lake, Bonanza Flat, and Desolation Lake.

Visitor Information:

• Fees: Driving the byway is free. Stopping to use recreational facilities or the trail systems requires a fee. Some of the area is in the Wasatch Mountain State Park. Some of the area is in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
• Seasonal Access: Due to heavy snowfall, the byway is typically closed during winter months (October - May). It's advisable to check current road conditions here before planning your trip. The road is not maintained during the winter season, making the vast land area accessible via snowmobiles, snowshoes, or cross-country skis.
• Accessibility: Paved but winding road; not recommended for large RVs or trailers.
• For more details, contact Wasatch County at 435-654-1661.

Bonanza Flat Conservation Area

From Bonanza Flat at the head of Pine Creek Canyon, one road branches right past the Ontario Mine and into Deer Valley in Park City. The Bonanza Flat Conservation Area is 1,534 acres (approx. 621 hectares) of undeveloped backcountry slopes nestled in the upper elevations of the Wasatch Mountains. In 2017, development threatened this pristine area. With the hard work and support of three cities, counties, public agencies, multiple non-profits, and hundreds of private donors, all were able to raise the $38 million to purchase the space and preserve the area in perpetuity.

Big Cottonwood Canyon

From Bonanza Flat at the top of Pine Creek Canyon, the left branch continues over Guardsman Pass into Big Cottonwood Canyon and past Brighton Ski Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort, then on to Salt Lake County.