Loop, canyon are beautiful ride

Close, convenient and spectacular . . . and, right now, the Alpine Loop/Provo Canyon roadway is open and, even though the fall colors are starting to dim a little, it is still a beautiful ride.

The Provo Canyon roadway is on Utah's list of scenic byways. The Alpine arm isn't, but it is a nice addition or a nice replacement for part of the Provo drive.

The Provo Canyon route begins in Orem, heads up Provo Canyon, alongside the Provo River, and goes on up to Heber. The Alpine Loop takes off from I-15 at the Alpine exit, just south of Point of the Mountain, goes up American Fork Canyon, past the Sundance Ski Resort and connects with the Provo Canyon road.

The most enjoyable ride at this time of year is the Alpine Loop. Once in American Fork Canyon, a little more than 30 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, the suburbs turn into high-mountain settings.

A short drive into the canyon is Timpanogos Cave National Monument. The cave, cave trail and visitor center are closed for the season. They will reopen in May 2005.

Along the road, past a couple of steep switchbacks and stands of pines and aspens is the Sundance Resort, which features skiing in the winter and a host of activities in the summer.

Currently, there are daily, two-hour classes offered in the areas of pottery making, jewelry, painting and photography. On Saturday, there will be a Jazz performance by Marcus Roberts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20. Also, this will be the last weekend for summer lift operations — biking, hiking or a round-trip tour.

For information visit the Web site at www.sundanceresort.com.

The narrow, winding road continues down the canyon and connects with the Provo Canyon road, which is next to the Provo River, one of the premier fishing spots in the state.

Continuing in a northeastern direction, the road passes Deer Creek State Park and reservoir, which offers fishing, swimming and boating, then swings back north and heads into the town of Heber.

It is here travelers will want to spend some time and enjoy a few of the available activities.

One of the more unique experiences is an excursion on the Heber Creeper Railroad. There are few places in the country where people can enjoy such a train ride. Passengers can ride in open or enclosed railcars through the Heber Valley, past Soldier Hollow State Park, Deer Creek Reservoir and, if the riders choose, down into Provo Canyon.