Guardsman Pass is scheduled to close for the winter season at 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, according to an announcement from UDOT Cottonwood Canyons. The closure, which spans from the SR-190 winter gate to the Bonanza Flat gate, comes as winter weather begins to move into the region.
Guardsman Pass Winter Closure Details
The decision to close Guardsman Pass follows a summer and fall season of travel. UDOT Cottonwood Canyons noted that the steep and narrow road does not receive winter plowing operations. Due to the lack of plowing and the arrival of more winter weather, officials stated the closure is necessary to maintain public safety.
Open Routes and Local Updates
While Guardsman Pass prepares for its seasonal shutdown, other routes in the area remain accessible. UDOT Cottonwood Canyons reported that SR-224, also known as Empire Pass, remains open. Additionally, Pine Canyon remains open, though travelers are advised to check with Wasatch County for specific updates regarding that area.
Alpine Loop Seasonal Shutdown
The Alpine Loop is also scheduled for a seasonal closure on Monday, Nov. 2, according to UDOT Timpanogos Area. This winter closure occurs specifically for the section of the Alpine Loop located between Pine Hollow and Aspen Grove.
Wasatch County Gate Closure
In addition to the Alpine Loop closure, Wasatch County will close the Cascade Springs upper gate, located near the South Fork of Deer Creek, on Monday, Nov. 2. This move coincides with the broader seasonal transitions affecting the region.
Travel Planning Resources
Travelers in the Mount Timpanogos area are encouraged to monitor real-time conditions. UDOT provides several resources for drivers, including a traffic dashboard, live status feeds for US-189, SR-92, and SR-144, and traffic cameras. The agency also maintains digital signs and road weather forecasts to assist with planning.
Avalanche Mitigation Protocols
UDOT also manages road access related to avalanche mitigation. The agency triggers avalanche closures on roads throughout Utah, including Provo Canyon, when mitigation work is in progress. During these periods, affected roads are fully closed to the public.
Heber Valley Travel Advisory
Drivers traveling from the Heber Valley toward the Alpine Loop should prepare for these upcoming seasonal changes. For the most current information on road conditions, UDOT recommends using their official website or mobile application.
