Guides/Overland routes/Utah
Overland route24 midifficulty: easy

Alpine Loop Scenic Backway

RegionUtahAgencyU.S. Forest ServiceLast verified—
Alpine Loop Scenic Backway — overland route near American Fork, Utah, Utah
Photo by David Jolley via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Trail vitals7 facts
Length
24mi
Technical difficulty
Easy
Direction
Loop
Vehicle
Paved throughout. Any passenger vehicle handles it; trailers are prohibited.
Best months
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Permit
Required
Cell coverage
Spotty in the upper canyon.
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The Alpine Loop Scenic Backway is a 24-mile paved route on Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest that climbs through American Fork Canyon, circles Mount Timpanogos, and drops into Provo Canyon. The loop is the most popular USFS scenic drive on the Wasatch Front, with quick access from Salt Lake City, Provo, and the I-15 corridor.

The route is fully paved but trailers are prohibited because of the tight curves and steep grades. A USFS recreation pass is required for parking at trailheads. The loop closes seasonally with snow.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Seasonal closure. Closes from late October through Memorial Day.
  • No trailers. The road is too tight.
  • Steep grades. Use lower gears on descent. Brake fade is common.
  • Heavy summer traffic. The loop is the closest scenic drive to Salt Lake City and Provo.
  • Wildlife. Moose are common; collisions are a documented risk.

Location

24 mi · Overland route

Approx. location 40.464, -111.616

Trail facts

5 fields
AgencyU.S. Forest Service
Nearest townAmerican Fork, Utah
Websitewww.fs.usda.gov/r04/uinta-wasatch-cache/recreation/alpine-scenic-loop-backway
ClosedNov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Approx. location40.464, -111.616

Getting there

Directions

From American Fork (north access). Take SR-92 east through American Fork Canyon. The road becomes the Alpine Loop and continues to Provo Canyon.

From Provo Canyon (south access). Take US-189 east from Provo, then SR-92 north at the Sundance turnoff.

Photos

2 photos

Photos · 2

Field notes

Getting Oriented

The loop runs between American Fork Canyon (off SR-92 from American Fork) and Provo Canyon (US-189). Uinta-Wasatch-Cache NF's Pleasant Grove Ranger District manages the corridor. Mount Timpanogos (11,752 ft) is the dominant feature; the loop stays on the lower flank but offers multiple trailheads into the alpine.

Trail Overview

Twenty-four miles, paved, loop. Total drive time is one to two hours, longer with stops at the trailheads or Cascade Springs spur. The road is steep and twisty, with several switchbacks. Trailers are prohibited. A USFS pass is required for parking at the trailheads and Timpanogos Cave National Monument.

Where to Camp

Developed USFS campgrounds along the loop include Little Mill, Granite Flat, and Mt. Timpanogos. All sell out fast on summer weekends; reserve in advance on Recreation.gov. Cascade Springs day-use area sits on the back of the loop.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • The required USFS recreation pass is sold at the canyon entrance and at vending machines along the loop.
  • Trailers are prohibited. The road is too tight.
  • Reserve campgrounds well in advance.
  • Snow closes the loop from late October through Memorial Day.
  • Watch for moose, especially at dawn and dusk near Cascade Springs.
  • Fall color in late September is the highlight; expect crowds.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is Alpine Loop Scenic Backway?
Alpine Loop Scenic Backway is rated easy. The route runs 24 miles.
What kind of vehicle do you need for Alpine Loop Scenic Backway?
Paved throughout. Any passenger vehicle handles it; trailers are prohibited.
When is the best time to visit Alpine Loop Scenic Backway?
The best months are May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Avoid Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
Do you need a permit for Alpine Loop Scenic Backway?
Yes — a permit is required. It is managed by U.S. Forest Service — check the agency listing for current requirements and fees.
Is there cell service at Alpine Loop Scenic Backway?
Spotty in the upper canyon.