Alpine Loop Scenic Byway

This 20-mile drive winds through rugged alpine canyons of the Wasatch Range offering stupendous views of Mount Timpanogos and other glacier-carved peaks. The route follows Utah Hwy. 92 up American Fork Canyon and then continues through Uinta National Forest into Provo Canyon on U.S. 189. While you are there, you might want to stop and see Timpanogos Cave National Monument or Robert Redford's famous Sundance, which are both located along the route.

Although the Alpine Loop completely is paved, it is definitely narrower than most roads. Be careful for unexpected oncoming traffic.

Visitors must purchase a pass. A $6 is available and good for 3 days; a $12 pass is good for 7 days; there is also a $45 annual pass available. (www.utah.com)

HOW TO GET THERE:

Clockwise: From I-15 take exit 287 and go East on UT 92 through Highland and up American Fork Canyon. If you are coming from North Utah County you can instead go North on UT 146 (Pleasant Grove 1st East) through Pleasant Grove until it hits UT 92 at the mouth of the canyon.

Counter-clockwise: From I-15, take the Orem 8th North exit (exit 275) and go east. Once you cross State Street, migrate over to the left hand lane until you get to the mouth of Provo Canyon. There the road will split, and you want to take the left fork up the canyon. From Provo or Orem, take University Avenue North until it goes up the canyon. Watch for the turn for state route 92 on the left, marked for Sundance, etc. Ride up the canyon past Sundance and Robert Redford's house, and the road will start getting steep and twisty. It will take you back down the other side, then past a bunch of campsites to the mouth of American Fork canyon. There you can take UT 146 towards Pleasant Grove and State Street, or keep going straight past Highland to I-15.

MY THOUGHTS: 7.5/10

This is a very common road for sight seers. There is a lot to see and do throughout this route (Timpanogos Caves, Cascade Springs, Sundance and Mt. Timpanogos). For this reason I give it a 7.5/10. It is a fun road, with lots of twisties, but there is a lot of traffic, the road is narrow, and the shoulder drops of about 10"(I have personally seen 2 accidents because of the high shoulder).

The best time to ride the Alpine Loop in October when the leaves are changing colors (and on the road).