Discover the Best Activities for Park City’s Mud Season: A Guide to Off-Season Fun!
The early springtime period in Park City is known as “mud season”. The description is as apt as it is simple: due to the melting snow and the temperatures not yet high enough to dry things out, the area around Park City gets a little muddy.
This, traditionally, makes for something of a slow season for Park City and for doing any of the outdoor activities traditionally associated with the area. There is no opportunity to ski during this time (the resorts are closed and the snow is melting) and summer activities like hiking and biking are difficult-if not impossible-due to the large volumes of mud on the trails.
However, mud season in Park City isn’t a total write-off. There are plenty of activities that you can enjoy during this time, so don’t be put off by the mud! Here are the best things you can do in Park City during mud season.
Enjoy the Restaurants
Park City has no shortage of excellent restaurants, but during the winter or summer seasons, they can be packed to the rafters with seasonal diners, and it can consequently be very difficult to reserve a table. In addition, because they’re in such high demand, prices can be a little higher than they otherwise would be.
During mud season, however, there are far fewer people around. Not only does this make it easy to grab a table at your restaurant of choice, but it also means that a great many of the restaurants are offering discounts in a bid to get patrons through the door. All of this is great for you, and means that you should very much be taking advantage of some of the amazing food on offer in Park City!
Take in a Movie or a Show
Skiing and much of the biking/hiking trails might be out during mud season, but that doesn’t rule out some great indoor activities in the city itself.
Image Credit // Egyptian Theatre
Park City Film Series is one of the best places in town to check out movies that you might not otherwise consider. This independent, non-profit arthouse cinema screens a lot of small indie and foreign-language movies, and can make for an interesting (and inexpensive) night out.
If movies aren’t your cup of tea, you might consider heading over to Park City’s legendary Egyptian Theatre. Open since 1926, the Egyptian Theatre was named for the then-recent discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb, and was the spiritual successor to the city’s previous two theaters – lost to fire and heavy snowfall, respectively.
The Egyptian Theatre operates year-round, but they go all-out during mud season to accommodate both locals and visitors, with a great selection of amateur theater troupes putting on shows. The legendary Park City Follies also takes place over April and June, with a wide selection of side-splitting comedy shorts to keep theatergoers entertained.
Outdoor Activities Are Still Possible
Spring in Park City might seem like a washout because of all the mud, but the fact is that there’s still plenty of outdoor activities for any intrepid adventurers out there.
Guardsman Pass, for instance, retains snow for longer than lower-lying areas around it, and makes for a great snowshoeing adventure for those who are more physically fit. The Historic Rail Trail also dries out more quickly than other trails in the area, making it an early candidate for a spring bike ride.
Other outdoor activities you might consider during the Park City spring season are kayaking and white-water rafting on one of the many lakes or rivers in the vicinity.
In addition, spring is a great time for birding. With many species of birds migrating at this time, it’s a fantastic opportunity to watch flocks of birds soaring overhead as they return from wintering elsewhere. A popular birding spot is Fish Springs, found on the Pony Express Trail.
Explore Park City’s Main Street
If you’re not willing to risk the mud outside, there is no small number of things to do right along Main Street.
In addition to the array of discounted fine dining options and the ability to take in a movie or a show, there are some great shopping opportunities all down Main Street. And because it’s off-season, plenty of them feature generous discounts. This means you can shop ’til you drop without breaking the bank.
Related Post: A Day on Park City Main Street »
Those interested in the city’s history, meanwhile, will find much to love in Main Street’s Park City Museum. This museum opened its doors in 1981 and delves deep into the mountain town’s rich and diverse history, going all the way back to the mid-19th century when Mormon pilgrims passed through on their way to the site where they would found Salt Lake City.
The museum is a great day out for adults and kids alike. There’s a great activity to keep the little ones engaged, in fact – the “Park City History Detectives” challenges kids to keep their eyes and ears open throughout the museum in order to uncover clues about the history of the town. Adults will also be gripped by the fascinating story behind the founding of Park City, its incorporation as a city in the late 19th century, and its rich tradition of gold and silver mining.
Image Credit // Park City Museum
Whatever you’re in the mood for down Main Street, then, you’re sure to find something that scratches that itch!
Conclusion
Though it can be initially easy to write off Park City’s mud season, the fact is that there is plenty to do both in town and out during the muddy spring. It might be the best time of year to catch a show or an indie movie, and the discounts in many of the restaurants make for some great eating without breaking the bank.
And as we’ve seen, a few muddy trails doesn’t preclude getting out there into the great outdoors. Snowshoeing, biking, and water sports are all still on the table, and there isn’t a better time for checking out Utah’s migrating bird flocks!
