OGDEN — Two of Northern Utah’s big alpine highways will close on Sunday until next spring due to winter conditions. The Utah Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan ahead for the closure of the Monte Cristo and Big Mountain highways

Monte Cristo Highway, or State Route 39, will close between milepost 37, east of Huntsville, and milepost 56, near Woodruff in Rich County. Big Mountain Highway, also called S.R. 65, will close between milepost 3, north of the Emigration Canyon turn-off in Salt Lake County, and milepost 13, near East Canyon State Park in Morgan County.

Due to their high elevations, the highways are likely to be hit with extreme snowfall in a matter of hours. According to a news release, motorist safety is a concern for UDOT during the winter months, especially along the alpine highways where swift, heavy snow storms create treacherous road conditions.

Monte Cristo and Big Mountain highways usually close from late November through May, depending on weather forecasts. According to the National Weather Service, snow is likely in the greater Ogden area intermittently throughout Monday.

Motorists can access Monte Cristo Summit using U.S. Highway 89 through Logan Canyon. Alternate routes for Big Mountain Highway include Interstate 84 and S.R. 66 from Morgan, as well as, S.R. 65 from I-84 at Henefer to access the East Canyon recreation area.

Newsletter