The 10 Best Hiking Trails Near Park City Utah This Winter!
Photo from westgateresorts
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Farm Trail
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The Lofty Lakes Loop
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The Round Valley Trail System
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Jenni’s Trail
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Bald Mountain
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Silver Lake Trail
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Iron Canyon Trail
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Fantasy Ridge
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Dawn’s Trail
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Glenwild Loop
The 10 Best Hiking Trails Near Park City Utah
“I took a walk in the woods, and came out taller than trees.” – Henry David Thoreau
If you’re visiting Park City as an outdoor enthusiast, you’re in for a real treat. It should come as no surprise that the best hiking trails near Park City Utah are as varied in length and intensity as the natural landscape that shrouds this winter wonderland during the later months. This bustling Utah community boasts a wide range of public parks, scenic trails, state parks and preserves, and other amazing opportunities for hikers looking for a good day trip in the great outdoors surrounded by the beautiful Wasatch Mountains. In fact, Park City boasts “one of the most extensive, continuous trail systems in the nation” with “400 miles of continuous, non-motorized recreational trail,” according to the Mountain Trails Foundation. In addition, Park City was recently recognized as the “Best Town Ever” by Outside magazine for its multitude of outdoor recreational opportunities. Whether you are a neophyte hiker or an experienced trailblazer, you will find just the right Park City hiking trail to suit your needs.
To prepare for your Park City hiking excursion, make sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring a fully charged cell phone, check weather conditions in advance and pack plenty of water, high-energy snacks and sunscreen, as well as hiking poles if you’re going on a steep hike. In addition, if you are planning to bring Fido along on your hike, check to see if the trail is dog-friendly (and whether or not they are allowed off leash). Also, note that some trails are accessible to both hiker and mountain bikers. Last but not least, be on the lookout for wildlife and always give any animals you encounter on the trail plenty of space. Here are 10 Park City hiking trails you need to know about, and you can access them without a reservation during regular hours:
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1 | Farm Trail | Easy for the whole family, this entire Park City trail is paved, so it is ideal for groups with kids or anyone with a mobility aid. There’s no need for any previous experience or expertise, and there are miles of paved trails that give you views of grazing horse pastures and even McLeod Creek. By the way, the Farm Trail captured the No. 1 spot on Visit Park City’s list of “5 Park City Hikes with the Best Nature Views.” Note that the Farm Trail is pet friendly (pets must be on a leash at all times).
DISTANCE: 3.6 miles | DIFFICULTY: Easy
WHERE: Off Highway 224 (directly across the street from the historic McPolin Barn, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places)
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2 | The Lofty Lakes Loop | If you’re looking for an experience that has a more definite start and stop without having to worry about a long walk back to the car, this easy Park City loop trail with a moderate elevation gain and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains will make sure you wind up where you started. One of the most popular and scenic hiking trails in the Uinta Mountains, the Lofty Lakes Loop offers 4 miles of beautiful lakeside hiking (passing by Scout Lake, Lofty Lake and Kamas Lake) that is built to be accessible and well-maintained.
DISTANCE: 4 miles | DIFFICULTY: Easy to Moderate
WHERE: Pass Lake Trailhead off the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway (State Road 150)
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3 | The Round Valley Trail System | The last of the easy Park City trails on this roundup, the Round Valley Trail System provides you with the ability to plan a round-trip easily like the Lofty Lakes Loop, but its complex set of paths also gives you the opportunity to change the length of your hike to suit, so you can take a different way through the terrain each time you come. With up to 6 miles of trail to hike, you’ll be sure to leave something out there to see next time. Ideally located just northwest of Park City’s Historic Main Street, the Round Valley Trail System is pet friendly (leashes are not required). Since there is limited shade on the trails, make sure to bring along sunscreen when hiking the Round Valley Trail System.
DISTANCE: up to 6 miles of trails | DIFFICULTY: Easy to Moderate
WHERE: Quinn’s Junction Trailhead (84098 Gillmor Way)
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4 | Jenni’s Trail | A newer hiking trail addition to the Park City area, this challenging path takes you through hiking trails that start at the Park City Mountain Resort and ascend 1,300 miles to some of the most scenic overlooks in the area. Jenni’s Trail meanders “through meadows and aspen groves back and forth under the PayDay chairlift,” according to Park City Magazine. A moderate challenge for hikers with a little experience, this trail will put you through your paces without requiring a lot of technical skill.
DISTANCE: 5.1 miles (one way) | DIFFICULTY: Moderate
WHERE: Start from the Park City Mountain Resort
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5 | Bald Mountain | Another of the Park City area’s moderately challenging hiking trails with a great view, this one takes you on a 5-mile hike up into the High Uintas, to an escalation above 12,000 feet. For those not used to high altitude hiking, this will prove to be a hard climb and one that requires a little advance training. Luckily, the moderate length makes up for it a little. Those used to mountain trails above 10,000 feet will find it a good use of the day that leaves them tired in just the ways hikers want. Be sure to check weather conditions before you hike Bald Mountain and avoid hiking the trail if lightning is possible in the area.