Explore our Park City Vacation Rentals
No matter what you decide to do during your visit to Park City, we have the perfect vacation rental for you!
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Spring Break in Park City
Spring break isn’t all bikinis and beaches. A Park City spring break adventure puts world-class fun at your fingertips-from our three ski areas to our bustling Historic Main Street. You don’t have to head south of the border for fun and sun when there’s so much to enjoy right here in Utah’s favorite mountain playground.
Park City Spring Skiing
Park City may be the place to be in the winter, but it is also a fantastic spring ski destination. By the time March rolls around, the base is buried under the collective product of dozens of winter storms, with frequent dumps of fresh powder throughout the month. You’ll find more than enough snow to keep you skiing throughout the spring ski period.
Since you’re here for the spring, you’ll find less of the bitter mountain chill and more alpine sunshine to go with your time on the runs. Shed a couple of layers as the days heat up for a refreshing ride bathed in the warm glow of the afternoon sun. And, since you are here for spring break, enjoy some time on the beach-the ski beach at Canyons Village! Grab a mug of cocoa and pull up a lounger for some post-ski relaxation. Watch the crowds ski by, stop by Umbrella Bar, or just stretch out and chill. You could even work on your tan if you’re brave enough.
Park City Pond Skim
The annual pond-skimming event is definitely a crowd favorite. On April 8, 2023 at 9 AM, contestants in zany costumes rocket down a jump and attempt to skim all the way across a long splash pool filled with frigid water. While the odd daredevil actually makes it to the other side, most splash down in spectacular fashion to cheering and applause. It is an absolute blast, whether you are an onlooker or a competitor. With prizes for the biggest splash, best costume, and best overall skim, the pond skim always ends up being an epic party with tons of raffles and giveaways! To stay updated on this event, read more here.
Top Non-Skiing Outdoor Activities in Park City this Spring
Spring Fly Fishing in Park City
The annual pond-skimming event is definitely a crowd favorite. On April 8, 2023 at 9 AM, contestants in zany costumes rocket down a jump and attempt to skim all the way across a long splash pool filled with frigid water. While the odd daredevil actually makes it to the other side, most splash down in spectacular fashion to cheering and applause. It is an absolute blast, whether you are an onlooker or a competitor. With prizes for the biggest splash, best costume, and best overall skim, the pond skim always ends up being an epic party with tons of raffles and giveaways! To stay updated on this event, read more here.
Related: Non-Skier’s Guide to Park City
Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling and Fat-Tire Biking in Park City
Spring break is the perfect time to experiment with some of Park City’s other snow-based activities. Whether you’re a lifelong skier or a total newbie, there’s always a new way to enjoy the powder. Break out of your routine and try something fresh. Strike out into the backcountry on a snowmobile. The warmer weather makes a day on snowshoes seem more like a breezy spring hike than a grueling winter march. And you can enjoy the sunny valleys on a fat-tire snow bike on the way to a downtown shopping spree.
Those aren’t even the only ways to enjoy your bluebird day off piste. You can try all kinds of winter transportation throughout the spring, including sleigh rides, dog sledding, and cross-country skiing. Get out there and explore your options-you’re sure to find a novel experience that is just right for you!
Park City Thrill Rides
If you want something with a little more pizazz, Park City also offers some more thrilling spring experiences. For instance, have you ever gone rocketing down the mountain on a bobsled? If not, you can rectify that at Utah Olympic Park. Ride the same course used by athletes during the 2002 Winter Olympic Games on a real bobsled.
That isn’t the only pulse-pounding option in town, either. Over at Park City Mountain, you can hop on the alpine coaster, zipping back and forth across the slopes on your way to the resort base. It’s just like any other roller coaster, except it is powered entirely by gravity instead of a chain lift. A ride on a hot-air balloon might be a little slower, but soaring above the horizon in a little basket is no less breathtaking. Park City Mountain is located just across from Silver King, so guests staying there can easily enjoy these thrilling experiences. If you’re not up for anything quite so exhilarating, an afternoon of tubing up at Woodward Park City is always a blast.
Tubing at Woodward Park City
Tubing is a great way to spend a day in the snow with your friends and family!
Woodward Park City has seven tubing lanes and 1,200 feet of track, making it the longest tubing lanes in Utah. Also enjoy 2 conveyor lifts to get you to the top of the mountain quickly and easily.
You can tube day or night at Woodward! Park City is known as one of the best places to ski and snowboard in the world, so why not add some snow tubing into the mix? It’s perfect for families looking for something fun to do together during their spring break vacation, because it’s suitable for most age groups, and there’s no doubt that it’ll be one of the most entertaining ways you’ll ever slide down a hill.
