Guardsman Pass
Scenic drive · Utah
A steep, narrow road switchbacks to 9,717 feet between Big Cottonwood Canyon and the Heber Valley, linking Brighton to Midway through some of the Wasatch Range's densest aspen stands with views toward Park City and Deer Valley.
Don’t miss
Peak: September 30–October 4
Color builds from September 17 · mostly bare by October 24
Method: daily ERA5 temperatures drive a photoperiod + chilling phenology model, sampled at Guardsman Pass’s own coordinates and elevation (2961 m) rather than a regional average. Estimates, not promises — check locally before you plan a trip around it.
Guardsman Pass on the map
More things to do in Utah
Alpine Loop Scenic Byway
Scenic drivePeak October 7
A 20-mile paved loop climbs American Fork Canyon past Timpanogos Cave and over an 8,000-foot summit between Mount Timpanogos and Cascade Mountain, closing for winter by late October just after its maple and aspen canyons peak.
Don’t miss: Passes Timpanogos Cave National Monument · 8,000-foot summit
Pando
ForestPeak October 8
A single quaking aspen clone spanning 106 acres on Fish Lake's southwest shore, Pando shares one root system across an estimated 47,000 genetically identical trunks, a contender for the largest living organism on Earth, and it turns uniform gold every fall.
Don’t miss: Single root system, ~47,000 trunks · Contender for largest organism on Earth
Cedar Breaks National Monument
National parkPeak October 11
A 2,000-foot amphitheater of eroded limestone spires above Cedar City sits at 10,000 feet, ringed by ancient bristlecone pines and aspen groves that turn gold against red rock. Most facilities close for the season by mid-October.
Don’t miss: 10,000-foot amphitheater rim · Ancient bristlecone pines
Nightmare on 13th
Haunted attractionColor nearby peaks October 13
Utah's longest-running indoor haunted attraction, going on 35 years of Hollywood-quality sets in a warehouse south of downtown Salt Lake. Two haunts run under one roof, Nightmare Haunted House and Institute of Terror, with an all-new third attraction announced for 2026.
Don’t miss: 35+ years running · Two haunts under one roof · Third attraction new for 2026
Plan from a city
Frequently asked
- When does Guardsman Pass peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for September 30–October 4 (best estimate October 2). Color starts around September 17 and is mostly bare by October 24.
- What is Guardsman Pass best for?
- Wasatch aspen views above Park City.
- How do I get to Guardsman Pass?
- The closest city is Salt Lake City, about 20 mi away. It's part of Utah's fall lineup.
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