Day 07 The Ultimate USA Road Trip Duchene Salt Lake City
This route was brought to you by:
RouteXpert René Plücken (MRA Master)
Last edit: 08-04-2022
Route Summary I have further supplemented the Road Trip with even more special points that you can visit in the USA. Today we drive from Duchesne through Uinta National Forest and the beautiful Wasatch Mountain State Park to Salt Lake City. We drive over "The Alpine Scenic Loop" a beautiful mountain road with beautiful panoramas
The route is about 310 km and there are also a number of places of interest to visit along the way. Today we drive on beautiful winding roads through the beautiful landscape of Utah. That's why I rate this route with 5 stars.
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Animation
Verdict
Duration
9h 45m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
309.45 km
Countries
RouteXpert Review The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest covers approximately 8780 m3. It is divided into seven Ranger Districts: Salt Lake, Kamas-Heber, Ogden, Pleasant Grove, Spanish Fork, and Logan in Utah; and Evanston-Mountain View in Wyoming.
The beautiful area offers unlimited recreational opportunities all year round. Whether you enjoy motorcycling, hiking, mountain biking, camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, swimming, horseback riding, or winter skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, it's all here.
Due to its abundance of recreational opportunities, it is one of the most visited areas in the entire National Forest System. Keep this in mind. There are several options along the route to make short stops to enjoy the beautiful views.
The first long stop is scheduled at the Homestead Resort in Midway, where you can experience the unique Homestead Craters. The crater is a geothermal source, hidden in a 55-meter high, beehive-shaped limestone rock. The crater was formed over 10,000 years by melting snow that seeped deep into the earth from the Wasatch Mountains. The meltwater was heated more than 3 kilometers below the earth's surface. On its way back to the surface, the water mixed with minerals and on the surface formed the volcano-shaped limestone deposit now known as The Homestead Crater.
The hole at the top of the crater lets in sunlight and fresh air, while the interior is heated by the mineral water at a constant range of 32-36C.
You can enjoy a self-guided Crater tour, there is a tunnel through the rock wall on the ground floor, which gives access to the decks, here is a seating area where you can enjoy the crystal clear mineral water. You can swim, dive, snorkel, enjoy a therapeutic dive or even take a paddleboard yoga class. Well worth a visit.
The next part of the route includes the beautiful winding and steep Pine Canyon Road and Guardsman Pass Road (partly unpaved) which take us to the top of Guardsman Peak at an altitude of 2962m. At the top you have a beautiful view of the area.
We descend again to Solitude where we stop for lunch. There are several good restaurants to choose from in this small ski resort. After lunch, we drive around the mountains and along the city boundary of Salt Lake City to Cedar Hills at the American Fork Canyon, where the beautiful Alpine Scenic Loop begins, the most popular Scenic Byway through the Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest. It is a narrow, winding road that starts at 1,524 m and climbs to the top at 2,438 m, from where the road winds down to Provo Canyon.
At the top of American Fork Canyon, vistas of Mount Timpanogos are visible through impressive forests. The Alpine Scenic Loop is especially popular for a fall ride, because of the beautiful colors of the foliage.
The 20-mile drive winds through rugged gorges of the Wasatch Range, offering astonishing views of Mount Timpanogos and other glacier-carved peaks. Along the way you can visit the Timpanogos Cave National Monument, with its beautiful stalactite formations. Along the route is also the famous Sundance Resort which once belonged to the famous actor Robert Redford.
The fully paved Alpine Loop is open from approximately late May to late October. Snow will block part of the road for the rest of the year. Visitors must purchase a recreation pass to use the facilities in this area. A $6 pass is available and is good for 3 days; a $12 pass is good for 7 days; a $45 annual pass is also available. The passes are good for recreation along both the Alpine Scenic Loop and Mirror Lake Hwy.
Via the beautiful Provo Canyon we drive to Timpanogos Harley-Davidson Dealer where we stop to score a Poker chip. Then we drive via the highway to the center of Salt Lake City where we spend the night in one of the many hotels. Salt Lake City is a bustling city and has a lot to offer travelers, so planning an extra day is definitely an option.
