Cascade Summit Road - Level 2
Cascade Summit Road is a short backcountry road in the Wasatch Mountains of Wasatch County, Utah, in the Cascade Springs area above Midway and the Heber Valley. It sits in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, close to the Cascade Springs Scenic Backway.
It works well as a quick side trip. Many drivers pair it with a visit to Cascade Springs or a longer loop between the Alpine Loop and Wasatch Mountain State Park.
Trail Summary
- LocationWasatch County, Utah
- Distance1.9 miles
- DifficultyLevel 2
- Elevation6,650 ft to 7,183 ft with a 533 ft change
- Travel Time34 minutes
Difficulty
Typically suitable for high clearance 2WD
This is an Easy, level 2 route. A high clearance 2WD vehicle with stock equipment should be fine. Expect a dirt or gravel surface that can test tire traction and ground clearance in places. Rocks, dips or ruts under about 9 inches are possible, and the road is usually unmaintained after rain or snow. Shallow water and small ledges under 12 inches can show up, and the road is generally one to two vehicles wide. The driver's log did not call out any obstacle or spot needing special attention, so none is described here. Conditions change with weather, so check the surface after storms or snowmelt.
Terrain
The road runs through mid-elevation mountain country on the east side of the Wasatch Range, in a forested setting that drains toward Provo Deer Creek. The surface is dirt and gravel, and it can be soft or washboarded after wet weather. Heavy winter snow keeps the area closed or hard to reach for much of the year, and the nearby scenic backway is generally listed as drivable from about May to November.
Highlights
Cascade Springs is the main attraction nearby. It is a large artesian spring with travertine terraces and clear pools, and a boardwalk and paved trail system makes it an easy walk. The springs are known for trout that are easy to spot from the boardwalks, though fishing is not allowed. Fall color draws many visitors to this part of the forest, so expect more traffic on weekends in autumn.
Trail GPS File
Map
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