Guardsman Pass
Wasatch Range, Utah · 9,704 ft
Typical peak
Sep 11 – Sep 19
low confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best under flat overcast
The paved climb from Brighton tops out at 9,704 feet with aspen slopes dropping away toward Heber Valley on the east side. Lower Big Cottonwood adds bigtooth maple, so one drive covers gold at the summit and red at the canyon mouth.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Crowds
high
Busy through peak. Be parked before sunrise or expect to walk in.
Getting there
Drive Big Cottonwood Canyon (SR-190) to Brighton, then Guardsman Pass Road 3 paved miles to the summit lot; the road gates shut with the first heavy snow.
What turns here
- quaking aspen
- bigtooth maple
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 15Typical color progression for Guardsman Pass. No change from Aug 8 to Aug 25. First color from Aug 25 to Sep 3. Approaching peak from Sep 3 to Sep 11. Peak from Sep 11 to Sep 19. Past peak from Sep 19 to Sep 29. Bare from Sep 29 to Oct 13.
Leaves are typically down on Nov 1, 2026. Color starts around Aug 25.
This season so far
First frost
Oct 12
14 nights at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
43°F / 30°F
Average daily high and low.
Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.
Plan the light
Guardsman Pass on September 15, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:39 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 85° | 7:06 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 36 min of low, warm light | 7:42 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 1:21 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 36 min before sunset | 6:59 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 275° | 7:35 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 8:03 PM |
Times in America/Denver · day length 12h 29m · computed from NOAA solar equations.
Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises E, sets W.
Aim within 45° of the sun for translucent leaves. Turn your back to it for flat, accurate color.
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.
Nearby locations
Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.