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Highway 39: Ogden Canyon and Monte Cristo, Wasatch Mountains, Utah
Photo: Zach Tirrell · CC BY-SA 2.0

Drives Utah Salt Lake and the Wasatch

Highway 39: Ogden Canyon and Monte Cristo

UT 39 · Ogden → Woodruff

Sweeping59 mi1 hr 20 min5,200 ft climbHigh point ≈ 9,000 ftOne way
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The drive

Highway 39 leaves Ogden through narrow Ogden Canyon to Pineview Reservoir and Huntsville. Then it climbs over the Monte Cristo range through aspen and high meadow, reaching about 9,000 feet, and descends to Woodruff. It is 58.9 miles and about 1 hr 20 min, with one twisty stretch.

Ogden Canyon is open all year. The Monte Cristo section closes for winter.

Pineview Dam is along the way.

Along the way

  1. Ogden (canyon mouth)
  2. Pineview Dam
  3. Woodruff
Elevation
5,200 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 9,000 ft
OgdenWoodruff
Curves
Mostly gentle, with one twisty stretch
OgdenWoodruff
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • UDOT limits vehicles in Ogden Canyon to 50 feet.
  • UDOT closes Highway 39 over Monte Cristo (mileposts 37 to 56) from about November to May.

Monte Cristo closes by snow from about November to May. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check UDOT Ogden Valley road closures.

Questions about this drive

How long does Ogden Canyon and Monte Cristo take?

Highway 39 from Ogden to Woodruff is 58.9 miles and takes about 1 hr 20 min.

Is Monte Cristo open in winter?

No. UDOT closes Highway 39 over Monte Cristo from about November to May.

Is there a vehicle limit in Ogden Canyon?

Yes, UDOT lists a 50-foot limit.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Highway 39: Ogden Canyon and Monte Cristo, from Ogden to Woodruff