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Use of this GPS route is at your own expense and risk. The route has been carefully composed and checked by a MyRoute-app accredited RouteXpert for use on TomTom, Garmin and MyRoute-app Navigation.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Nearby routes 
Utah
About this region
Utah ( YOO-tah, YOO-taw) is a state in the Mountain West subregion of the Western United States. It is bordered by Colorado to the east, Wyoming to the northeast, Idaho to the north, Arizona to the south and Nevada to the west. It also touches a corner of New Mexico in the southeast. Of the fifty U.S. states, Utah is the 13th-largest by area; with a population over three million, it is the 30th-most-populous and 11th-least-densely populated. Urban development is mostly concentrated in two areas: the Wasatch Front in the north-central part of the state, which is home to roughly two-thirds of the population and includes the capital city, Salt Lake City; and Washington County in the southwest, with more than 170,000 residents. Most of the western half of Utah lies in the Great Basin.
Utah has been inhabited for thousands of years by various indigenous groups such as the ancient Puebloans, Navajo and Ute. The Spanish were the first Europeans to arrive in the mid-16th century, though the region's difficult geography and harsh climate made it a peripheral part of New Spain and later Mexico. Even while it was Mexican territory, many of Utah's earliest settlers were American, particularly Mormons fleeing marginalization and persecution from the United States. Following the Mexican–American War in 1848, the region was annexed by the U.S., becoming part of the Utah Territory, which included what is now Colorado and Nevada. Disputes between the dominant Mormon community and the federal government delayed Utah's admission as a state; only after the outlawing of polygamy was it admitted in 1896 as the 45th.
Slightly over half of all Utahns are Mormons, the vast majority of whom are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), which has its world headquarters in Salt Lake City; Utah is the only state where a majority of the population belongs to a single church. The LDS Church greatly influences Utahn culture, politics, and daily life, though since the 1990s the state has become more religiously diverse as well as secular.
Utah has a highly diversified economy, with major sectors including transportation, education, information technology and research, government services, mining, and tourism. Utah has been one of the fastest growing states since 2000, with the 2020 U.S. Census confirming the fastest population growth in the nation since 2010. St. George was the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the United States from 2000 to 2005. Utah ranks among the overall best states in metrics such as healthcare, governance, education, and infrastructure. It has the 14th-highest median average income and the least income inequality of any U.S. state. A 2012 Gallup national survey found Utah overall to be the "best state to live in the future" based on 13 forward-looking measurements including various economic, lifestyle, and health-related outlook metrics.
Read more on Wikipedia
Utah has been inhabited for thousands of years by various indigenous groups such as the ancient Puebloans, Navajo and Ute. The Spanish were the first Europeans to arrive in the mid-16th century, though the region's difficult geography and harsh climate made it a peripheral part of New Spain and later Mexico. Even while it was Mexican territory, many of Utah's earliest settlers were American, particularly Mormons fleeing marginalization and persecution from the United States. Following the Mexican–American War in 1848, the region was annexed by the U.S., becoming part of the Utah Territory, which included what is now Colorado and Nevada. Disputes between the dominant Mormon community and the federal government delayed Utah's admission as a state; only after the outlawing of polygamy was it admitted in 1896 as the 45th.
Slightly over half of all Utahns are Mormons, the vast majority of whom are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), which has its world headquarters in Salt Lake City; Utah is the only state where a majority of the population belongs to a single church. The LDS Church greatly influences Utahn culture, politics, and daily life, though since the 1990s the state has become more religiously diverse as well as secular.
Utah has a highly diversified economy, with major sectors including transportation, education, information technology and research, government services, mining, and tourism. Utah has been one of the fastest growing states since 2000, with the 2020 U.S. Census confirming the fastest population growth in the nation since 2010. St. George was the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the United States from 2000 to 2005. Utah ranks among the overall best states in metrics such as healthcare, governance, education, and infrastructure. It has the 14th-highest median average income and the least income inequality of any U.S. state. A 2012 Gallup national survey found Utah overall to be the "best state to live in the future" based on 13 forward-looking measurements including various economic, lifestyle, and health-related outlook metrics.
