It’s almost summertime in Park City, when our white-capped mountain peaks have turned a vibrant, neon green, and the 400+ miles of interconnected trails become the main attraction.
Whether you’re a peak-seeking enthusiast with the lungs of a marathon runner or a casual stroller looking for the best wildflower selfie, Park City’s trail system is quite literally the gold standard for awesome hiking.
Here is how to navigate the trails like a local this summer.
1. Choose Your Terrain: High Alpine vs. High Desert
One of the best things about hiking in the Wasatch Back is the variety of ecosystems. You can essentially choose your own adventure based on the temperature and your fitness level.
Round Valley (The High Desert): Located at a slightly lower elevation, Round Valley is a sprawling 700-acre treasure trove of rolling hills and sagebrush. It’s perfect for early-morning hikes before the midday heat kicks in. It’s also dog-friendly (off-leash in many areas!), making it the top choice for those traveling with four-legged family members.
The High Alpine: For those seeking shade and “the big views,” head toward the resorts. Trails like Mid-Mountain—which traverses the mountainside at a consistent 8,000 feet—take you through deep groves of Aspen trees and evergreen forests.
2. The Secret Weapon: Lift-Served Hiking
Why spend two hours sweating through a 2,000-foot vertical climb when you can enjoy the view from a chairlift? Both Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain offer lift-served hiking throughout the summer.
By taking a lift like the Silver Lake Express, you start your hike in the “cool zone.” You can spend your energy exploring the ridges and peaks rather than the base-area access roads. It’s the ultimate “cheat code” for families with kids who want the summit experience without the summit struggle.
3. Beyond the Resorts: Coyote Canyon
For a more serene experience away from the resort crowds, look toward the northern hills of Heber City. The Coyote Canyon Trails offer a different perspective of the Wasatch Back. These trails are expertly designed with flowing switchbacks that offer unobstructed, panoramic views of Mount Timpanogos. It’s the perfect spot for a sunset hike where the only sound you’ll hear is the wind through the tall grass.
4. Essential Trail Etiquette & Safety
To hike like a pro in Park City, there are a few local “rules of the road” to keep in mind:
The Uphill Rule: Hikers traveling uphill always have the right of way. If you’re heading down, step aside and give them the floor—they’re working harder than you!
Moose Awareness: This is Moose Management territory, after all. If you encounter a moose (which is very common in the Aspens), give them plenty of space. They may look like giant, goofy forest horses, but they are the undisputed kings of the trail.
The Sunset Shiver: Never hike without a light shell. Even if it’s 80 degrees at the trailhead, a sudden mountain thunderstorm or a dip in the sun can drop the temperature by 20 degrees in an instant.
5. Mid-July is “Peak” Wildflower Season
If you want to see the mountains in their full glory, aim for the mid-July to early-August window. The meadows of Empire Pass and Bonanza Flat explode into a kaleidoscope of Indian Paintbrush, Lupine, and Columbine.
Park City’s summer trails aren’t just a way to get exercise; they are a front-row seat to the best scenery in the West. So grab your boots, double your water intake, and get out there—the dirt is waiting.
For more info or to chat with one of our knowledgeable local Moose Management staff members, you can call or text us at 435-714-6544.