DISTANCE: 5 miles | DIFFICULTY: Moderate
WHERE: Bald Mountain Trailhead (take the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, AKA State Road 150)
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6 | Silver Lake Trail | This strenuous hike is designed for experienced climbers and it’s even accessible via Park City public transportation. That makes it a great day trip for locals as well as an accessible tourist destination that lets you take a break from driving unfamiliar roads. Depart from Deer Valley Resort’s Silver Lake Lodge and climb 2 miles of Bald Mountain, enjoying a unique view of the area (including Jordanelle Reservoir) as you ascend 1,300 feet. The Silver Lake Trail is characterized by some tight switchbacks and rocky terrain, as well as some spectacular views along the way.
DISTANCE: 4 miles | DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
WHERE: Silver Lake Lodge at Deer Valley Resort
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7 | Iron Canyon Trail | This medium-intensity hike is 5 miles long with an elevation gain of 900 feet and launches from a point you can walk to if you’re downtown in Park City. That makes it ideal as a half-day adventure when you’re going to be shopping or doing other sightseeing downtown, and it also makes it easy to incorporate into visits with friends and family in the Park City area. If you’re coming in the fall, the Iron Canyon Trail has an ideal view of the area’s color from the overlook you pass by during your hike. The Iron Canyon Trail is also known for its outstanding birding opportunities. Leashed dogs are allowed on the Iron Canyon Trail.
DISTANCE: 2.25 miles | DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
WHERE: Iron Canyon Neighborhood (just 5 minutes from downtown Park City)
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8 | Fantasy Ridge | One of the most difficult trails in Park City, this 6-mile hike is strenuous but worth it for the views of the Uintas, and it also takes you to the top of Desolation Peak, Park City Mountain Resort’s highest peak at 9,900 feet (with a serious elevation gain of 1,890 feet!). Once you reach the top of Desolation Peak, you will enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding area. If you’re visiting all the summits in the area, this is a must-see. Best of all, Fantasy Ridge is a dog-friendly hiking trail, so be sure to bring the pooch along for a great day’s adventure in Park City.
DISTANCE: 6 miles | DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
WHERE: Canyons Village at Park City Mountain Resort
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9 | Dawn’s Trail | Uphill only for bikes but multi-directional for hikers, this Park City hiking trail was named for a local volunteer and it provides a lower-intensity option branching off from the Armstrong Trail, a multiuse trail with similar sights. By the way, Dawn’s Trail is easily accessible from Park City Mountain Resort.
DISTANCE: 3.3-mile & 4.9-mile loops | DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
WHERE: Armstrong Trail, Park City Mountain Resort
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10 | Glenwild Loop | Last (but not least) on this list is another Park City loop trail that lets visitors plan on knowing where they will end up. It’s a lengthier but easier hike than many on the list, so it’s great for younger families. Known for its beautiful wildflowers during the summer, the Glenwild Loop trail winds around the Glenwild Golf Club and features many wide open vistas, so be sure to bring along plenty of sunscreen for your hike. Leashed dogs are allowed on the Glenwild Loop trail.
DISTANCE: 8.5 miles | DIFFICULTY: Easy to Moderate
WHERE: Kimball Junction exit from I-80 (accessible from the Spring Creek Trailhead on Glenwild Drive)
Need A Handy Trail Series Map? Your Hiking Wish Is Our Command!
If you’re excited to hit the trail but not sure where to start, much less which direction your closest trail is in,… here’s a super handy Park City trail map you can use to get oriented and on the path to sore feet, mountain top vistas, and the glory of sweat-earned inspo shots to adorn your instagram timeline with as you swap shots after your hike at one of Park City’s best distilleries with your hiking crew!
Get Ready to Hit the Trails and Explore The Great Outdoors With Our Trail Series!
Whether you’re planning an epic day hike up Bald Mountain or a short leg stretcher to get some fresh air on the scenic Farm Trail, you’ll find the perfect hiking trail to suit you and your family’s needs in Park City! If you would like a little extra motivation to get you started, just heed the inspired words of legendary naturalist John Muir: “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.”
Whether you’re seeking solace from your recent victory on the Park City hiking trails scene or mountain biking trails, need an inside track for Park City hotel discounts, or you’re just scoping the best Park City coffee shops or other places to eat in Park City, near some of the best hotels in Park City, you’ll discover everything you need on our travel blog! Now go take a hike!
For more information, please contact a Vacation Specialist at 888-852-2959. Westgate Owners: To book your week online please visit: https://my.westgateresorts.com/.