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Route Collections in this region Car or motorcycle tour through the western US
This collection contains all 15 routes driven by MRA Goldmember André ter Schegget during his three-week tour through the west of America.
The places to visit, the attractions and beautiful photo spots are nicely marked on the routes. The routes have been fully checked and made equal for the Garmin and the TomTom. Enjoy this wonderful trip and let us know how it was! Enjoy and stay safe!
Order of the tour:
Route 01: from Los Angeles and via Pacific Coast Highway to Solvang
Route 02: Solvang to Monterey / Pacific Grove
Route 03A: Monterey to San Francisco
Route 03B: if you are by car instead of the motorcycle, as motorcycles are not allowed on the 17 Mile Drive: from Monterey to the 17 Mile Drive and further to San Francisco
Route 04: from San Francisco via Nappa and Eldorado National Forrest to Topaz Lake
Route 05: from Topaz Lake via Bodie and Yosemite to Oakhurst
Route 06: from Oakhurst via Kings Canyon NP and Sequoia NP and Giant Forest to Exeter
Route 07: Exeter via Isabella Lake and Ridgecrest to Death Valley
Route 08: from Death Valley via Valley Of Fire to Mesquite
Route 09: from Mesquite via Zion NP and Dixie NF to Hatch
Route 10: Hatch via Bryce Canyon to Page
Route 11: from Page via Grand Canyon to Williams
Route 12: from Williams via Seligman and Route 66 to Kingman and via Hoover Dam to Las Vegas
Route 13: from Las Vegas via Oatman and Lake Havasu to Parker
Route 14: from Parker via Joshua Tree to Rancho Mirage
Route 15: Rancho Mirage via Palm Springs to Santa Monica
The places to visit, the attractions and beautiful photo spots are nicely marked on the routes. The routes have been fully checked and made equal for the Garmin and the TomTom. Enjoy this wonderful trip and let us know how it was! Enjoy and stay safe!
Order of the tour:
Route 01: from Los Angeles and via Pacific Coast Highway to Solvang
Route 02: Solvang to Monterey / Pacific Grove
Route 03A: Monterey to San Francisco
Route 03B: if you are by car instead of the motorcycle, as motorcycles are not allowed on the 17 Mile Drive: from Monterey to the 17 Mile Drive and further to San Francisco
Route 04: from San Francisco via Nappa and Eldorado National Forrest to Topaz Lake
Route 05: from Topaz Lake via Bodie and Yosemite to Oakhurst
Route 06: from Oakhurst via Kings Canyon NP and Sequoia NP and Giant Forest to Exeter
Route 07: Exeter via Isabella Lake and Ridgecrest to Death Valley
Route 08: from Death Valley via Valley Of Fire to Mesquite
Route 09: from Mesquite via Zion NP and Dixie NF to Hatch
Route 10: Hatch via Bryce Canyon to Page
Route 11: from Page via Grand Canyon to Williams
Route 12: from Williams via Seligman and Route 66 to Kingman and via Hoover Dam to Las Vegas
Route 13: from Las Vegas via Oatman and Lake Havasu to Parker
Route 14: from Parker via Joshua Tree to Rancho Mirage
Route 15: Rancho Mirage via Palm Springs to Santa Monica
View Route Collection
Top car and motorcycle tour through the west of the USA
By car or motorcycle through the West of America is a journey that you do not just make, so also not driving 15 days and then back home. No, book a stay of several days in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco and again Los Angeles to also visit several places of interest in these cities, so that this tour becomes an unforgettable tour that you can remember with pleasure.
Do not forget to arrange and pack the following items:
*This is only a summary and completely personal and may differ per person.
Take out travel insurance, +31 for numbers in GSM, (partially) take out gas, Health insurance coverage at destination?, Switch off electrical appliances, Lighting (time clock), Check passport validity, Antenna from radio/TV due to lightning, Residence address for those left behind, Remote control house alarm, Book Smart Parking.
Hand luggage:
Liquids in packaging of max. 100 ml, Liquids in hand luggage in transparent plastic bag.
