What to do in Park City any time of year

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Kasey Tross
August 1, 2024
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Park City is known for epic skiing, alpine adventures and the Sundance Film Festival, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. This charming Utah mountain town has transformed itself from a historic silver mining town into one of the country’s top resort destinations. Park City is a great spot for  mountain biking, fly fishing, fine dining and much more. And it’s all just an hour drive from Salt Lake City International Airport. As with other major vacation destinations, Park City offers plenty of exciting activities year-round. If you’re a winter sports enthusiast, you’ll want to visit between December and March for prime skiing conditions. But no matter the season, you can find lots to do. If you want ideas for your next mountain getaway, check out these 22 places to go and things to do in Park City.

Summer and fall

No snow doesn’t mean no fun in Park City. From outdoor sports to live events, this town embraces warmer weather with plenty of new adventures.
  • Mountain biking: If you’re an adrenaline junkie and you love testing your limits, the nearly 500 miles of Park City mountain biking trails are ready and waiting to challenge your skills. Prime biking season in Park City is mid-to-late May through September. And there’s no need to bring your own bike — shops in the area offer mid-range rentals to premium mountain bikes. You can even book private bike lessons at the Deer Valley Resort.
  • Scenic chairlifts: Once the skiers have retired for the season, the Park City Mountain chairlifts provide a relaxing (and romantic) ride to the top of the mountain for stunning views and access to hiking trails. 
  • Hiking: Lace up your boots and head up the hills to take in Park City’s alpine lakes and wildflower meadows – and don’t be surprised if you come across some leftover snow! Must-see trails in order of difficulty include Bloods Lake, Lofty Lake Loop and Divide Lakes.
  • Fly fishing: When the melted snow turns into rivers, Park City is ripe for fly fishing. The nearby Provo River and the Weber River are blue-ribbon fisheries, with easily accessible shorelines and plentiful fish. Park City also has lots of bait shops, outfitters and fly fishing guides for fishers of all skill levels.
  • Water sports: As temperatures warm up, Park City’s rivers and lakes are ideal for whitewater rafting, tubing, stand-up paddleboarding and sailing. You can reserve a guided rafting or kayaking tour ranging from a two-hour session to a full-day experience. Tours cater to different ages and skill levels so your whole family can join in the fun. 
  • Deer Valley Music Festival: Pack a picnic dinner and catch a concert under the stars at the Deer Valley Music Festival. The slopeside festival features chamber, classical, pops and country music. The B-52s, Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, LeAnn Rimes, Smokey Robinson, Randy Travis, Gladys Knight, Jewel, and Earth, Wind & Fire have performed at the festival.
  • Park Silly Sunday Market: If you’re looking for some fun on a lazy Sunday, stop by the Park Silly Sunday Market on historic Main Street to shop from local vendors and grab a bite to eat. Held every Sunday from June to September, the nonprofit street festival, arts and farmers market has something for everyone.
Mountain biking near Park City

