Alpine Loop Scenic Drive: A Utah Gem
Utah's Alpine Loop Scenic Drive offers a breathtaking drive through some of the USA’s most stunning landscapes. This 20-mile drive takes travelers on a journey through the Uinta National Forest and American Fork Canyon, showcasing meadows, peaks, and brilliant fall foliage.
The route is popular among hikers, and photographers, providing opportunities to witness Utah's beauty up close and personal. Visitors can marvel at landmarks such as Mount Timpanogos, Sundance Mountain Resort, and Cascade Springs.
During the summer and fall, the Alpine Loop comes alive with wildflowers and foliage, creating a tapestry of colors against the mountains. As the road winds through the terrain, it offers photo-worthy lookouts around every corner.
While the drive is accessible by most vehicles during the summer and early fall, in winter it is used by snowshoers, cross-country skiers, and snowmobilers. Visitors should note that the road is closed in the winter, so it's best to plan their visit during the warmer seasons.
Camping
Little Mill Campground offers a serene escape for campers. Located alongside the American Fork River, the campground provides a home base for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. While the campground provides amenities like firewood, grills, and picnic tables, visitors are advised to come with a water supply, as there is no water available.
Altamont Campground is situated adjacent to the Mount Timpanogos Wilderness Area, the campground immerses visitors in the beauty of the landscape. With the opportunity to traverse the nearby Timpooneke Trail and ascend the summit of Mount Timpanogos, hikers can relish adventure. The campground itself is enveloped by cool groves of aspen, fir, and spruce trees.
Timponeeke Campground's dominant aspen, spruce, and fir trees create a backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a nature-filled escape. Visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing, in the surrounding landscape. The campground provides essential amenities such as firewood, grills, and picnic tables, for the camping experience.
Mt. Timpanogos Campground is nestled within a landscape adorned with aspen and fir trees and offers a tranquil retreat. This campground provides easy access to hiking opportunities, perfect for those seeking out the natural beauty of the region. The convenience of paved campground roads ensures easy navigation for visitors.
Map of the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway
Hiking
American Fork Canyon Nature Trail, also known as the Swinging Bridge Trail, offers a delightful outdoor experience. Just a quarter mile one way, this trail provides a pleasant walk for all ages. One can start their hike from either the Swinging Bridge Picnic area or the parking lot near the Timpanogos Cave parking lot. The trail's ease makes it an ideal choice for a stroll, allowing visitors to soak in the rugged allure of American Fork Canyon.
Pine Hollow Loop Trail has some traffic but remains relatively under the radar. What sets this trail apart are the views of Mount Timpanogos. This trail welcomes serious mountain bikers, horses, and even dirt bikes. The trail rewards hikers with natural beauty, particularly during the early summer when the wildflowers bloom. The trail's midpoint has a spacious meadow, for picnics beneath the sheltering aspen trees. Additionally, this area has some of the most vibrant autumn foliage in the state.
Mount Timpanogos Trail offers hikers a challenging 22.4-km out-and-back route with an average completion time of 9 hours and 10 minutes. This popular area is frequented by backpackers, campers, and hikers. The trail is best enjoyed between May and October, offering favorable weather conditions for the trek.
Stewart Falls Trail is celebrated as one of the region's most picturesque natural wonders. The waterfall cascades in two tiers, and its height exceeds 200 feet, creating a spectacle for hikers. The moderate hike through the forest on the eastern slope of Mt Timpanogos offers an immersive experience in the heart of Utah's natural beauty.
Bridal Veil Falls offers a gorgeous setting that appeals to both locals and visitors. The proximity to downtown Provo makes it easily accessible. Although the "world's steepest tram" is no longer in operation, families, in particular, find the site enjoyable, as It provides a serene backdrop for leisurely walks.
Alpine Loop Scenic Drive Photos
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