Overview

The Alpine Loop Scenic Drive is a spectacular 27-mile route within Uinta National Forest and the Wasatch Mountains, which runs from US-89 near Highland, UT to US-189 in Provo Canyon, near Heber, UT. Sites along the way include Timpanogos Cave National Monument and Sundance while Cascade Springs is but a short detour off this paved route.

Be sure to hit this route any time between late May and late October; the Alpine Loop is closed the rest of the year due to snow accumulation. A $6 recreation pass (good for 3 days) must be purchased in order to complete the journey. Vehicles over 30 feet are not recommended.

Driving Directions

If coming from Park City, the fastest way to reach the Alpine Loop Road is to begin at its east end at Provo Canyon near Heber, Utah. From Heber drive south on US-189 S/US-40 E for 14 miles, skirting the eastern shore of Deer Creek Reservoir. Turn right onto UT-92 W (Alpine Loop Drive, Utah) and continue past Sundance and Mount Timpanogos and through American Fork Canyon until you reach Highland.

Time/Distance

The drive from Park City to Heber, and then along the Alpine Loop in an east to west direction, is about 55 miles and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The Alpine Loop route itself is approximately 27 miles and takes about 45 minutes to drive not including stops.

Highlights

• Enjoy views of rugged, glacially-carved peaks and the impressive Mount Timpanogos.
• Visit Robert Redford’s Sundance Resort.
• Go underground and see many interesting features at Timpanogos Cave National Monument.
• During the summer, take the short detour to Cascade Springs and watch as millions of gallons of spring water rushes and tumbles over ledges and into deep pools.
• Enjoy plenty of year-round activities in the national forest and the Wasatch Range.