Winter and spring

Winter is when Park City really shines, but there’s usually still plenty of snow in early spring as well. (And a springtime visit to Park City brings emptier slopes, lower lodging rates and a more relaxed atmosphere.)
  • Sundance Film Festival: Every January the stars shine bright in Park City for the Sundance Film Festival, the largest independent film festival in the country. The annual program includes documentary features, short films, episodic content, emerging media and more. 
  • Snowshoeing: If you prefer to take in the snowy scenery at a slower pace, snowshoeing on a groomed trail is a fantastic way to enjoy the wonderland that is Park City in the wintertime. Snowshoeing is a great physical activity designed for various skill levels, and Park City’s beautiful scenery makes it even more appealing.
  • Sleigh rides: For a little romance, book a sleigh ride for two — or invite the whole gang and make it a party! You’ll glide through powdery snow and take in picturesque views of Park City. Several area companies offer sleigh rides that will immerse you in winter magic.
  • Dog sledding: Experience the power of paws with a Park City dog sled team led by professional handlers. Choose to ride along or take it to the next level and learn the art of mushing. Sledding companies provide personalized dog sledding tours for adults and families with children, and you can even meet and play with the huskies on some of the tours.  
  • Snow biking: If the snowy months have you pining for your mountain bike, snow biking is a fun winter alternative. Hit some of Park City’s designated fat tire bike trails for an exhilarating experience — the most popular trails include Round Valley, Glenwild and Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail, where you can bike up 7,000 feet of elevation.
  • Snow tubing: Snow tubing offers a downhill thrill for the whole family. Lifts and lighted lanes make it fun and easy even after the sun goes down. Head to Woodward Park City for tubes of all skill levels and Soldier Hollow Nordic Center for some of the longest tubing lanes in Utah.
  • Snowmobiling: If you want to explore Park City beyond the slopes, check out one of the many snowmobile companies in the area, which give you access to thousands of acres of land and breathtakingly high elevations. You can zoom through the backcountry or wind your way across acres of private ranchland. At Park City Peaks Snowmobiling, you’ll be able to reach elevations of up to 11,000 feet.
  • Skiing & snowboarding: And of course, Deer Valley and Park City Mountain have slopes for every skill level. At Deer Valley Resort, you’ll find over 2,000 skiable acres and 300 inches of annual snowfall. No matter your age, ability or terrain preferences, this is one of the highest-quality skiing experiences in the world. 
Winter in Park City

Any season

Park City offers plenty of options to enjoy any time of year.  
  • Horseback riding: Looking for an alternative way to experience Park City’s natural scenery? Go horseback riding across Park City’s magical mountain meadows in the warmer months or trot through the serene snowy forest in the winter. You’ll find guided tours of different lengths and for different hours of the day. With access to thousands of acres throughout the valley, horseback riding is sure to deliver a memorable adventure.
  • Tour downtown: The shops and restaurants along Park City’s historic Main Street have plenty to offer. Discover over 100 independent shops and boutiques, 50 local restaurants and performing arts and live performances. (Pro tip: To avoid parking hassles, use the free bus and trolley system to get around town.)
  • Utah Olympic Park: Have you always wanted to try a bobsled? The Utah Olympic Park has one, along with a ropes course, sliding tracks, extreme tubing and the 2002 Olympic Winter Games Museum. The nearly 4000-acre multi-use facility delivers a gold medal experience. 
  • Egyptian Theatre: The Egyptian plays a starring role in the annual Sundance Film Festival, but it’s also home to live plays, concerts, comedy and other entertainment year-round. With origins dating back to the early 1900s, the historic Egyptian provides high-quality entertainment experiences for audiences of all ages.
  • Atticus Tea & Coffee: If you love books and beverages (coffee and tea), you’ll love Atticus. With a cozy, quirky atmosphere and owners who love shredding the slopes, this Park City gem is not to be missed. Atticus also sells an eclectic mix of gifts, journals, cards and 65 varieties of loose leaf teas.
  • High West Saloon: Part restaurant, part distillery, part general store and all atmosphere, High West is a Park City icon. It’s the perfect spot to grab some lunch, dinner or a drink with friends. You can also tour the state-of-the-art distillery, see the aging and bottling processes first-hand, and learn about the history of whiskey in Utah. 
  • The Spa at Stein Eriksen Lodge: The Alpine Serenity at Stein Eriksen Lodge is one of just two Forbes five-star spas in Utah, and every spa treatment comes with complimentary use of other spa facilities including a sauna, steam room, fitness center, private showers, and hot and cold plunge pools. With 16 treatment rooms, fireplaces and plush sofas, the European-style spa offers 23,000 square feet of ultimate relaxation. Try the Signature Stein massage for an invigorating experience.
Park City Olympic Park

Live the Park City life

Longing for a Park City getaway? The best place to stay in this enchanting town is your own second home. Pacaso co-ownership makes luxury second homes in Park City more attainable. View Pacaso listings in Park City and learn more about how Pacaso can help you make your dream vacation home a reality.
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