By Tara Vaught
One of the greatest perks of life at 7,000 feet is being able to step out the door and onto a trail. Park City has more than 400 miles of paths threading through aspen groves, alpine lakes, and old mining ridgelines, which means there's always somewhere new to explore. Whether you want a gentle morning stroll or a full day chasing summit views, the hiking spots in Park City deliver on every level. Here are some of the best trails in Park City.
Key Takeaways
- Park City offers everything from flat, easy paths to demanding alpine climbs
- Some of the best hiking spots in Park City are reachable right from town
- Higher-elevation trails reward the effort with lakes and ridgeline views
- Trail access is a major factor in choosing where to live here
Easygoing Trails for a Relaxed Outing
Not every hike needs to be a workout, and some of the best trails are the unhurried ones. Park City has a handful of gentle, mostly flat routes that let you soak in the scenery without a hard climb.
Where to Start if You Want a Gentler Hike
- The Union Pacific Rail Trail, a flat route with wide Wasatch Mountain views
- The McLeod Creek Trail, a paved path connecting town to Kimball Junction
- The many easy loops in Round Valley, with multiple trailheads to choose from
- The path around Jordanelle Reservoir for open water and mountain scenery
Classic Park City Trails Every Local Knows
There are certain trails that define hiking here, and locals return to them season after season. These routes strike a balance of scenery, length, and access that keeps them at the top of the list. If you want to hike like a resident, start with these.
The Trails Locals Return to Again and Again
- The Mid-Mountain Trail, which runs from Deer Valley across Park City Mountain toward the Canyons
- The Armstrong Trail near the Silver Star lift, known for tree cover and valley views
- Rob's Trail off Bear Hollow, winding through aspen groves
- PC Hill, a short climb rewarded with 360-degree views of town and the resorts
Alpine Adventures for a Bigger Day Out
When you're ready for a real outing, the high country above Park City opens up. These trails climb toward alpine lakes and ridgelines, and the payoff at the top is worth every step. Plan for changing mountain weather and give yourself plenty of time.
Higher-Elevation Hikes Worth the Climb
- Bloods Lake near Guardsman Pass, a short but rewarding walk to a mountain lake
- The Brighton lakes loop, linking Dog Lake, Lake Mary, and Twin Lakes Reservoir
- The Wasatch Crest Trail, with ridge-top views over the Cottonwood Canyons
- The trails around Bonanza Flat, a preserved open space near the top of the pass
Trails Close to Town and the Resorts
Part of what makes hiking here so easy is how close the trailheads are to daily life. Many of the best hiking spots in Park City sit minutes from the neighborhoods and resort bases. That proximity is exactly why the trail network gets so much use.
Hiking Spots Near Park City's Neighborhoods
- Access to the Mid-Mountain Trail right from the Town Lift in Old Town
- The Glenwild and Flying Dog trails near The Woods, with stream crossings and views
- The Utah Olympic Park trails, which pass former 2002 Olympic venues
- The Silver Lake area at Deer Valley, a hub for mountain routes
How Trail Access Shapes Where You Live
For a lot of the people I work with, being near a favorite trail is a real priority. Because the network reaches so many parts of town, your address can put certain hiking spots in Park City right at your doorstep. Matching a home to how you like to get outside is one of my favorite parts of this job.
Neighborhoods Known for Trail Access
- Old Town, with the Town Lift connecting you to Mid-Mountain routes
- Glenwild, built around its own extensive trail system
- Canyons Village, sitting close to resort-base trailheads
- Deer Valley and Empire Pass, near the upper Mid-Mountain access points
FAQs
When is the best time to hike in Park City?
Most trails are in great shape from late spring through early fall, once the snow melts off at elevation. Summer mornings are ideal for beating the afternoon heat, and fall brings golden aspens across the hillsides. Higher-elevation routes tend to open later in the season.
Are there easy hiking spots in Park City for beginners?
Absolutely. The Union Pacific Rail Trail and the paved McLeod Creek Trail are both flat and approachable, and Round Valley has plenty of gentle loops. They're a great way to enjoy the scenery without a demanding climb.
Can I hike right from town, or do I need to drive?
You can do plenty of hiking right from town. The Town Lift in Old Town connects to the Mid-Mountain Trail, and Round Valley sits close to several neighborhoods. For the alpine lakes near Guardsman Pass, you'll want to drive up toward the top of the canyon.
Contact Tara Vaught Today
If exploring these trails sounds like your idea of home, I'd love to help you find a place that puts your favorite hiking spots in Park City within easy reach. From the paths of Round Valley to the ridgelines above Deer Valley, I know how much the right location can shape your everyday adventures.
When you're ready to start looking, reach out to me, Tara Vaught. Whether you dream of trail access from Old Town or a quiet perch near Empire Pass, I'd be glad to help you find your place in this remarkable mountain town.
When you're ready to start looking, reach out to me, Tara Vaught. Whether you dream of trail access from Old Town or a quiet perch near Empire Pass, I'd be glad to help you find your place in this remarkable mountain town.
