Where is Guardsman Pass?
Usa, north-america
38.94 km
2,969 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're in Utah and looking for a scenic drive? Let me tell you about Guardsman Pass! This beauty sits high in the Wasatch Mountains, right on the border between Salt Lake and Wasatch counties, east of Salt Lake City.
You'll cruise along Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway (aka Guardsman Pass Road or Utah 190 West) for about 24 miles, connecting Cottonwood Heights and Park City. Good news – you can totally do it in a regular car! And even better news, it's paved!
Word of warning though: being up at 9,740 feet, it's usually closed during the winter months because of the snow. Aim for late May/June to October. But even in summer, watch the weather – a big storm can make things dicey.
The drive is full of curves and some seriously steep parts, especially if you're heading up from Park City. That climb is about 7 miles, gaining over 2,600 feet, with an average gradient of 7.1%. It's a good one!
Is it worth it? Absolutely! Plan for about an hour each way, *without* stops. There's parking and bathrooms at the top. But trust me, you'll want to stop! The views are incredible, especially in the fall when the aspens are bursting with orange and yellow and the oaks are radiating red. Pack a picnic, bring your camera, and enjoy the ride! Oh, and heads up, it's one of Utah's highest roads!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 38.94 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,969 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeChillycoat Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Chillycoat Pass in Colorado's Mesa County is calling your name! This ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a gnarly gravel 4WD track called Divide Road that climbs to a breathtaking 9,629 feet inside the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area. The views are epic, but keep your wits about you. This route is no joke. Think potential avalanches, serious snowfall, and landslides that can pop up outta nowhere. Oh, and let's not forget those icy patches that love to keep you on your toes! Basically, if the weather looks sketchy, save this one for another day. But when the sun's out, and you're prepared? Chillycoat Pass will blow your mind!
moderateHow To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Lagunita Saddle
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Lagunita Saddle in New Mexico's Taos County is calling your name! This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking serious elevation here, topping out at 10,557 feet! Think of it as one of the state's rooftop experiences. Heads up: the road to the top is a rugged mix of gravel and rocks, so leave your low-riders at home. Winter? Forget about it – this pass is snowed in tight. If unpaved, steep mountain roads make you nervous, this might not be your jam. But, oh, the views! Being so high up is worth the journey. Get ready for panoramic scenery that'll make your jaw drop. Just take it slow, enjoy the ride, and soak in that New Mexico beauty!
extremeCan I drive to Bull of the Woods Mountain in NM?
🇺🇸 Usa
Bull of the Woods Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.542m (11,620ft) above the sea level, located in Taos County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s one of the highest roads of New Mexico. Can I drive to Bull of the Woods Mountain in NM? Located to the east of Taos Ski Valley, in the northern part of New Mexico, within the Carson National Forest, the road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s called Bull of the Woods Road. A 4x4 vehicle is required. The top of the peak is an old mine with great views Is Bull of the Woods Mountain in NM open? Set high at the southern end of the Rocky Mountains, in the Sangre de Cristo Range, the road is seasonally closed in winters. It’s open from July through September, weather permitting. The road is closed to private vehicles. How long is the road to Bull of the Woods Mountain in NM? Taos Ski Valley resort the road to the summit is 5.63km (3.5 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 609m (2,000ft). The road is brutally steep and the average gradient is 10.81%. Three sections are called "the Mothers" because of their extreme grade. Essential Gear for Emergency Hiking on Remote US Roads Things to Know Before Driving Soldier Pass Road in Sedona Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardWhere is Bull Creek Road (Burma Grade Trail)?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Just outside Yosemite, near the tiny town of Briceburg, lies a hidden gem: Bull Creek Road (aka Burma Grade Trail). This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's a 15.4-mile 4x4 rollercoaster that'll leave you breathless. Starting from Briceburg, you're immediately launched into a series of switchbacks, clawing your way up 1,500 feet in just 5 miles. Talk about a wake-up call! The views from this shelf road are insane as you quickly leave the Merced River Canyon floor far below. After the initial climb, the trail chills out a bit, hugging the canyon for a while before venturing into oak and pine country. Be warned: this road is narrow! It's mostly single-track, so keep your eyes peeled for other vehicles and be prepared to do some backing up. The surface is rough and tumble – think sand, gravel, the occasional rock patch (up to 6 inches!), and maybe even some mud if it's been raining. Speaking of rain, things can get rutted out, so check conditions before you go, especially during the wet season. Oh, and watch out for rattlesnakes, poison oak, and mosquitos. One last thing: RVs or trailers longer than 18 feet? Probably best to skip this one – that "unique part of the road" isn't very forgiving! Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!