Utah is home to trip-worthy spots like the Bonneville Salt Flats, Arches, Zion, and Bryce Canyon National Parks. But, in a state as geographically varied as Utah, the getting there is every bit as wonderful as the destination. In fact, situated at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, you’ll find one of the best and most scenic Utah motorcycle rides.
One of the best mountain passes in the state—SR 190 Guardsman Pass at elevation 9,717'—is open for business (after closures from congestion and avalanches) and the temperate Utah weather means it’s always a fine day to take a motorcycle ride in Salt Lake City.
It’s home to Solitude and Brighton ski areas and the massive avalanche slide path of Argenta. It's also where you'll find summer favorites like Storm Mountain picnic area, and the small community of Silver Fork. The road climbs and twists from the western foothills of the central Wasatch to Park City on the mellower eastern side of the range.
The road parallels Big Cottonwood Creek and weaves between towering quartzite buttresses. Expect to see climbers on popular crags such as JHCOB (Jesus H Christ on a Bicycle) Wall, but don't take your eyes off the road for long—there are plenty of places you don't want to hang a turn wide or cross the double yellow into an oncoming Tacoma. While the twisties are great for a motorcycle tour, there really are many unforgiving blind corners, so ride within your limits; this isn’t the place for Street Rossis.
The canyon broadens about halfway up to reveal the ridgeline between Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon. Pause for a break at the Silver Fork Lodge and Restaurant—a popular spot with the Sunday breakfast crowd and also a mountain wedding reception venue for couples who met in the lift line—and take in the view of Honeycomb Canyon. Several Forest Service campsites are located close by, and the air smells pleasantly of burning pine in the evening.
The scenic ride starts turning left onto South Guardsman Pass Road which tightly switchbacks to, you guessed it, Guardsman Pass and the top of the world. For mountain bikers and hikers, this is the drop-off point for the Wasatch Crest and Blood Lake Trails. Head east toward Park City, the Uinta Mountain Range, and many more miles of thrilling riding if you have time. Otherwise, circle back to Salt Lake City and enjoy the canyon in the reverse direction.
Things to know:
• Check for the status of seasonal road closures at http://udottraffic.utah.gov/.
• Traffic can be heavy, especially on weekends. The best time to ride is early on a weekday morning and catch the sunrise at the pass.
• Be prepared to “Share the Road” with our two-wheeled pedal bike brothers and sisters. BCC is a popular hill climb training circuit for competitive cyclists.
• Big Cottonwood Canyon is part of Salt Lake’s watershed. Don’t litter, only do your business in the bathrooms, and stay out of the creek (which is whitewater-dangerous and kills an unlucky someone every spring).
• Before opening up the throttle, be aware of the UPD (Unified Police District—law enforcement specifically tasked with policing the Wasatch Canyons).
• Have fun and be safe.
