The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) announced yesterday that Guardsman Pass is now closed for the season. This annual measure, aimed at ensuring traveler safety, was officially implemented as the region prepares for winter.
“And just like that, we’re done for the season. Guardsman Pass is closing for the winter at 2 p.m. today (11/7). This is a seasonal road with no plowing operations and we want to keep all travelers safe with snow today, more in the forecast, and winter upon us. The road is closed from the #SR190 winter gate to #SR224 & Pine Canyon on the @summitcountyut & Wasatch County side.
Thank you all for a great summer season, we’ll keep everyone posted on the reopening date in the spring.
Safe travels wherever you’re headed today!”
– UDOT announcement
Guardsman Pass is traditionally inaccessible during the winter due to the area’s heavy snowfall and the pass’s lack of plowing services. UDOT has consistently enforced this seasonal closure to prevent accidents on the increasingly treacherous road as conditions deteriorate.
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The closure coincides with the initiation of Traction Law in the Cottonwood Canyons region, mandating that vehicles be equipped with appropriate snow tires or chains. This law was enforced earlier in the day due to snow conditions in both Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon.
UDOT also announced the closure of the Albion Basin summer road, which is managed jointly by the town of Alta and the Forest Service.
Motorists are reminded to respect all road closure signs and to ensure that their vehicles are winter-ready with necessary emergency supplies. Those planning to travel in the area can stay informed on current road conditions and closures by visiting the UDOT website.
The pass is a short stretch of highway that’s nestled smack dab in the center of some of the Central Wasatch’s best backcountry terrain. The closing of Guardsman Pass (and Bald Mountain Pass) marks the unofficial start to winter in Northern Utah.