For on the road:
Candy, Book, Earplugs, Country and road map(s), Directions, Maps in your navigation system
Money & Securities:
Bank card / giro card, Credit card (think pin code), Cash, Calculator for Internet banking, Medical insurance card, Travel insurance card.
Travel documents:
Passport, (International) Driver's License, Ticket(s), Reservation Tickets, Hotel Vouchers, Arrival/Departure Time, Check-in & Check-out Times, Valid Visa (ESTA), Travel Guide.
Clothing:
Underwear, Belt, Shirts/ T-shirts, Shorts, Long pants, Shoes, Socks, Swim trunks, Towel, Slippers.
Personal stuff:
Watch, House Keys, Wallet, Sunglasses.
Toiletries:
Deodorant, Shower gel / Soap, Comb / brush, Shaving equipment, Shampoo, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Sanitary pads
Health & Medicine:
Own medicines, Insect repellent, Cold sore ointment, Ointment for insect bites, Sunscreen, Norit, Paracetamol, Suction cup for insect bites, First aid bag.
Miscellaneous:
Travel bag / waist bag, Leatherman (= checked luggage), Pen or pencil, Headlamp, Lighter, Tools & Electronics, Mobile phone & charger, Photo/video camera & charger, Memory card(s), World plug / adapter, Ipod & charger, Adapter cable Ipod, Headphones, iPad & charger, Navigation & charger/plug, Plug socket, Fuelpack battery.
Engine (accessories):
Helmet, Motorcycle clothing, Motorcycle boots, Chain lock / disc brake lock, Gloves, Bandana, Inner bags (plastic shopping bag), Insulation bag, Tension straps, Tie wraps, Rain suit, Rainaway.
Addresses:
Address list, Embassy telephone number, Telephone number to block (bank) card(s), Telephone number (airline tickets).
Do not forget to arrange and pack the following items:
*This is only a summary and completely personal and may differ per person.
Take out travel insurance, +31 for numbers in GSM, (partially) take out gas, Health insurance coverage at destination?, Switch off electrical appliances, Lighting (time clock), Check passport validity, Antenna from radio/TV due to lightning, Residence address for those left behind, Remote control house alarm, Book Smart Parking.
Hand luggage:
Liquids in packaging of max. 100 ml, Liquids in hand luggage in transparent plastic bag.
For on the road:
Candy, Book, Earplugs, Country and road map(s), Directions, Maps in your navigation system
Money & Securities:
Bank card / giro card, Credit card (think pin code), Cash, Calculator for Internet banking, Medical insurance card, Travel insurance card.
Travel documents:
Passport, (International) Driver's License, Ticket(s), Reservation Tickets, Hotel Vouchers, Arrival/Departure Time, Check-in & Check-out Times, Valid Visa (ESTA), Travel Guide.
Clothing:
Underwear, Belt, Shirts/ T-shirts, Shorts, Long pants, Shoes, Socks, Swim trunks, Towel, Slippers.
Personal stuff:
Watch, House Keys, Wallet, Sunglasses.
Toiletries:
Deodorant, Shower gel / Soap, Comb / brush, Shaving equipment, Shampoo, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Sanitary pads
Health & Medicine:
Own medicines, Insect repellent, Cold sore ointment, Ointment for insect bites, Sunscreen, Norit, Paracetamol, Suction cup for insect bites, First aid bag.
Miscellaneous:
Travel bag / waist bag, Leatherman (= checked luggage), Pen or pencil, Headlamp, Lighter, Tools & Electronics, Mobile phone & charger, Photo/video camera & charger, Memory card(s), World plug / adapter, Ipod & charger, Adapter cable Ipod, Headphones, iPad & charger, Navigation & charger/plug, Plug socket, Fuelpack battery.
Engine (accessories):
Helmet, Motorcycle clothing, Motorcycle boots, Chain lock / disc brake lock, Gloves, Bandana, Inner bags (plastic shopping bag), Insulation bag, Tension straps, Tie wraps, Rain suit, Rainaway.
Addresses:
Address list, Embassy telephone number, Telephone number to block (bank) card(s), Telephone number (airline tickets).
View Route Collection