Cascade Summit Road climbs out of the Heber Valley into Wasatch Mountain State Park, gaining elevation through mixed forest as it works up toward the higher canyon country above Midway. The lower stretch covered here is a graded dirt and gravel road that sees regular traffic from Jeeps, side by sides, and mountain bikers heading further up into Snake Creek Canyon. It is a good warm up run or a quick after work drive, with steady climbing and a few washboard sections to keep things interesting.
Trail Summary
- Location: Wasatch Mountain State Park, near Midway, Utah
- Distance: 1.9 miles
- Difficulty: Level 2 - Typically suitable for high clearance 2WD
- Minimum Elevation: 6,650 ft
- Maximum Elevation: 7,183 ft
- Elevation Gain: 687 ft
- Travel Time: 34 minutes (recorded)
Difficulty
Typically suitable for high clearance 2WD
Stock equipment is sufficient, but terrain will likely test tire traction and ground clearance. Expect dirt and rocky road surface with potential obstacles less than 9 inches, such as rocks, dips, or ruts. The grade can get steep in sections but traction stays good in dry conditions. The road is typically unmaintained after rain or snow, and shallow water crossings are possible after storms. Roads are generally one to two vehicles wide.
Elevation
The route starts at 6,650 feet near the base of the canyon and climbs to a high point of 7,183 feet. Total elevation gain over the run is 687 feet, with about 217 feet of loss along the way from a few dips and switchbacks. Net elevation change from start to finish is a gain of roughly 470 feet.
Terrain
Terrain is mountain shelf road and rocky two-track, cut into the hillside as it climbs out of the valley. Surface is packed dirt and gravel with washboard stretches lower down and looser rock higher up. The road narrows in spots where it hugs the hillside, with room to pull off and let oncoming traffic pass. Forest cover is a mix of gambel oak and maple lower down, transitioning to conifer as elevation increases.
4WD Experience
A high clearance 4WD vehicle handles this section without difficulty. Low range is not needed. The main things to watch for are washboard ruts that can loosen a vehicle's line at speed, and loose rock and dips on the climbing sections that make traction control worth switching off if the vehicle has it. Full size trucks and Jeeps both fit comfortably, though passing space is limited in the tighter sections.
Travel Time
The recorded run took 34 minutes for the 1.9 mile distance, which reflects a steady, unhurried pace with stops to check the road ahead. A high clearance 4WD vehicle driving straight through without stops should expect a similar 30 to 40 minute travel time, mainly due to washboard sections and the need to slow for blind curves along the shelf road.
Highlights
Views open up over the Heber Valley as the road gains elevation, with Midway and the golf course visible below on clear days. The forest transition from oak and maple to conifer offers good fall color potential in the lower stretches. This section connects to the larger Snake Creek Canyon network, giving access to Cummings Parkway Road and Cascade Springs for those continuing further into the mountains.
Trail GPS File
Map