Alpine Loop Scenic Backway, UT
Officially designated as State Route 92, it's a 27 mile run along a narrow, single lane road with dozens switchbacks and tight turns. It starts at the north, at the mouth of American Fork Canyon. It then ascends elevation as it showcases the heights of Mt. Timpanogos and takes you past the Timpanogos Caves. It eventually runs past Robert Redford's famous Sundance Resort before ending at Provo Canyon, near Bridal Veil Falls.
For Sash, it was a homecoming of sorts.
During her teen years, she lived in nearby Orem for a short time with her father and step-mom Kathy in the early 1980s. A motorcycle rider, active in a local club, he took her on rides throughout the area, including Alpine Loop.
So for this ride, she took the lead.
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There's an entrance fee for persons wanting to stop to hike and/or picnic. But if you're just riding through like we were, there's no fee.
It was a week day, hence the traffic seemed light, though we still had to contend with a number of other cars seeking to enjoy the same views. But there was also several other motorcycle riders.
We got into Provo Canyon, and then stopped at Bridal Veil Falls, where she and her father used to have picnics. The ride came to a head when I followed her through the old neighborhood and she found the house she lived in with her father, step-mom and brothers. She told stories of her family, complete with laughter, tears, kisses and arguments. Sash learned lessons of loyalty, respect, love and her father's dedication to his brotherhood here in this home as well.
It was quite the emotional ride for her as she pointed out places along the way she specifically remembered.
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| Where State Route 92 leaves the suburbs and enters into the Uintah National Forest |
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| The first stretch of Alpine Loop is largely straight with few curves. |
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| As Alpine Loop begins to ascend, fall colors are plentiful. |
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| Photographs don't do the gorgeous views justice. |
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| Sash handled the swtichbacks quite easily. |
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| Mt. Timpanogos in the distance. |
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| More Alpine Loop scenery |
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| At one point, the scenery changes to evergreens and pine trees. |
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| With shady views like these, it's hard to stay focused on the road. |
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| There were stretches where we found no traffic at all. |
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| Even at only 27 miles in length, the ride seemed to go on forever. |
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| At Bridal Veil Falls, in Provo Canyon |
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| Where Sash lived for a time in Orem. |
Sounds like a great ride...down memory lane even. The pictures were fantastic. Thanks for sharing and highlighting a nice piece of asphalt. ~Curt
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