Dining and Nightlife in Park City
When you think about spring break, you think about good times with good food and good drink. Fortunately, Park City has an abundance of all three. Historic Main Street is packed with galleries, theaters, shops, restaurants, and bars, and that is just one of Park City’s major hotspots. You can also head north to Redstone Village or Outlets Park City for more of, well… just about everything!
You could spend a month in Park City, eating at a different restaurant for every meal, and still not come close to exhausting the delicious eateries in town. From pizza to sushi, quick eats to gourmet gustatory experiences, if you crave it, Park City has it.
Related: Park City Nightlife Guide
Despite Utah’s stodgy reputation, Park City is home to a great nightlife scene. High West Distillery, located near the bottom of Main Street, is one of Park City’s premier drinking establishments. Not only were they the first distillery in town after prohibition, they’ve got a top-notch saloon that’s been a local favorite for decades. If rugged frontier whisky isn’t to your taste, you can enjoy everything from sports bars to classy wine and paint nights as you drink your way across town. If you want to stay out all night worry-free, we recommend booking a stay at The Caledonian, which is conveniently located downtown!
Live Entertainment in Park City
Concerts and other live entertainment are a crucial part of any spring break experience. Park City loves to put on a good show. The Egyptian Theater is one of Park City’s most venerable institutions, and they’re always cooking up concerts, musicals, plays, and other experiences. Check their schedule to see what is coming up during your vacation.
During the spring ski season and especially during the Spring Gruv, Park City Mountain is home to frequent free, open-air concerts. The amphitheater at Canyons Village, in particular, is always blasting tunes, including local and national talent. And, since we were just talking about Park City’s bar scene, many of those watering holes also sport live music. The Spur is the perfect place to catch a show to go with your drink.
Book Your Spring Trip to Park City
Your spring break can’t be 100-percent excitement. You need to take a break and relax every now and again. All Seasons Resort Lodging has the perfect place for you to call home during your big spring fling. With an assortment of condos, townhomes, and vacation residences to match any adventure and any budget, we’re your source for Park City lodging. Whether you want to ski in and ski out from the resorts or party all night on Main Street, we’ve got just the thing to make sure your spring break is an unforgettable experience.
Spring Break Lodging
Your perfect Park City spring break awaits. Book your stay now and start getting ready today!
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Park City’s Ultimate Winter Event Guide
Dive into the top events, activities, festivals that keep people coming back to Winter’s Favorite Town year-round!
In a town notorious for its easy accessibility to world-class skiing, winter can seem like the only viable season to visit. With the 2002 Olympics catapulting Utah and Park City into the world’s view, this once sleepy mountain town has grown to become a year-round destination. Along with the pristine powder, visitors come back year after year and find perfect weather and friendly people. Come explore what year-round fun looks like in Winter’s Favorite Town.
Winter
Its no secret, Salt Lake City International Airport is the gateway to the world’s best powder. In all of 60 minutes from touching down on the tarmac, you can find yourself gearing up for an epic snow day at one of 3 renowned resorts. Aside from skiing, Park City is synonymous with hosting elite events and festivals.
Torchlight Parade at Deer Valley (Late December)
- Ring in the New Year with Deer Valley’s annual tradition! Instructors clad in Christmas lights, take to the slopes in synchronized motions to the delight of spectators below. Grab a warm drink and huddle at the base of Snow Park Lodge to observe this spectacular light show!
Sundance Film Festival (January 20- January 30)
- Utah’s heaviest powder months also play host to the internationally acclaimed Sundance Film Festival. Celebrities and cinephiles alike descend on Main Street for 10 days of premiers and partying. Lodging can be scarce, so plan ahead and take advantage of early-bird deals before the flurries and film buffs arrive.
FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup (Early February)
- For 20 years, the world’s best freestyle skiers have launched into the air and raced to the finish at Deer Valley for the FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup. This year is no exception! Join one of Park City’s most beloved winter tradition and experience the thrill of witnessing Olympic hopefuls reach new heights.
Spring
Only nay-sayers would look at the spring months and consider them fruitless. The more experienced traveler knows that Spring in a Mountain town is a non-stop party. Live like a local and catch the last bit of snow on the mountain (preferably in costume). Or get in the gruv to live music weekly. Park City is yours to explore in Spring!
Spring Gruv & Pond Skimming (March-April)
- Shed the layers and bask under bluebird skies! The resorts continue the winter fun by organizing Spring Gruv, a weekly live outdoor concert series. Bear witness to the most thrilling event of the season, Pond Skimming. Where the adventuresome don kooky costumes and attempt to skim over a pond.
Wasatch Film Festival (April)
- A film festival not for the faint of heart. The week-long Wasatch Mountain Film Festival features over 50 films between Park City and Salt Lake, showcasing stories of extreme outdoor adventure.
Spring
There’s a local saying here in Park City. “Come for the winter, stay for the summer.” Don’t believe it? Fewer crowds and affordable prices might just have you reconsider Park City as a winter-only destination. Not to mention extended daylight hours for more time to pack in the fun! Check out these world-class outdoor events, activities, and festivals that keep our mountain town bustling in the “off” season.
Savor the Summit (Late June)
- A different take on “street food” This one-of-a-kind event elevates the already impeccable dining experience in Park City to new heights by shutting down Main Street and turning it into the largest outdoor dinner party! Take a seat with 2,500 others and enjoy the culinary talents of Park City’s best restaurants in the fresh open air.
Kimball Arts Festival (Early August)
- Considered one of the premier art festivals in the nation, this 3-day festival hosts 200+ of the best fine artists from across the country to sell their masterpieces on Main Street. Get in touch with your inner artist and explore the vibrant offerings, live music, craft stations, and food trucks.
Independence Day Celebrations (Early July)
- Celebrating America’s birthday at 7,000 feet is no small feat. Parades, activities, races, and more await you in and around Park City. After a full day of fun in the sun, head to the base of Park City Mountain Resort, and be treated to impressive firework displays that color the Wasatch range in light.
Fall
Park City is beautiful 365 days a year. However, our town is most magnificent when the landscape is transformed by yellows, reds, and oranges! These prime outdoor activities, festivals, and celebrations will have you in awe with Autumn in Park City.
Autumn Aloft (Mid-September)
- Park City’s loftiest event might not be what you have in mind. To signal the start of the Autumn season, 20+ hot air balloons take to the skies to the delight of spectators on the ground!
Scenic Trail and Drives (Late September-Mid October)
- Leaf peepers unite! Park City is home to over 400 miles of continuous non-motorized trails, so there is no shortage of options for visiting hikers, bikers, and photographers. For those looking to cover more ground, simply going for a drive can leave you breathless!
Oktoberfest (October)
- Leave the passports at home and celebrate this world-wide phenomenon at 7,000 feet at Park City Mountain Resort! The resort puts on a 3-day annual hommage to Bavarian culture featuring polka dancing, brat eating, keg bowling, alpenhorn blowing, and of course, beer drinking! Don’t forget the lederhosen.
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Puke Hill is an infamous Park City local challenge
There are dozens of trails all over Park City. Hundreds of miles of carefully curated paths wind in, around, and through every corner of town. They range in challenge from flat, paved circuits to hilly knots of bare earth. One popular trail, Wasatch Crest, takes in 20 miles of picturesque terrain along the top of the crest between Park City and Big Cottonwood Canyon. Beloved by riders, this beautiful trail can be hard to access. Guardsman Pass provides entry to the trail system by way of a notorious stretch of trail known to locals as “Puke Hill.”
Puke Hill is an infamous local challenge, a half-mile section of loose gravel road that proves a brutal start to an amazing trail. Puke Hill is, itself, mostly an access road that allows the servicing of equipment at a nearby tower. The road has since been coopted to also allow access to the Wasatch Crest trail for anyone brave enough to take on Puke Hill.
There are dozens of trails all over Park City. Hundreds of miles of carefully curated paths wind in, around, and through every corner of town. They range in challenge from flat, paved circuits to hilly knots of bare earth. One popular trail, Wasatch Crest, takes in 20 miles of picturesque terrain along the top of the crest between Park City and Big Cottonwood Canyon. Beloved by riders, this beautiful trail can be hard to access. Guardsman Pass provides entry to the trail system by way of a notorious stretch of trail known to locals as “Puke Hill.”
For some cycling enthusiasts, taking the hill quickly is a competitive affair. Strava, a sort of cycling social media site and stat tracker, records top times from riders’ attempts to tackle the incline. Even though the average completion time for the short stretch is a lengthy 15 minutes, the record holder at the time of writing managed to race up to the crest in under four-an impressive feat by any estimation.
For the rest of us, Puke Hill stands as a defiant challenge, daring us to ascend to Wasatch Crest before enjoying the incredible views from the top. It is an infamous hill, and a sweaty, difficult warm-up for those who want to enjoy the rest of the trail.
Virtually Experience Puke Hill
(Video credit: Caleb Woolard)
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