Park City, Utah is a popular hiking destination. The area is home to multiple hiking trails with a variety of difficulty levels. Some trails are ideal for people of all experience levels ranging from easy to challenging. The views are spectacular with paths that wind through forested areas to lush meadows, streams, and clifftop summits with breathtaking views. We’ve prepared a traveler’s guide to hike in Park City, Utah to point out some of the best trails and give you the details for choosing the most appropriate loops for your skill level. We’ve chosen trails that are accessible within a 30-minute drive from Park City’s Main Street for your convenience.
Dog Lake, Lake Mary, Twin Lakes Reservoir Loop
The Dog Lake, Lake Mary, win Lakes Reservoir Loop begins at the Brighton Resort trailhead. This challenging trail leads you through winding paths that lead to scenic views of beautiful lakes and rugged mountain peaks with spectacular views. It begins at the trailhead situated at Brighton Ski Resort through the ski runs when the snow has melted and the ski season has ended. There are several lakes in clear view of the hiking trail. It’s best to attempt this challenging hike in the summertime when Guardsman Pass has opened. Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed in the lakes, and dogs are not allowed on the trail.
Armstrong Trail
Armstrong Trail is a hike that begins at the Silver Star Lift Trailhead. This is a trail that can be modified to hikes between 3 to 5 miles in duration, depending on the routes that you choose to take. The trail is fairly new, so if you haven’t been in the area for a while you have something to look forward to. The options for a shorter loop are the H.A.M and Dawns paths. If you want the longer version, continue moving towards the top of the mid-mountain trail then travel down through the Spiro Trail. This trail is open for hikers and uphill biking. Begin your journey close to the Silver Star Cafe, and when you come back down you’re in the perfect location to have a sit-down meal and a brew.
Wasatch Crest Trail
While the Wasatch Crest Trail is moderate in difficulty, it is one of the longer paths, so you will want to take ample hydration and some snacks to replenish your energy. The hike begins at the Guardsman’s Pass, or Lower Big Water Trailhead and Millcreek starting points. This hike leads you through some of the most breathtaking views of the ridgeline. You will have panoramic views from the top into the Big Cottonwood Canyon to one side and spectacular views of Park City. Shuttles are available to the starting point, and you can catch a ride back from your destination. This is one of the more popular biking trails, so if you’re hiking on foot, keep your head up for cyclists.
Mid-Mountain Trail
The Mid-Mountain Trail is a popular hiking and biker’s trail that begins at a few different locations, depending on the distance you opt for. The trailheads are located at Silver Lake Village in Deer Valley, the top of Pay Day, the Red Pine Gondola, or the top of the Town Lift. The Mid-Mountain Trail is accessible through the ski resorts and it stretches 23 miles through Park City Mountain and its canyons. You’ll encounter winding paths through the forests, over ski runs, and lovely views from the viewpoints. You can tailor your hike to be any duration from 1 to all 23 miles.
Utah Olympic Park Trails
The Utah Olympic Park Trail is another customizable hike that ranges from easy to moderate in difficulty. The trailhead can be accessed from Run-a-Muk Dog Park, The Af Engen Ski Museum, or the Stay Park City office trailheads. These are dog-friendly trails so you can take your furry friends along as hiking companions. These are fun trails that take you through large groves of aspens through the Olympic Park. Several trail choices allow you to customize the duration and difficulty level of the hike. There is also a dog park that is situated at the bottom of the hill. You’re welcome to give your pup some off-leash time at the park.
Round Valley Hiking Trail
Access the Round Valley trail system for a variety of loops that are all dog-friendly Some are short and some are longer so you can decide the length of your hike. This is a network of short paths that take you to the Round Valley Protected Open Space. There are multiple forks in the path that give you and your dog plenty of options for extending the hike.
Union Pacific Rail Trail
The Union Pacific Rail Trails takes you on a flat trail that leads to breathtaking views of the Wasatch Mountain range. The Trailheads are located at the Downtown Park City Trailhead, the Prospector Park Trailhead, the Coalville Trailhead, and the Echo dam Rd. Trailhead. This is a network of various trails that all connect to take you from Park City neighborhoods to the Echo Reservoir. This was formerly a coal and silver transfer station of the Union Pacific Railroad. There are some really cool paths with iconic railroad bridges and amazing views of the Park City ridgeline. You can choose hike durations between 1 to all 28 miles.
Rob’s Trail
Rob’s trail is accessible from the Bear Hollow Drive Trailhead. This trail allows uphill bike traffic so keep your eye out for cyclists when you’re hiking towards the top. This is to protect hikers and make the trail safer for everyone. The trail takes you on a winding path up the Utah Olympic Park’s south side. This is a smooth trail that passes by a variety of resorts with a choice of tailoring the duration of your hike to any distance between 1 and 4 miles.
PC Hill
PC Hill is a short hiking trail that begins at the PC Hill Trailhead. It leads you on a path that winds through forests and leads to viewpoints that give you some great views of Park City and the Heber Valley. This is a hike that takes you uphill fast though. It takes a bit of stamina. The picturesque views provide some of the best opportunities for photos so bring your smartphones and camera.
Iron Mountain Trail
The Iron Mountain trail begins at the Iron Mountain trailhead. This is a difficult hike that is well worth the effort for experienced hikers. It’s difficult and requires stamina and the trail isn’t one of the most traveled, but it provides spectacular views of the downtown portion of Park City. It’s more popular with the locals. Although the hike gives your glues a good workout, you’ll truly appreciate the views. There’s also a bench at the top for taking in all of the splendor around you.
No comments: