The Fourth of July is almost here! A loud, colorful, and somewhat bombastic celebration of our national origin story, Independence Day is the biggest holiday of the summer and a perfect chance to go overboard on outdoor food and fun. If you are planning on spending the holiday in Park City, check out the schedule of holiday events below. If you aren’t already planning on visiting for Independence Day, change your plans, because you are missing out.
JULY 3, 2018
Get at least this hyped for Independence Day.
Canyons Village activities and Fireworks
Get a jump on your Independence Day festivities at Canyons Village the night before the big day itself. The good times kick off at 5:00 p.m. and include face-painting, hula hooping, and caricature portraits for an evening on the ski beach. Live music by The Number Ones provides some extra entertainment and will keep you dancing until the fireworks begin around 9:30 p.m., daylight and weather permitting.
JULY 4, 2018
The Fourth of July parade is a big deal in Park City.
Pancake Breakfast
The Boy Scouts wake up early to serve you breakfast at 7:00 a.m. For $7 a head ($5 for kids), you can fill your belly with sweet stacks of fluffy pancakes under the morning sky at City Park. No reservations or sign-ups are required. Bring a couple of bucks, an empty stomach, and a smile. The troops pack up their grills at 10:00 a.m.
Cole Sport 5K Mountain Fun Run
Do you want to spend your holiday running hither and yon like a madman? Awesome-we have just the thing for you! Make sure to preregister for the Cole Sport 5K Mountain Fun Run, as spots fill up quick for this race to benefit the Park City Ski Team. Kids run for $25 and adults for $35 if you preregister, or $30 and $40 respectively if you sign up the day of the race between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.
The 2016 Fun Run, photo courtesy of the Park Record.
Rugby
On this Independence Day, enjoy America’s favorite sport, our national pastime-that’s right-RUGBY! A rugby instruction gets underway at City Park at 11:00 a.m., with an exciting exhibition game starting at 2:30 p.m. Root for whoever you like during the ensuing melee, but a fantastic time will be had by all.
The Park City 4th of July 2018 Parade
Everyone loves a parade! This particular parade is a holiday highlight, starting at the top of Main Street at 11:00 a.m. and running all the way down to City Park by the afternoon. With great fanfare and more than 70 beautifully-crafted floats, this celebration of all things Park City and American wends its way along to the delight of the thousands of spectators who turn up every year.
In-Between
Once the parade is over, but before the fireworks begin, you’ll find plenty of July 4 action all around town. Notably, City Park will host hours of games and fun, including sack, wheelbarrow, and three-legged races for kids of all ages (including the grown-up variety). There will also be plenty of shopping, eating, and other activities to enjoy on and around Main Street.
BBQ, Concert, and Fireworks
The 2016 Fun Run, photo courtesy of the Park Record.
Once the parade is over, but before the fireworks begin, you’ll find plenty of July 4 action all around town. Notably, City Park will host hours of games and fun, including sack, wheelbarrow, and three-legged races for kids of all ages (including the grown-up variety). There will also be plenty of shopping, eating, and other activities to enjoy on and around Main Street.
Deer Valley Ski Resort, Park City, Utah: An Overview
Deer Valley is an exclusive ski resort located in Park City, Utah, and is a mere 38 miles from Salt Lake City. Combining stunning and picturesque slopes with industry-best amenities, impeccable lodging, and instructive ski classes, there’s something for everyone at this stunning resort.
What Is Skiing Like At Deer Valley Ski Resort?
The resort offers an experience unrivaled by any other in the country. Easily accessible from nearby Salt Lake City, the resort is located on the beautiful Wasatch Range of the western Rockies, and its slopes are immaculately maintained for the best possible skiing experience possible.
Named the US’s best ski resort by Condé Nast Traveler, Deer Valley offers the ultimate family skiing experience paired with unimpeachable customer service. Those eager to hit the slopes will find getting there a trivial matter; the resort’s speedy ski lifts will have you cruising down the mountainside in a matter of minutes, and many of the lodges are ski-in/ski-out, meaning you can strap your skis on and just go!
Is Deer Valley Only For Skiers?
Yes – it is indeed a ski-only resort, and as such, snowboards are not allowed. That said, alpine, telemark, and monoski equipment are all permitted, provided feet are forward-facing and planted side by side. Deer Valley takes its commitment to skiing seriously – it’s one of only three resorts in the United States that are ski-only.
Can You Rent Skis At Deer Valley?
You certainly can. The resort offers top-of-the-line Rossignol ski equipment, all expertly maintained by trained technicians. The resort has two rental shops, both of which have extended opening hours and are conveniently located in the event of your needing to switch out your equipment. It’s also possible to book equipment online and have it ready for you at dispatch stations, obviating the need to waste time picking up your equipment before hitting the slopes.
Got your own equipment? You can make use of the rental shops to have your equipment maintained or waxed for a nominal fee. Whether renting or using your own, the resort ensures that you spend less time worrying about equipment and more time on the slopes.
Is Deer Valley Good For Beginner Skiers?
Yes – the resort is perfect for novice skiers. 27% of the resort’s slopes are rated ‘green’ (extremely easy, flat slopes) and there are multiple areas designed ‘slow ski’ areas, ensuring that novices of any age can get to grips with the slopes without feeling nervous or uncomfortable. Such slopes ensure that there aren’t more advanced skiers zooming past at high speeds, and beginners can feel free to take their time and get their bearings.
The best slopes for beginners are detailed below.
Silver Strike Express
Yes – the resort is perfect for novice skiers. 27% of the resort’s slopes are rated ‘green’ (extremely easy, flat slopes) and there are multiple areas designed ‘slow ski’ areas, ensuring that novices of any age can get to grips with the slopes without feeling nervous or uncomfortable. Such slopes ensure that there aren’t more advanced skiers zooming past at high speeds, and beginners can feel free to take their time and get their bearings.
The best slopes for beginners are detailed below.
Northside Express
The express chairlift of the Northside Express is located just outside the entrance of Deer Valley’s Grand Lodge, making access to the slope child’s play. Another great introduction to skiing in Deer Valley for adults and children alike.
Ruby Express
With a ski lift that will have you at the top of the slope in less than three minutes, the Ruby Express originates at the Empire Lodge and features a gentle, well-maintained slope that’s great for skiing neophytes to sink their teeth into.
What’s The Hardest Run At Deer Valley?
The most talked-about run at the resort is undoubtedly Chute #4. This challenging double-black-diamond (the highest possible slope grade) slope has excellent snow quality, but requires the skier to traverse a wooded area from the ski lift, and sometimes develops cornices that can make navigating the slope treacherous. Definitely one for expert skiers only.
Deer Valley Vs. Park City
A lot of visitors to the Park City area will find themselves wondering if it’s not worth simply staying in the city itself, as opposed to making use of the Deer Valley lodging. While this is certainly something worth considering, staying onsite is a perfectly valid option. The resort not only offers unparalleled customer service that ensures your every desire is sated, it also offers the best variety of ski terrain – with the sort of immaculately groomed slopes that keep beginners and experts alike coming back.
That said, there are a number of options that are close to Deer Valley that are just as good as staying in the resort itself. There are even a few hotels and resorts within Park City itself that, despite their easy access to the city amenities, still offer ski-in/ski-out access! Let’s take a look at two of the better options available within Park City itself.
What’s The Hardest Run At Deer Valley?
The deluxe condos offered at The Caledonian, located in downtown Park City and just over a mile from Deer Valley, are enough to make you want to skip the skiing altogether and just while the day away in front of the fireplace! With fully equipped kitchens for home-cooked meals and hot tubs located on private balconies, staying at The Caledonian is truly living in the lap of luxury.
Of course, The Caledonian still offers quick and easy access to the slopes at Park City Mountain, with ski-in/ski-out access and ski lifts located conveniently close to each condo entrance.
Portico
Looking for something a little more secluded and rustic? Portico‘s chalet-style cabins bring all the old-world charm of the Swiss Alps to Utah, with private decks and garages, cozy kitchens, and crackling fireplaces to warm you after a hard day on the piste. The best part? Portico is just under a mile from Deer Valley!
Town Lift Condominiums
Combining the best of both worlds, Town Lift offers fast access to the slopes of Park City Mountain while making sure you have all the creature comforts of the city. Located on Main Street in downtown Park City and just over a mile from Deer Valley, Town Lift puts you right at the heart of the action while still ensuring that you can be skiing in a matter of minutes with the Town Lift ski lift.
What’s more, each condo is as fully equipped as any other you’d find in the area, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice even a modicum of comfort for being right in the middle of town. There are even private garages, ensuring that you never have to fight for a parking spot in the streets below.
Deer Valley Ski School
Deer Valley’s award-winning ski school makes learning the sport easy and fun. With classes available for both kids and adults, the resort’s experienced instructors offer lessons that are both instructive and entertaining. All lessons are tailored to each student’s ability level and desired goals, and are designed to ensure students hit the slopes as quickly as possible in order to make the most out of their vacation.
Even if you’ve got a few hours on the piste under your belt, it may be worth taking a few classes nonetheless. If you’re at all rusty, brushing up on your technique can ensure that you have a more enjoyable time out on the slopes – and it may break you out of some bad habits that you didn’t even realize you had.
Whatever your decision, it’s worth chatting with one of the resort’s instructors before making any final decisions. A prudent skier is a skier that has a good time!
Deer Valley, Utah Lodging
The resort itself features no shortage of amazing lodges nearby and within the resort grounds itself – so much so, that it can be tough to make a decision about where to stay. When making a decision on Deer Valley, Utah, lodging, it pays to go with All Seasons Resort Lodging – the leading industry experts on Deer Valley Ski Resort lodgings, as well as other nearby hotels and lodges within Park City itself.
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Park City’s Ultimate Winter Event Guide
Park City is a true all-seasons destination, and the Park City fall is no exception. When the heat of summer is a passing memory, but winter snows have yet to make their first appearance, the time is just right for a day of fall fun. Bring your family into the mountains to enjoy the fresh air and changing leaves, and to find an autumnal activity that is just right for you. There’s plenty of Park City fall family fun to go around.
Autumn Aloft
Balloons taking to the air during Autumn Aloft // Image Credit: Autumn Aloft
Just as the leaves are starting to fall, the balloons begin to rise. Right at the beginning of fall, dozens of hot air balloons take to the skies in an impressive aerial display of gently drifting aerostats. The spectacle is an opportunity for onlookers to delight in a sky full of hot air balloons. Some balloons may allow passengers, but these are available on a first-come, first-served basis with no guarantees. Look to the skies in the morning in early September to take in the display. Balloons launch at 8 AM, peacefully drifting about for as long as they wish. There is no set end time for each day’s ballooning.
Related Reading: Up and Away with Autumn Aloft
Howl-O-Ween
a canine dressed as a ghost // Image Credit: Matt Hill
They don’t call this town Bark City for nothing. Each year, hundreds of costumed pooches take over Main Street on All Hallow’s Eve for the annual Howl-O-Ween parade and festivities. Of course, it isn’t just dogs who are invited to join the fun. Businesses up and down the street will be giving out more than milkbones on October 31.
Families are invited to get in on the fun and do a bit of trick-or-treating for themselves. Businesses often host activities or games in addition to the trick-or-treating during the afternoon, which is followed by the official Howl-O-Ween parade of dogs at 5 PM.
Make sure to take a free bus downtown, as the parking situation on Main Street is easily the scariest trick of all. As always, all Park City buses are free to ride. Service is increased to every 10 minutes from 3 PM – 6 PM on the day of the event from the Lower Deer Valley parking lot and the high school.
Odyssey Dance Theatre’s Thriller
Just a couple of the friendly faces you’ll see during Odyssey Dance Theatre’s Thriller // Image Credit: Odyssey Dance Theatre
While you are in the mood for Halloween-themed fun, check out the yearly presentation of Thriller at the Egyptian Theatre by Odyssey Dance Theatre. This Park City classic will delight with a stage full of dancing ghost, ghouls, and masked madmen. This theatrical dance presentation sells out every year, so make sure to secure your tickets early. Also, while it is a great family activity, the show may be unsuitable for little goblins under the age of eight. The show is also interactive. The zombies and other denizens of the night may touch audience members during the performance, so be prepared.
Scenic Drive
Trees in the Fall Changing Colors // Image Credit: Courtney Smith
Experience the beauty of fall while the leaves are changing colors. There are several enchanting routes you could drive to get the full experience whether a visitor or a resident of Utah.
Alpine Scenic Loop
Enjoy the marvelous shades of red, pink, yellow, and orange while driving through the Uinta National Forest and Wasatch Mountains. This drive is about 20 miles filled with trees, while still having a paved highway. You’ll drive highway 92 and 189 while you wind through the Wasatch Mountains and see amazing views of Mount Timpanogos, and Sundance. This route will close in late October due to snow accumulation.
Guardsman Pass
Guardsman Pass is right between Brighton and Park City. The scenery is breath-taking during fall, when the aspens turn orange/yellow and oaks radiate hues of red. Enjoy this drive in the summer/fall seasons, once the snow accumulates this pass will likely close because of road conditions.
Follow Prospect Street through the old part of Park City and then continue south into the mountains. Prospect turns into highway 224-Guardsman Pass Road. This scenic drive usually takes about an hour. If weather permits, it would be the perfect time to have a picnic or hike trails like the Shadow Lake Trail that leads to a forest lake. As you arrive at the top, you’ll get marvelous views. Enjoy the Brighton Ski Resort, Park City/Snyderville Basin. The road will eventually turn into a fork where you can decide to loop around to Heber Valley (left) or venture down to the Salt Lake Valley (right). For a longer scenic route-follow the fork to the Salt Lake Valley where you will drive through Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Fall Farmers Markets
Park Silly Sunday Market Downtown Park City // Image Credit: Park Silly Sunday Market
During this slower season, many restaurants run great bargains, including 2-for-1 deals, kids eat free options, and more. Visiting restaurant websites and scouring the Park Record deals are your best bets to find seasonal dining deals. Other restaurants change up their seasonal offerings as the leaves begin to turn. Tupelo, Handle, and Vessel Kitchen are all notable examples.
But, for our money, the best way to experience the taste of autumn in Park City is to visit the weekly farmers market with your family. The weekly event Park Silly Sunday Market is held every Sunday on the historic Main Street Park City from 10am-5pm, through September 25th.
Another great farmers market is the Park City Farmers Market located at the base of Canyons Village, The Canyons Park City Lower Parking Lot (just behind 7-11) This market is every Wednesday from 11 AM – 5 PM, June-October 2022.
Local merchants, farmers, and more offer their wares in the cool afternoon well into October. It’s a perfect time to grab some corn, squash, or other seasonal goodies for a delicious family dinner. Enjoy the fruits (and veggies) of the fall harvest around your own dining table, or the one located in your Park City vacation rental, for some wholesome family food and fun.
Scarecrow Festival
A sampling of scarecrows on display // Image Credit: McPolin Farm
For a bit of rustic charm, the annual Scarecrow Festival at McPolin Farm is hard to beat. On September 28, McPolin farm hosts a fall get-together. Pumpkins, refreshments, and the construction and decoration of dozens of scarecrows are annual inclusions. Each lovingly-crafted rustic mannequin is then carefully affixed to the fence adjoining the trail near Highway 224.
The scarecrows remain on display for a month before being retired. Each is proudly visible from the road between the White Barn and the Park Meadows intersection. If you can’t take part in the construction of the scarecrows, you can definitely enjoy the fruits of the festival during the following few weeks.
Fall Hikes
There are miles and miles of trails to explore in Park City // Image Credit: Olivia Hutcherson
Nature itself puts on a dazzling display each autumn. Park City is blessed with a spectacular array of gorgeous colors as the leaves turn and fall. The weather is also cooling down from the sometimes oppressive heat of summer. That makes fall the perfect time to enjoy a hike with your family. Whether you are all seasoned trailblazers seeking a challenge, or relative tenderfoot looking for a more sedate walkabout, there is a perfect trail for you in Park City. Visit the Mountain Trails Foundation website for a few top suggestions to get you started on your quest for the perfect Park City vista.
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Park City’s Alpine Slides – Updated for Summer 2022
We love racing down the mountains. The Alpine Slide in Park City is just another expression of our obsession with flying downhill at high speeds. From skiing to Nordic jumping, from bobsleds to zip lines, Parkites have a need for speed. Indulge your inner speed demon with the finest Alpine Slides Park City has to offer. Read on for more details.
Alpine Slide at Park City Mountain
IMAGE CREDIT: PARK CITY MOUNTAIN RESORT
There are four separate Alpine Slides at Park City Mountain! Snaking off from a single starting point, these four concrete, luge-style tracks offer a variety of exciting downhill experiences. You can’t just ride one!
Try all four of the tracks for a fresh experience every time, reaching speeds of 30 mph as you twist and turn your way to the foot of the slopes. Custom sleds allow guests to experience 3,000 feet of track in a smooth, controlled fashion. Riders are in control of their own speed, just in case you want to slow down and prolong the jaw-dropping vistas for a few seconds longer.
Details for the Alpine Slides at Park City Mountain: 2022 Summer Season
- Address: 1345 Lowell Ave, Park City, UT 84060
- Dates and Hours of Operation:
- May 27 – June 16, 2022
- Monday – Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm
- June 17 – September 5, 2022
- Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
- September 6 – October 2, 2022
- Thursday – Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm
- Price: $25
- Height Restrictions: Riders must be at least 48″ tall to ride unaccompanied
Alpine Slide at Utah Olympic Park
The Quicksilver Alpine Slide at Utah Olympic Park is a slick, all-steel construction that is the first of its kind in North America. It provides a daring experience for thrillseekers of all ages. The slide includes 18 banked turns!
Riders are furnished with a sled that allows for full control over the speed of the fun. Whether you’re looking to savor the experience or set the land-speed record, the Utah Olympic Park Alpine Slide is an unforgettable way to experience the mountain.
The slide conveniently deposits you right back at the base of the park, ready to try any of the other first-rate attractions on the hill above Kimball Junction.
Details for the Alpine Slide at Utah Olympic Park: 2022 Summer Season
- Address: 3419 Olympic Pkwy, Park City, UT 84098
- Dates and Hours of Operation:
- May 28 – September 6, 2022
- Session #1 | 9:30 AM – 1 PM
- Session #2 | 2 PM – 5:30 PM
- September 5 – September 25, 2022
- Session #1 | 9:30 AM – 12 PM
- Session #2 | 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
- Session #3 | 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
- Price: Included in Summer Gold Pass for $75 per person
- Height Restrictions: Riders must be at least 48″ tall to ride unaccompanied
Stay the Night!
Need somewhere to recover after a day of high-speed excitement? All Seasons Resort Lodging offers condos, townhomes, and vacation homes across Park City. Riders at Park City Mountain can sample our convenient downtown lodging, while visitors to Utah Olympic Park should consider our restful Kimball Junction properties. Wherever you stay, you can rest easy knowing that you’re protected by our Lowest Rate Guarantee!
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Hiking in Park City
Choosing the best hike in Park City to satisfy your craving for adventure can be tough because Park City is crisscrossed and surrounded by some of the most spectacular trails in Utah.
Fortunately, we’ve got a list of the 7 best hikes in Park City right here! Let’s jump right into it:
- Mid-Mountain Trail
- Bloods Lake
- Armstrong Trail
- Run-A-Muk
- McPolin Farm Nature Trail
- Union Pacific Rail Trail
- Silver Lake Trail
Best Hike for an Epic Adventure: Mid-Mountain Trail
The view looking back at Park City from the trail // source: hikingproject.com
If you’re only going to hike one trail in Park City, make it this one. The Mid-Mountain Trail is a 23-mile trek that will take you all the way from Deer Valley past Kimball Junction, showing you the entirety of the Park City area in one trip.
It climbs. It descends. It will take you through pines, into aspens, over bare rock, and across quiet meadows. You’ll make your way across the runs at all three major ski areas and look down on the city from multiple vantage points.
The trail is difficult, but not punishingly so. A whole day is definitely needed to experience the entire trail in one session on foot. One thing that is particularly nice about this trail is that it can be broken up into smaller chunks if you don’t want to tackle it all in one go. Each leg feels like a meaningful experience on its own. You can devote an entire week to the experience if you prefer a more leisurely pace.
Mid-Mountain Trail on AllTrails.com »
Best Hike for a Day at the Lake: Bloods Lake
Coming up on the lake from the trail // source: Olivia Hutcherson
Hitting the lake is the closest most Utahns get to a day at the beach. There are several beautiful lakes in the Park City area, but one of our favorites is Bloods Lake. We’ve written about it in detail before. The lake itself has a beautiful color, cold snow-melt waters, an interesting shoreline, and plenty of open space for lounging, playing, and dining.
The hike out to the lake isn’t particularly long or challenging, which leaves you plenty of time and energy for fun once you arrive. That said, the short trek offers you a pleasant sampler.
You get a meadow, some aspens, switchbacks, and even a selection of boulders. Once the trail levels out, it opens onto the lake. You could spend the rest of your day right here.
Bonus: If you want more hiking and another lake, you can push on to rugged Lackawaxen Lake. This second lake sits a little higher up, and the trail offers steep climbing, more meadows, and a striking boulder field. Lackawaxen Lake is a stark contrast to Bloods Lake, showing more bare stone and fallen trees than the latter’s densely wooded shore and placid waters.
Bloods Lake Trail on AllTrails.com »
Best Hike for a Picnic: Armstrong Trail
Armstrong Trail is one of the most famous hikes in town. It’s the total package. It is relatively short, measuring just 3.8 miles. It has gorgeous views of native flowers, aspen forests, and Park City. It is open to hikers, bikers, humans, and canines alike. And it is right in the middle in terms of difficulty.
Pack your picnic basket and bring the full spread right onto the trail. With so many beautiful sights to see along the trail, you can stop off for a scenic meal wherever you like. For maximum beauty, we suggest a rich autumn meal in sight of Park City’s breathtaking aspen forests as the leaves put on an unbelievable show for your dinner. In the spring, you can dine in a flowering meadow surrounded by Indian paintbrush and columbines. Or sit back and contemplate Park City’s bygone days while snacking next to abandoned mining equipment and looking down on the town.
A view of the aspens in the fall on the Armstrong Trail
However you choose to picnic, be a responsible steward of the earth by removing every scrap of food and packaging on your way out. Give a hoot, don’t pollute our pristine wilderness!
Armstrong Trail on AllTrails.com »
Best Hike for an Off-Leash Dog: Run-A-Muk
Dogs running amok on the Run-A-Muk trail // source: girlsonahike.com
It’s no secret that Parkites love their dogs. You might have even heard us referred to as “Bark City.” Most of the time, though, pets must be on a leash while exploring the town. But every dog has its day, and there are a few designated areas around Park City where dogs can run, play, and experience the great outdoors without a leash in sight. One of our favorite off-leash areas is the Run-A-Muk dog park and trail.
This enormous doggy playground is located in Kimball Junction, in the shadow of Utah Olympic Park. In fact, it is just on the other side of our very own Bear Hollow Village. The trail is a leisurely loop around the highland scrub, aspens, and meadows surrounding Kimball Junction.
The entire time, you’ll have a lovely view of Utah Olympic Park. While there is a small stream in the trail area, you will probably want to bring some water along to keep your pup hydrated. As you make your way around the circuit, your four-legged friend is free to do anything they like. There are plenty of interesting smells to explore, trees to mark, and new friends to make. Your fur baby will have so much fun they’ll beg to come back again and again.
While we absolutely love dogs, they’re not permitted in our rental units, as each one is privately owned.
Run-A-Muk Trail Area on BasicRecreation.com »
Best Hike for an Easy Walk With the Kids: McPolin Nature Trail
McPolin Barn rising over the trees // source: Olivia Hutcherson
McPolin Barn is one of the most famous buildings in Park City. The huge white structure rises over the surrounding basin, a major landmark on the highway between Kimball Junction and downtown Park City. The nature trail that shares its name is the perfect way to introduce even young children to the joys of hiking.
The hike starts at a parking lot just off the highway, where you will make your way through a colorfully painted pedestrian tunnel before exploring the meadow. A path meanders over a burbling brook, around the barn, and through aspen thickets.
To help your little ones stay invested and learn more, a series of 11 interpretive plaques line the trail. These signs include interesting information that supplements the natural beauty all around for a fun, educational outing. The route itself is pretty flat and wraps up in less than two miles for a complete loop. If young hikers need a rest or a snack, take a breather on several benches beside the path.
McPolin Nature Trail on AllTrails.com »
Best Hike for a History Lesson: Union Pacific Rail Trail
More than just a trail, the Union Pacific Rail Trail is a state park. It is just under 30 miles long and represents a long, snaking course through Park City and surrounding communities. The trail is also notable for the vast number of activities on offer. You can hike, bike, cross-country ski, and ride horseback-among others. Anything non-motorized is fair game. Three miles of the trail, the length that runs through downtown Park City, are paved. The rest is gravel, but well kept and wide.
As the name might suggest, the entire trail used to be part of a rail network running through the area. Coal once came down from Coalville (naturally) by narrow-gauge rail into town to service the pumps necessary to mine silver out of the hills surrounding Park City. That same course was then used to guide the wide-gauge cars necessary to bring the silver out of town. After Union Pacific abandoned the whole endeavor in 1989, it was converted into this gorgeous trail system.
The old rail bridge over the road // image credit: stateparks.utah.gov
Additional historical markers expound on the history of the trail, tracing the routes of early Mormon settlers and even the ill-fated Donner Party. Hiking the trail is a true walk through Park City’s history, and you’ll step away from your time enriched with local facts.
Union Pacific Rail Trail on AllTrails.com »
Best Hike for a Panoramic View: Silver Lake Trail
Panoramic vistas of Jordanelle Reservoir // source: KSL.com
Mountains surround Park City on every side. Bald Mountain is an especially striking peak, and this trail along its backside offers some of the most beautiful views in the area. This foot-only voyage provides you two different experiences. You can either take the lift to the top and hike down, or you can hike up and take the lift down.
While more challenging, the hike upward offers a more satisfying journey. The Jordanelle Reservoir and the Uintas slowly come into view as you ascend until you reach the top and look out over what seems like the whole world. Then, once you’ve soaked up enough panoramic perfection, you will be slowly ushered back down to Deer Valley on the relaxing lift, watching as the vistas quietly retreat over the hills once more.
As an extra tip, the resort has made hiking sticks available to guests for use on the trail. They can really help you as you make the steep ascent.
Silver Lake Trail on AllTrails.com »
Somewhere to Rest and Recuperate
All that hiking can take it out of you. All Seasons Resort Lodging offers Park City’s largest selection of condominiums, townhomes, and vacation residences, each one perfectly equipped to help soothe your sore muscles and aching bones. After a hard day’s hike, make sure to get a good night’s rest in one of our vacation rentals before setting out to tackle another mountain adventure. Book your hiking getaway today.
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Park City gets excited about Halloween
As the ghosts and ghouls shake off the grave dust, the living denizens of Park City get busy preparing for the spookiest day of the year. Look no further for the frightfully perfect Halloween in Park City-we’ve rounded up some of the best October amusements to keep you busy until All Hallows’ Eve arrives. Then, don’t forget to book a Park City vacation rental so you have a place to stay during the spookiest of nights.
UPDATED: New activities and fun added September 2021.
Howl-O-Ween
One of Park City’s most popular Halloween attractions, the Howl-O-Ween dog parade is an annual event dedicated to man’s best friend. Revelers come from all over Park City and beyond with their canine companions dressed in all manner of wacky, whimsical, or spooky costumes. Main Street becomes a fashion runway for four-legged friends as the heart of Park City goes to the dogs.
In addition to the dog parade (and some terrible puns), Howl-O-Ween boasts plenty of fun activities and treats for the whole family. Dogs aren’t the only ones encouraged to dress up, of course.
Little monsters are invited to trick or treat in the safe environment of Main Street by visiting participating merchants from 3 PM – 5 PM on Halloween. The parade itself begins immediately after.
Image: Good buzz for Halloween in Park City at the parade.
Image credit: Park City Ghost Tours
Park City didn’t just spring up a couple of decades ago as a skier’s paradise. Once upon a time it was a frontier mining town, full of people who lived, died, and maybe didn’t move on. Main Street features a nightly ghost walk at 8:00 p.m. that explores fifteen of Park City’s most hair-raising ghost stories.
One of the best ghost walks in the country, the Park City tour will give you a spooky good time while relating some fascinating history, paranormal and otherwise.
Make sure to keep an eye out for Park City’s most famous ghost: The Man in the Yellow Slicker. Tour guests have experienced many usual occurrences and mysterious apparitions over the years. Who knows what manner of spectral adventures you will uncover? Make your reservations ahead of time.
Haunted Park City
Scarecrow Festival at McPolin Farm
Grab an event ticket for the family and add your own flair to the farm with your own scarecrow! Or just go for a walk on the trail around the farm and enjoy everyone else’s creations.
The event goes from 2 PM – 4 PM on October 2, 2021. Treats and cider are provided while you work on your award-winning scarecrow. May they be “out standing” in their field! Get more information here.
Image: McPolin Farm
Sleepy Hollow Wagon Rides
Image Credit: Sleepy Hollow
Have an encounter with a legendary specter when you go on the Sleepy Hollow Halloween Wagon Ride. Head down to Soldier Hollow and prepare for an eerie ride through the canyons and cottonwood trees. The wagon, pulled by working draft horses, meanders through the mysterious scenery while a narrator relates the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Unlike many other haunted attractions, this event is definitely family-friendly. Reservations are required, so make sure you get your tickets ahead of time.
Park City Nursery Pumpkin Patch
It wouldn’t be Halloween without a jack-o-lantern. And everyone knows that the perfect jack-o-lantern starts with the perfect pumpkin. Perfect pumpkins aren’t found in bins outside groceries stores. They come from pumpkin patches. Park City Nursery just so happens to have an excellent pumpkin patch, littered with truckloads of perfect pumpkins, waiting to be turned into Halloween masterpieces.
Bring the kids, head into the patch, and come back with the perfect gourdy canvas for your best jack-o-lantern. In addition to your orange harvest, make sure to spend some time in the pumpkin maze or the free haunted forest, also located on the property.
All autumn attractions are open during normal operating hours, which are:
- 8 AM – 6 PM on weekdays
- 9 AM – 5 PM on Saturdays
- 10 AM – 5 PM on Sundays.
The nursery is located on the west side of US-224, just north of Canyons Village in Snyderville.
Image credit: Park City Nursery
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Try these 5 rainy day activities in Park City when the clouds threaten to literally rain on your parade.
Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate with your vacation plans. That’s okay!
While Park City has a reputation as an outdoor playground, that doesn’t mean adventure is cancelled when the skies turn gray. Whether it’s raining cats and dogs or just sprinkling, try these five rainy day activities in Park City for guaranteed indoor fun.
Let’s get to it.
1. Action Sports at Woodward Park City. 2. Catch a Show at the Egyptian Theatre. 3. Take a Factory Tour at Ritual Chocolate or High West Distillery. 4. Make it a Mindful Day. 5. Take a Gallery Stroll (With an Umbrella)
1. Action Sports Hub at Woodward Park City
Image Credit // Woodward Park City
Image Credit // Woodward Park City
If you don’t want to miss out on active fun while it rains and pours outside, the Action Sports Hub at Woodward Park City is as close as you can come to the great outdoors while indoors.
They have facilities for skateboards, BMX, inline skating, trampolining, parkour, and more. It’s the perfect place to catch big air, whether it’s off a ramp or into a foam pit.
And they have tons of air to spare, spanning 66,000 square feet-every single one of them carefully designed to thrill even the most dedicated adrenaline junkie.
The indoor park is open all 365 days of the year. Stop by their website to book a 90-minute session of high-flying indoor fun.
If you’re interested in staying close to the action, All Seasons Resort Lodging offers a variety of vacation homes and condos in the Kimball Junction area, just a couple of minutes from Woodward Park City.
2. Catch a Show at the Egyptian Theatre
Image Credit // Egyptian Theatre via Flickr
Image Credit // Egyptian Theatre via Flickr
If you don’t want to miss out on active fun while it rains and pours outside, the Action Sports Hub at Woodward Park City is as close as you can come to the great outdoors while indoors.
They have facilities for skateboards, BMX, inline skating, trampolining, parkour, and more. It’s the perfect place to catch big air, whether it’s off a ramp or into a foam pit.
And they have tons of air to spare, spanning 66,000 square feet-every single one of them carefully designed to thrill even the most dedicated adrenaline junkie.
The indoor park is open all 365 days of the year. Stop by their website to book a 90-minute session of high-flying indoor fun.
3. Take a Factory Tour at Ritual Chocolate or High West Distillery
There’s more to Park City than skiing and mountain biking. We’re a community full of industrious creators and innovators, too.
The Park City area is home to more than a few factories and workshops. Two of the most delicious production centers in town offer factory tours.
Ritual Chocolate
Ritual Chocolate will let you into their Heber operation to see where the magic happens. Watch beans become bars and taste the fruits of their aromatic labors afterward.
Their 7-step process combines old word and modern techniques to create some of the smoothest most flavorful chocolate you’ve ever had.
Image Credit // Ritual Chocolate
Image Credit // @drinkhighwest
High West Distillery
If your party consists of adults over 21, you can head over and take a look inside High West Distillery.
Get up close and personal with the copper stills in the first legal whisky operation to open in the state of Utah after the end of prohibition.
The complimentary tour will take you through the whole process, from mash to cask, ending with an optional tasting flight (but let’s be honest-would you be here if you didn’t want a taste?).
4. Make it a Mindful Day
When the weather turns inclement, it’s a great time to turn inward and care for yourself. Take the time to pamper yourself while you wait for the skies to clear.
While you could just stay in bed and listen to the white noise of the droplets against your window, you might want to head for the spa, instead. Park City is home to a plethora of full-service spas offering luxurious self-care of every sort. Hot stones, wraps, massages, mud baths, and more esoteric treatments will whisk you away to a world of relaxation.
A trip to the spa isn’t the only way to practice mindfulness. Yoga is a perfect way to unwind and focus both body and mind. Park City has plenty of studios to choose from, spanning classes from vinyasa to hot yoga.
If that all sounds like too much work, practice your preferred style of meditation right in the comfort of your own home-away-from-home after a warm bubble bath. Sometimes you just need to take a day off. You’re worth it.
5. Take a Gallery Stroll (With an Umbrella)
This one cheats just a little bit. You will need an umbrella to stay dry between galleries.
Main Street is home to several dozen galleries covering every conceivable medium. It is easy to spend the entire day admiring beautiful paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other artistic treasures.
Sure, you might have to step out into the elements for a few moments as you move from gallery to gallery, but you’ll spend the bulk of your time thoughtfully considering one piece after another. You might even fall in love and end up bringing a new piece home as a souvenir.
If it happens to rain on the last Friday of the month, make sure to join the Last Friday Gallery Stroll. You’ll be able to group up with kindred spirits and gain the benefit of some extra local expertise on a guided tour of Park City’s exciting gallery scene.
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There is more to a Park City winter than skiing. Downhill skiing and snowboarding are a lot of fun, but variety is the spice of life. We like to keep our winters spicy by exploring the many outdoor winter activities in Park City. Try some of these non-skiing outdoor Park City activities when you want a change of pace.
Tubing
Instead of gliding down the mountainside on skis or a snowboard, try rocketing down the slope in a huge, inflatable tube instead. This simple shift in equipment makes for an entirely new experience, especially if you start spinning around as you fly over the snow. This is a great one for the kids, especially. They will beg you for just one more ride, and another, and another.
For the longest tubing lanes in Utah, make your way over to Woodward Park City. The very smallest (age 1-3) can’t ride, but Woodward does have a toddler-friendly snow park right next to the tubing lanes.
Cross-Country Skiing
Rather than changing the tools, let’s change the venue. Take the skis off the slopes and find your way into the beauty of nature for some cross-country skiing. Explore some of the beautiful parks and trails in the Park City area. For starters, we suggest the Willow Creek Open Area, which features a lovely directional loop, alternating daily. But there are plenty of other options for both beginners and veterans. The Mountain Trails Foundation helps, complete with a daily grooming report. Find some terrain you want to explore, check the condition, and strap in.
A variation of cross-country skiing exists, called skate skiing. This faster, more athletic form of cross-country is growing in popularity, and is fairly self-descriptive. Imagine you are skiing, but on skates. The skis are shorter, the gait is more like that of a skater, and it can only be done on smooth, manicured tracks or thick ice crusts. It will probably take a fair bit more out of you than a bout of traditional cross-country, but is sleek and exciting in a way that the traditional technique is not.
Alpine Coaster
This favorite amusement, located at Park City Mountain, continues to please, year round. Twist, turn, and loop through nearly a mile of track as your little car shoots down the track. Make sure you are bundled up for a winter ride, as the chilly temperature and the high speed will leave exposed extremities tingly and red. The view is just as spectacular in the winter as it is in the summer, even if the palette around you is a little more monochrome. This is another popular attraction for younger visitors, though very small children will have to wait until they gain some inches before embarking on a wild downhill voyage, as the minimum height to ride, even with adult, is 42 inches.
Ice Skating
Skate until your feet fall off at Park City’s only outdoor skating rink. A charge for admission-and another for skate rentals, if you didn’t bring your own-gets you endless skating time. No limits-just you, your blades, and the ice. There are even skate walkers available for little skaters. The rink itself is located at the Mountain Village, right off the slopes at Park City Mountain. Weather permitting, the rink is open all afternoon and evening. Guests at The Lodge at the Mountain Village can just walk outside to reach the rink.
Sleigh Rides
Image credit: Park City Nursery
Maybe you’d like to just relax in the great outdoors for a while. A sleigh ride might be just the thing. You’ll be pulled across hills and through woods as you meander across the countryside behind a pair of beautiful draft horses. You’ll have plenty of time to just take in your surroundings and snuggle under a warm blanket. There are a few choices for your authentic horse-powered cruise, including options that depart right from Park City Mountain and include a hot, filling dinner.
Snow Shoeing
Image credit: Park City Nursery
If you enjoy hiking during the warmer months, then snow shoeing might be just your speed. Snow shoes are the perfect tool to get yourself out on those beautiful mountain trails without ending up stuck in a hole. The scenery around Park City is gorgeous at any time of the year, but there is a special majesty to the snow. Explore the trails and find the perfect hike, whether that is a sedate stroll along level terrain or a challenging climb into the hills. Once again, the Mountain Trails Foundation website and grooming reports will be your best friends here.
Relaxing by the Fire
Most of the activities discussed so far are pretty chilly. Having fun in the snow has a tendency to leave one cold. After you’re done with all your tromping around and sliding about, top off your day with a relaxing fire. Sure, a lot of our accommodations have fireplaces of their own, whether gas or wood-burning, but there is something special about the campfire appeal of an outdoor blaze. You can spend hours around the fire, warm and cozy under a blanket. Bring some marshmallows to roast, tell your best stories, play a game of werewolf/mafia, or just spend some time watching the flames dance and the shadows flicker. Sundial Lodge and Bear Hollow Village have fire pits of their own, while The Caledonian is right across the street from a Main Street ring.
Looking for a place to stay during your visit? Explore our collection of Park City vacation rentals.
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Family Fun Abounds in Utah
Park City isn’t just a ski town, and it isn’t just for grown-ups. Utah’s favorite playground is the perfect home base for all kinds of year-round family-friendly activities. We’d go so far as to say that the best things to do in Utah with kids are all right here in Park City. With that said, we’ve snuck in a few extra favorites in nearby communities like Heber, Midway, and Salt Lake City.
1. Alpine Coaster
Everyone loves a roller coaster. Park City doesn’t have any theme parks of its own, but it does have mountains. Gravity powers an exciting thrill ride at Park City Mountain as the Park City Alpine Coaster speeds down the mountain in a series of daring twists and turns. Little thrillseekers are allowed to ride along with an adult.
Best Enjoyed in Summer
2. Ice Skating
Strap on your skates and take to the ice. Kids love to zip around the rink when they aren’t falling on their butts. Fortunately, there is plenty of time to practice, because Park City is home to year-round skating facilities. In the winter, you can skate at the base of Park City Mountain. During warmer months, you can head over to the Park City Ice Arena (which is actually open all year) during their free skate periods.
Best Enjoyed Year-Round
3. Make Some Art
Park City is beautiful. All that alpine grandeur really feeds the creative urges. Commemorate your visit with a unique piece of hand-crafted art. Kids are invited to put brush to canvas at the Paint Mixer or expand their artistic horizons with a class at Kimball Arts Center. They offer classes and camps in a range of media, including everything from pottery to book binding.
Best Enjoyed Spring and Summer
Image / Kimball Arts Center
4. Enjoy a Museum
Park City has a rich history-explore it! It may not seem as thrilling as a coaster, but sometimes the best thing to do in Utah with kids is to expand their minds. Highlights of the local museum scene include the Park City Museum on Main Street, which covers the entire evolution of our town from a mining encampment to a world-class ski destination, the Alf Engen Ski Museum at Utah Olympic Park, which celebrates the history of Park City’s signature sport, and the Olympic Winter Games Museum, which is packed with memorabilia from the 2002 Games.
Best Enjoyed Year Round
Image / Alf Engen Musem
5. Heber Valley Railroad
Cast yourself back in time and experience the cutting-edge transportation science of the 19th century. This historic railway lets you step into the shoes of the miners that founded Park City and is a super fun way to travel the Wasatch Mountains. Kids especially love special train rides like the Princess & Pirate Train and the Wizard’s Train (which will not take you to Hogwarts, sadly)
Best Enjoyed Year Round
Image / Visit Utah
6. Zipline
Ziplining is basically falling with style. Park City and the surrounding area are filled with dozens of ziplines. You can find zipline attractions at the Canyons Village area and at Utah Olympic Park. If you go further afield, the world’s longest zipline over water can be found at Jordanelle Reservoir. Ziplines aren’t great for the smallest guests, but older kids will love them.
Best Enjoyed During Summer and Fall
Image / Go Heber Valley
7. Go Hiking
Sometimes you want to tell your kids to “take a hike.” Sometimes you even mean it literally. Park City is home to hundreds of miles of trails. There is a perfect hike for everyone around town. Even the tiniest tots can waddle along on some of the level, paved circuits near Main Street. Teens can tackle tough climbs that yield gorgeous mountain views and the painted splendor of aspen forests. One of our favorite hikes is Armstrong Trail which we wrote about last year.
Best Enjoyed During Spring, Summer, and Fall
8. Go Biking
Sometimes you want to tell your kids to “take a hike.” Sometimes you even mean it literally. Park City is home to hundreds of miles of trails. There is a perfect hike for everyone around town. Even the tiniest tots can waddle along on some of the level, paved circuits near Main Street. Teens can tackle tough climbs that yield gorgeous mountain views and the painted splendor of aspen forests. One of our favorite hikes is Armstrong Trail which we wrote about last year.
Best Enjoyed During Spring, Summer, and Fall
9. Woodward Park City
One of the newest additions to Park City, Woodward has it all. This is an all-seasons sports park with a huge number of activities to try. With such a wide range of sports on display, you’re sure to find a favorite in short order. Jump around on the trampoline park. Shred on the half-pipes (both snowboard and skateboard versions). Hold on for dear life on the tubing lanes. There is enough to enjoy at Woodward Park City to keep your kids entertained for weeks.
Best Enjoyed Year Round
Image / Park Record
10. Enjoy a Concert
Summer is concert time in Park City. There are several free concert series that play across town each year, spanning genres from orchestral symphonies to fresh bluegrass. Pull up a blanket and park your kids on the lawn for a free show. Some venues permit bringing your own food, while others sell picnics on site. Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain coordinate the biggest shows of the summer, so make sure to check their annual schedules for more information.
Best Enjoyed During Summer
11. Ski!
Of course, the best thing to do in Utah with kids might just be skiing. Park City has the best snow in a state already known for the quality of its powder. With three major ski areas loaded with trails, bowls, terrain parks, and more, this is the perfect place to bring your kids for a day on the piste. You can just keep coming back for more-there are hundreds of runs to experience!
No matter what you want to do with your kids, we have the perfect place for you to rest and recuperate. Book your stay with All Seasons Resort Lodging and experience Park City’s finest family activities.
Best Enjoyed During Winter
12. Utah Ice Castles
A wonderland of glittering ice rises from the snows of Heber Valley each winter. Carefully sculpted by hand and beautifully lit, the surreal spires of Utah Ice Castles are built anew on a yearly basis a short drive south of Park City in Midway, Utah. Indulge your inner Elsa (or Arthas Menethil) while you enjoy frozen thrones, twisting tunnels, and sparkling slides. Every year is a new experience. Discover it anew each winter. Make sure to stick around after dark to get the most out of the haunting illumination.
Best Enjoyed During Winter
13. Clark Planetarium
Your trip might start in Park City, but Clark Planetarium invites you to reach for the stars. Slip the surly bonds of earth and experience a variety of out-of-this-world exhibits, shows, and events. There is something here for kids of every age, from tiny tots just beginning to grasp the basics of space to budding college-level astronomers. Or you can skip the science and just enjoy a far-out Zeppelin light show show in the dome theater.
Best Enjoyed Year-Round
Image / Park Record
Whether school’s out for summer or you just want to spend some time with the kids, All Seasons Resort Lodging has the perfect family lodging for your fun-filled trip. Reserve the perfect condo, townhome, or vacation home and start making memories with the people you hold dear. Your stay is always backed by our Lowest Rate Guarantee.
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Woodward Park City is a the nation’s first all-in-one action sports and ski resort. Set to feature both indoor and outdoor action sports, people of all ages can play, learn, and train at the fully integrated campus. Woodward Park City is built to encourage intuitive growth and progresion in 10 sports including snowboarding and skiing, mountain biking, indoor and outdoor facilities for skateboarding, BMX, scooter, parkour, and cheer. Everyone is welcome!
How to Play
Athletes of all ages and abilities will be able to play through all-access passes, day sessions, lift tickets, drop-in sessions, day camps, lessons, monthly membership, and special events.
Monthly memberships can be purchased now at the introductory rate of $100 per month.
“Woodward Park City is for all athletes from families and never-evers to pros,” says Shaydar Edelmann, Woodward Park City general manager. “Our progression-based facilities enable visitors of all skill levels to learn and achieve their goals in a dedicated environment.”
What will it look like?
Design renderings and a sneak peak flyover show what we have to look forward to this winter!
Tubing
Gather up the family or a group of friends for the longest landes and the best tubing in Utah! The Gorgoza tubing hill is now Woodward Park City and includes a new magic carpet and even more lanes for tubing. When you’re ready to try something new, try tubing!
Location and Where to Stay
Woodward Park City is located in Park City, Utah and it’s just 27 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport. Find your new home away from home for your next trip to Park City. We offer Park City lodging located throughout Park City and accommodate individuals and groups alike!
More Information
To learn more and stay updated on construction progress, visit woodwardparkcity.com.
Photos and video courtesy of Woodward Park City.
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