Park Record
Park City and Wasatch Back News
I vividly remember the moment last week when breaking news splashed across the pages of The Park Record: Guardsman Pass opens Tuesday! I sprang from my seat, pulled out maps, and began plotting a weekend escape.
Spring in Utah is always a season of anticipation. I make frequent pilgrimages to the UDOT Seasonal Roads webpage and keep a close eye on the Mirror Lake Highway Lovers Facebook group. This year, especially after a winter of discontent, the optimism feels stronger. Soon, the mountain roads will lead us back to the forests, lakes and high country we’ve missed.
To be honest, the fine print told a slightly different story. Guardsman Pass itself is not yet open. S.R. 224 is accessible now from Old Town over Empire Pass to Pine Canyon Road and down to Midway. But the final stretch over Guardsman toward Brighton remains snow-covered, the gate still firmly shut.
On a bluebird morning, I headed up through Old Town on Marsac Avenue, winding past the quiet ski lifts at Empire Lodge, beneath Ruby Express, and alongside snowbanks where the Bandana ski run had been plowed back.
The familiar windblown snowfields below Empire Pass were smaller this year as I climbed the final switchbacks to the trailhead. The trail above X-File Trees and Daly Chutes was mostly navigable. A family headed out with one tiny dog and another enormous, barky companion. Jupiter Peak would still be a stretch — but not for long.
Looking down onto Bonanza Flats, it felt like a playground stretching awake after a long winter sleep. The trailhead lots were fully snow-free, waiting for hikers and bikers. To the east, atop Park Peak, the last scraps of snow clung to the summit while the East Village Gondola stood motionless in the morning light.
I continued down to Pine Canyon Road. Symbolically, an abandoned snowmobile sat at the intersection like a relic of winter. The gate to Guardsman was indeed closed, despite the clear pavement below. But one glance toward the pass made it obvious that Mother Winter still held the high ground.
As I rolled toward Midway, memories of autumn came rushing back — those blazing reds and yellows of a spectacular foliage drive just six months ago. There were few cars on the road, but bicycles were everywhere. I reveled in the joy of those coasting downhill and felt for those grinding upward.
So while my hopes of reaching Guardsman Pass were temporarily dashed, spring in the Wasatch had already delivered something better: The summer season had begun.
Through April and May, more mountain roads will open for the summer. You can follow it at udottraffic.utah.gov/seasonalroads
Guardsman Pass
The route from Park City to Brighton remains closed, with snow still covering the roadway near the summit. It will likely be May before through-travel to Big Cottonwood Canyon resumes. But Empire Pass and Pine Canyon Road to Midway are ready to go. The WOW Trail will need a little more time.
Cascade Springs
One of the best April mountain adventures right now. The paved road from Soldier Hollow to Cascade Springs is fully open and snow-free. Lower lot parking is accessible. The Alpine Loop gate remains closed, so the upper lot is not yet available.
Alpine Loop
S.R. 92 from Sundance through American Fork Canyon remains closed. While the roadway near Cascade Springs is clear, higher elevations still hold snow. Expect a May opening.
Mirror Lake Highway
From Kamas, S.R. 150 is open and snow-free to the 25-mile mark near Trial Lake. Snow doesn’t consistently appear roadside until around mile 22. Right now, this is one of the most accessible mountain escapes, with lower hiking trails open, though still a bit muddy. Provo Falls, just before mile 24, is spectacular — water rushing through sculpted ice and snow. Well worth the drive.
Wolf Creek Pass
State Route 35 from Francis east to Hanna is gorgeous — and open. In fact, it never closed this winter. A perfect excuse for a run to the Hanna Hilton for some deep-fried goodness.
Monte Cristo Highway
The dramatic high country route on S.R. 39 from Woodruff to Huntsville still has winter ahead of it. Look for a May opening.
Park City Home
Spring 2026
The Park Record newspaper publishes twice weekly in Park City, Utah, and has been serving the Wasatch Back since 1880.
Sunday Drive: Breaking news, the gates are opening – Park Record
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