Alpine Loop Road (Provo, Ogden, American Fork: how much, home, campground)

[EdLo]

Has anyone done the loop? Starting in American Fork Canyon and ending at Provo Canyon. I'm looking at the loop on google earth and it seems like it's a *long* drive. I think I would have to allocate a complete day to do the loop. Planning to do it when we visit Utah in August.
Any comments, suggestions?
Thanks
Eddie

[dreameyes]

Gorgeous drive! We did the Alpine Loop a couple years ago. It took about 2 1/2 hrs. depending on how fast you drive and how much you stop. Great views. Would highly recommend it.

[eggalegga]

Last time up there was when I was a teenager....long ago. I know it was beautiful, but I didn't like how narrow the road was and the drop-off just made me too nervous to enjoy it. If the sharp drop-offs don't bother you, I'd say "go for it" and enjoy the scenic drive.

[EdLo]

egga, I'm not scared of drop-offs or cliffs, or things like that, but my adult daughter who is coming with us is deathly scared of situations like that. A few years ago we experienced a hair-raising drive near the Ca. Oregon border when we got lost and ended up driving up about 4K ft on a narrow rocky road, just wide enough for my van. She was in the seat just back of me and for the first time as an adult she reached over to my shoulder, held on to me and cried, "daddy, I'm scared" She had her eyes closed. She hadn't called me daddy since she was 5 or 6. I won't tell her about the loop drive.
If the loop is only about 2 hrs long, then it's shorter than I thought. But we do plan to stop and picnic at the Tibble Fork Reservoir.
Anyone know if it's gonna be hot on the loop that time of year?
Eddie

[11thHour]

It's a nice drive. There are a few narrow spots where only one vehicle can fit through. It's especially fantastic in mid-late September for fall colors. In August, it will be hot.

[stycotl]

^it will be hot, yes. but it will be cooler than the valleys. anywhere up in the canyons is generally cooler than in town. higher elevation first of all, and more wind. plus, if you picnic in the shade, it shouldn't be too bad. bugs could always spoil a fun picnic though...

[Neddy7]

That ride is awesome, for a nice full ride when i did it with some friends, we started in SL drove to the loop from the American Fork side, went up to Heber had lunch then drove North through Morgan and came out into Ogden then back home again, it was a long ride but a lot of fun.

[jhwest]

There is a lovely area on the backside (Provo canyon) called Crystal Springs. It is a lovely walk, perfect for children, with paths and wooden walkways and a pretty spring running through the middle. i've picniced there a couple of times and it's usually much cooler than the valley. it's a nice halfway point if you're starting in American Fork. Also, Timponeekee (sp?) campground is at the top of the mountain and is really quiet if you want to stay overnight.

[chazcrew]

jhwest, I think you might mean Cascade Springs? It is a very pretty area. I just realized, I've never taken my kids there. Thanks for reminding me of it!