Alpine Way Scenic Drive
A breathtaking scenic drive through mountains and canyons, renowned for its spectacular fall foliage and charming towns.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak fall colors
Alpine Way Scenic Drive
Best Time
Peak fall colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking scenic drive through mountains and canyons, renowned for its spectacular fall foliage and charming towns.
"Beautiful drive, except around the ski resorts. This was my first experience with snow fall and I had a magical experience."
🚗 Fall Foliage Drive
Start in American Fork Canyon and drive towards Provo Canyon for the best fall colors.
❄️ Winter Chain Law
Snow chains are legally required in national parks during winter.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Alpine Loop Scenic Drive
Utah
A breathtaking drive through canyons and mountains, famous for its spectacular fall foliage.
Aspen Grove & Sundance Resort
Along the Alpine Loop
Scenic stops offering beautiful mountain views and a glimpse of the famous Sundance Resort.
Provo Canyon Views
End of the Alpine Loop
The drive culminates in Provo Canyon, offering more stunning vistas and natural beauty.
Khancoban Town
Alpine Way
A welcoming town with friendly locals and excellent food, offering a pleasant break from the drive.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Fall Foliage
Winter Driving Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Fall Foliage Drive
Start in American Fork Canyon and drive towards Provo Canyon for the best fall colors.
❄️ Winter Chain Law
Snow chains are legally required in national parks during winter.
Transport from jindabyne to Mt kosciuszko that's not so $$$?
☕️ Pack Snacks & Drinks
Bring coffee and create a playlist for a perfect scenic drive experience.
🏞️ Stop at Viewpoints
Pull over at numerous lay-bys and viewpoints to admire the forest and mountain beauty.
Highest possible road that can be accessed by a car?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Fall Foliage Drive
Start in American Fork Canyon and drive towards Provo Canyon for the best fall colors.
❄️ Winter Chain Law
Snow chains are legally required in national parks during winter.
☕️ Pack Snacks & Drinks
Bring coffee and create a playlist for a perfect scenic drive experience.
🏞️ Stop at Viewpoints
Pull over at numerous lay-bys and viewpoints to admire the forest and mountain beauty.
⚠️ Watch for Reckless Drivers
Be cautious, especially at the start of the season, as some drivers can be reckless.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Alpine Way for its well-maintained paved road and stunning natural beauty, with many highlighting the picturesque views and welcoming towns like Khancoban. However, some note that areas around ski resorts can be less appealing, and caution is advised due to potentially reckless drivers, especially at the start of the season.
"A good sealed road, very rare these days. Narrow in places but thankfully we only saw one caravan and one truck going the other way.
Still a lot of dead trees around a place named, Siberia.
Several lookouts and many places to stop safely to admire the views."
p b
"Beautiful drive, except around the ski resorts. This was my first experience with snow fall and I had a magical experience. Visited in the month of July, and may be it's because of start of season, there were quite a few reckless drivers. Do watch out for that."
Aneesh Muralidharan
"After the dreary experience of Cooma and the touristy Jindabyne, both of which seemed to be populated by surly and gruff cafe waiters and barstaff to whom customers appeared to be an inconvenience, the well-kept town of Khancoban was a shining light in the Alpine region. The people were friendly and welcoming, the little town was a delight to wander, and the burgers and coffee at the Pickled Parrot were excellent. A top spot that shames its bigger neighbours."
Derek “iDerek” Drongo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Alpine Loop Scenic Drive in Utah can be accessed from American Fork Canyon. It's a roughly 20-mile route that winds through Aspen Grove and Sundance Resort before exiting into Provo Canyon.
Yes, the Alpine Way is a 108km tarmac road, meaning it's paved all the way. The road can be narrower and windier at the Khancoban end.
Many travelers recommend starting in American Fork Canyon and heading towards Provo Canyon to best experience the fall foliage.
While the road is paved, winter conditions can be challenging. Carrying snow chains is legally required in national parks during winter, and a 4WD vehicle is recommended for added safety.
