The Best Scenic Drives In and Around Heber Valley
There’s a particular kind of magic in rolling down your windows, turning up the music, and watching Heber Valley unfold through your windshield. Whether it's golden aspens in the fall, snow-dusted peaks in winter, or wildflower-filled meadows in summer, the scenic drives around Wasatch County offer a front-row seat to some of Utah’s most underrated beauty.
You don’t have to hike a 10-mile trail or own a side-by-side to explore the backroads and vistas that make this place special. With just a tank of gas and a couple of hours, you can see everything from alpine lakes to ghost towns—all without leaving your car (though we recommend getting out often to soak it all in).
Whether you're a local looking for a peaceful weekend drive or a visitor hoping to experience the Heber Valley without breaking a sweat, here are the most breathtaking scenic drives in and around Heber Valley—complete with local tips, photo ops, and optional stops to elevate the ride.
1. Alpine Loop Scenic Byway
Route: American Fork Canyon to Provo Canyon via SR-92
Length: 27 miles
Best Time to Drive: Late May through October (seasonal road, closed in winter)
The Alpine Loop is hands-down one of the most stunning drives in Utah—and it’s right in Heber Valley’s backyard. Start in Midway and head up through Provo Canyon, veering toward Sundance and then over the mountains via SR-92. You'll wind through aspen groves, pass Mount Timpanogos, and cross high alpine ridges that feel like a drive-through postcard.
Highlights:
Cascade Springs (a must-stop detour)
Aspen-lined roads in fall (bring your camera!)
Timpanogos Cave (if you're up for a hike)
Sundance Resort—great for lunch or a quick walk
Local Tip: Go early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid the crowds, especially in fall. The leaf peepers come out in full force during peak foliage.
2. Mirror Lake Scenic Byway
Route: Kamas to Evanston, WY via SR-150
Length: 78 miles (Kamas to Evanston), 40 miles from Heber to Mirror Lake
Best Time to Drive: June through mid-October (closed in winter)
While not technically in Heber Valley, the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is a local favorite worth the 20-minute drive to Kamas to start your journey. This high-alpine route climbs deep into the Uinta Mountains and offers pristine lakes, towering peaks, and wildlife galore.
Must-See Stops:
Provo River Falls
Moose sightings near Bald Mountain Pass
Mirror Lake (pack a picnic and your fishing rod)
Cost: Small fee for forest access ($6 for 3 days)
Local Tip: Bring a jacket—even in July. The elevation at Bald Mountain Pass tops 10,700 feet and the temps drop quickly.
3. Snake Creek Canyon
Route: Midway to Snake Creek Canyon (via Snake Creek Road)
Length: 8–10 miles out and back
Best Time to Drive: Spring through fall (seasonal road)
This lesser-known route feels like a local secret. It’s a narrow, winding road that snakes up into a quiet canyon filled with pine trees, open meadows, and frequent wildlife sightings. In fall, it's ablaze with color, and in spring, it’s carpeted in green.
Why We Love It:
Zero traffic (usually)
Perfect for a slow Sunday drive
Access to trailheads and picnic pull-offs
Local Tip: This road is not plowed in winter, and conditions can get rough after rain. Check ahead and drive slowly.
4. Jordanelle Overlook Loop
Route: Heber City to Jordanelle Reservoir via US-40 and SR-32
Length: ~25 miles round trip
Best Time to Drive: Year-round
This drive offers wide-open views of the reservoir and sweeping vistas of Mount Timpanogos. It’s ideal if you’ve only got an hour or so and want a dose of classic Utah scenery.
Start in Heber, head north on US-40, then veer onto SR-32 toward Francis, looping back through the western edge of the reservoir.
Great Stops:
Jordanelle Overlook (incredible photo ops)
Rock Cliff Recreation Area (nature walk + picnic spot)
State Park visitor center for maps and info
Local Tip: Watch for bald eagles, osprey, and herons near the Rock Cliff wetlands.
5. Strawberry Reservoir Scenic Drive
Route: Heber City to Strawberry Reservoir via US-40 east
Length: 23 miles one way
Best Time to Drive: Year-round (gorgeous in winter with plowed roads)
A favorite for early risers, this route is especially beautiful in the soft light of morning or the golden hour before sunset. The road follows rolling hills and mountain ridges before arriving at the massive Strawberry Reservoir—ideal for fishing, boating, or just skipping rocks.
Bonus Stop: Soldier Creek Marina for lake access and views.
Local Tip: Bring binoculars in fall—you’ll likely spot herds of elk or migrating birds in the open meadows.
6. Midway to Guardsman Pass
Route: Midway to Guardsman Pass via Pine Canyon Drive & SR-224
Length: 14 miles (one way)
Best Time to Drive: Late June through October (road is closed in winter)
This drive might be the most beautiful during peak foliage season, when the entire mountainside is blanketed in oranges, reds, and yellows. From Midway, take Pine Canyon Road up through Wasatch Mountain State Park and connect to SR-224, continuing toward Guardsman Pass. You’ll finish near Park City’s Empire Pass or loop back through Deer Valley.
Photo Ops:
Cascade overlook
Mountain switchbacks
Moose sightings in the meadows
Local Tip: This road is narrow and winding—drive slow and be ready for oncoming traffic on blind corners.
7. Lake Creek Drive (Scenic Backroads)
Route: Heber City to Lake Creek Canyon (east side)
Length: 10–15 miles out and back
Best Time to Drive: Spring–Fall
Less traveled and more rustic, Lake Creek Drive takes you through farmland, past old barns, and into a beautiful forested canyon. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and perfect if you’re looking to escape the main roads.
This route is best for:
Golden hour drives
Wildlife photography
Simple solitude
Local Tip: Some of the road past the neighborhoods turns to gravel—fine for most vehicles but take it slow.
Scenic Drive Tips for the Best Experience
Pack snacks or a picnic: You’ll find countless pull-offs with benches, overlooks, or simply perfect places to stop and breathe.
Download offline maps: Cell service can be spotty in the mountains.
Check road closures: Seasonal routes (Alpine Loop, Guardsman Pass, Snake Creek) may close in late fall.
Fill up your gas tank: Some loops have no services once you’re out of town.
Don’t rush it: These drives are meant to be savored, not sped through.
Final Thoughts: The Valley at 45 MPH (or Less)
In Heber Valley, the journey is just as beautiful as the destination. And with so many world-class scenic drives just minutes from your front door, you don’t need a lot of time—or money—to feel like you’ve gone somewhere special.
Whether you’re a sunset-chaser, a fall color fanatic, or just someone who likes the windows down and a good playlist, these drives are your invitation to rediscover the simple joy of the open road.
So grab a drink from your favorite local coffee spot, hit “shuffle” on your best road trip mix, and head out. In Heber Valley, the view is always worth the drive.