Park City Area Byways and Backways
Mirror Lake Byway
From lush forests to the Bald Mountain Pass, the Mirror Lake Highway is one of Utah's most scenic mountain drives. Along the way you'll see an abundance of lakes and streams as well as an array of majestic wildlife. Beginning in the town of Kamas (about 15 miles outside of Park City, it reaches an elevation of 10,700 feet and winds through the beautiful Uinta Mountain range. If you are feeling adventurous there are plenty of campgrounds and hiking trails along the way, so make sure to grab your tent and tennis shoes to enjoy this close up view of nature at its finest.
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Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway
If you are searching for scenic drive filled with beautiful mountainous views, you simply cannot beat this country drive. It not only connects Park City with Brighton and the Salt Lake Valley, but also Midway and Heber Valley. Although there is a small portion of the road about half-way through the tour that is gravel, the rest is paved and the route can be driven with a family sedan and has signs posted around every corner so it is not easy to get lost. Keep in mind, there are sections of the road that are very steep, has washboards and can become a little dangerous during major storms so be sure to check the weather prior to heading out for the day. Also, the road is not plowed during the winter and should be viewed as more of a spring and summer activity.
The summer provides dozens of fields filled with wildflowers that are surrounded by evergreens and aspen trees, as well as a lot of other forest shrubbery. The fall however, is the most impressive with a never-ending landscape of brilliant oranges and yellows that look like something off of a postcard.
Whatever you do, do not forget the camera as there are turnouts viewpoints around every bend and the view of the Brighton Ski Resort, Park City/Snyderville Basin and Heber Valley will surely be memories you'll want to keep forever.
The pass reaches a high of 9,700 feet above sea level and at that height you can see for miles in all directions. The views are indescribable and something one just has to experience for themselves. Without stops, the drive is about a two hour round trip, so you can easily fit another activity into your day as well.
If you're looking for something relaxing and wonderful that will bring joy to every member of your family, this scenic bypass will not steer you wrong.
