ワサッチ郡の峠・トップ7

Climbing Empire Pass westwards from Midway on the Guardsman Pass Scenic Backway offers a challenging but scenic ascent into Utah's Wasatch Mountains. Prepare for approximately 11-12 miles of sustained climbing, gaining over 3,000ft to reach the 8,740ft summit. The main climb averages around 5-6%, but features steeper sections, particularly on the initial winding climb out of Midway and in the final push towards the pass, where gradients can reach 8-10%. Along the way you'll enjoy the transition from aspen forests to stunning alpine meadows as you approach the top.

This challenging climb begins in the picturesque Big Cottonwood Canyon, a stunning alpine valley nestled in the Wasatch Range, and ascends toward Guardsman Pass. The early stretch features a gentle grade, but as you progress, the road becomes steeper with tight, twisting corners that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding canyon. As you near the top, the scenery intensifies, revealing dramatic mountain vistas, with the climb culminating at Guardsman Pass, where the panorama stretches across the valley. The descent is equally thrilling but requires caution due to sharp turns and the potential for hikers or parked cars along the road.

This challenging 8.8-mile climb begins with a moderate ascent and gradually steepens as you approach the summit, surrounded by dense forests of aspen trees. The route winds through lush, green terrain, offering glimpses of rugged mountain slopes and rocky outcrops as you gain elevation. As you near the top, the trees part to reveal stunning panoramic views of the high-altitude mountains, with the summit at Guardsman Pass offering a breathtaking perspective of the surrounding landscape.