The drive itself takes about an hour without stops, but allow ample time to pull over and enjoy the numerous viewpoints and picnic areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information regarding specific entrance fees for the Alpine Loop Scenic Drive is not readily available in the provided content. It's advisable to check local park or forest service websites for the most up-to-date information.
No advance booking is typically required for simply driving the Alpine Loop Scenic Drive. However, if you plan to visit specific attractions like Sundance Resort, separate bookings may be necessary.
The Alpine Loop Scenic Drive is generally accessible year-round, but winter conditions can lead to temporary closures. It's best to check local advisories before your trip, especially during snowy months.
The provided reviews mention the Alpine Way is a 108km tarmac road, but do not indicate any tolls. It's always a good idea to confirm this with local authorities if you are concerned.
Yes, Sundance Resort is a notable stop along the Alpine Loop Scenic Drive. You can visit the resort area as part of your scenic drive experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire Alpine Loop is incredibly scenic, but look for pull-offs in Aspen Grove and along the route through Provo Canyon for stunning mountain and foliage shots.
Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for landscape photography, especially during the fall.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain vistas, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details in the landscape. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Yes, the Alpine Way has several designated lookouts and many safe lay-bys where you can pull over to admire and photograph the views.
Consider capturing the unique dead trees around Siberia, the charming town of Khancoban, and any wildlife you might encounter.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider stopping at designated picnic areas for a family break. While the drive is generally safe, always supervise children closely when near scenic overlooks. If visiting in winter, ensure you have appropriate winter gear and are prepared for snowy conditions.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Plan for stops at Aspen Grove and Sundance Resort. Remember to create a curated playlist and bring coffee for the ultimate scenic drive experience. Be mindful of other drivers, especially during peak seasons or winter conditions, and utilize the numerous lay-bys to fully appreciate the vistas.
📸 Photographers
Key shooting locations include Aspen Grove and the various viewpoints along Provo Canyon. For winter photography, the snow-covered scenery offers a completely different, yet equally captivating, subject. Don't forget to capture the unique features like the dead trees in Siberia and the charming town of Khancoban.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing Fall Foliage on the Alpine Loop
To make the most of this experience, consider creating an acoustic playlist and packing some coffee to enjoy as you wind through the scenic byway. The drive offers numerous opportunities to stop and soak in the beauty, with Aspen Grove and Sundance Resort being particularly picturesque spots. Remember that fall is a popular time, so expect moderate crowds, especially on weekends.
Pro Tip: While the fall colors are the main draw, the drive itself is an experience. Take your time, pull over at designated viewpoints, and truly immerse yourself in the stunning mountain scenery. The crisp autumn air and the visual feast of colors make this a truly unforgettable journey.
Winter Driving on the Alpine Way
Travelers have shared experiences of driving in snow, with some considering 4WD vehicles for added safety. While the road is paved, it can be narrow and winding, especially towards the Khancoban end. Driving slowly and cautiously is paramount. If you're visiting during the start of the season, be aware that some drivers might be reckless, so maintain a defensive driving approach.
Despite the potential challenges, the winter drive offers unique rewards. The snow-covered mountains and forests create breathtaking vistas. Towns like Khancoban are noted for their friendly locals and welcoming atmosphere, providing a pleasant respite. Always check local road conditions and weather forecasts before embarking on your winter journey.
Exploring the Alpine Way Beyond the Drive
For those interested in the region's infrastructure, the Snowy Hydro scheme is a significant aspect of the area's history and development. Learning about this project as you travel adds an educational layer to the journey. The drive also passes through areas with unique natural features, such as the 'Siberia' region, known for its dead trees, offering a stark yet interesting visual contrast.
Whether you're drawn by the natural beauty, the local culture, or the engineering marvels, the Alpine Way provides a rich and varied experience. Remember to stop at the numerous picnic areas and viewpoints to truly appreciate the diverse landscapes and points of interest along the route.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit