Discover the best hikes in Park City, Utah, with this handy guide. Here are 9 epic routes to choose from.
Park City is one of the most well-known cities in Utah. Famous for hosting the Sundance Film Festival and the 2002 Winter Olympics, the city is also home to the United States Ski Team as well as the training center of the Australian Freestyle Ski Team.
Quite the claim to fame, we think.
Even though PC is located less than an hour from Salt Lake City, it offers a totally different vibe. There are less than 10,000 yearlong residents, but the city sees more than 4 million visitors annually.
And it’s no wonder, really; PC is laidback and popular with outdoor enthusiasts. Snowboarding, skiing, dog sledding, mountain biking, hot air ballooning, and, of course, hiking are all readily available adventures.
Speaking of hikes – Park City hikes are known to be some of the most beautiful in Utah.
Don’t believe us? Check them out for yourselves…
Best Hikes in Park City, Utah
Bloods Lake Trail
Length: 2.7 miles
Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Let’s kick off with our favorite treks. At just over 2.5 miles, this out-and-back trail is considered one of the best Park City hiking trails.
The trek is popular all year long but especially between the months of May through October.
The trail is dog-friendly but they must remain on their lead and are not allowed in or near the lake. Bloods Lake trail requires some scrambling at the end, as well as being rocky and steep in some places, but it’s a well-maintained and well-marked trail with other paths connecting to it.
The hike is especially gorgeous in the fall with all the leaves changing color, as well as during the winter after a fresh snowfall.
Fair warning: There’s limited parking at the trailhead so it’s best to get there early.
Wasatch Crest Trail
Length: 18 miles
Time: 8 hours and 30 minutes
Difficulty: Hard
Looking for a challenge? One of the longer and more difficult hikes on this list, Wasatch Crest Trail, is definitely one of the best Park City hikes.
It’s an out-and-back trail and dogs have to be left at home, small kids should be as well.
Though the hike is long, it provides some truly beautiful scenery. The hike is popular but because of its length, you rarely run into groups of other people. Bikers are also permitted on Wasatch so it’s important to remember to share the trail.
During the winter months, make sure you check the avalanche conditions as this trail runs through potential avalanche terrain.
Gambel Oak Loop
Length: 4.1 miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
This loop trail is generally considered to be one of the best easy hikes in Park City.
During the winter, you’ll see many people using snowshoes on this trek. It also goes through avalanche terrain, so check the reports before leaving. Safety first, always.
That said, this hike is both dog and kid-friendly. It’s well maintained and marked but other trails connect to it – so be careful you’re staying on the correct path.
This trail offers gorgeous views of trees on one side of the mountain and headlands on the other. Moose have been known to be seen on this trail, so take precautions.
Armstrong and Spiro Loop Trail
Length: 6 miles
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Medium
One of the most popular hiking trails in Park City, Utah, is the Armstrong and Spiro Trail. This loop is popular with birders, hikers, bikers, and dog walkers, so you won’t be alone.
The trail is pretty smooth and has a slight incline, and it’s recommended that you hike clockwise so you can see mountain bikers coming toward you. April through September are when the trail sees the highest foot and bike traffic.
As with many trails, parking is limited. We suggest you go early, carpool, or arrange for someone to drop you off and pick you up.
And, if you’re hiking during the winter months, it’s crucial that you check the avalanche forecast before starting your hike.
Jenny’s Trail
Length: 3.3 miles
Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
If you ask us, some of the best hiking near Park City is on Jenny’s Trail. The trail is out and back and is shared with mountain bikers.
It’s popular year-round with gorgeous colors showing off in the fall. Summer hikes can get pretty warm as there is little shade, meanwhile, it crosses avalanche terrain so just check the conditions before heading on a winter hike.
The trail can be steep and narrow with blind curves so just keep your eyes and ears open. It’s probably best to leave kids and pets at home.
The trail is not well marked so downloading the map is advisable. Unlike most trails, there’s plenty of parking at this trail, especially during the warmer months as it starts near a ski hill.
Dawn’s Trail
Length: 3.6 miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
This is one of the most gorgeous hikes near Park City. It’s an out-and-back trail popular with birders, hikers, and trail runners.
The trail is most busy from the months of April through October, though it’s especially popular during the fall when the leaves are changing color.
Parts of this trail are steep and narrow and may not be suitable for children, however, leashed dogs are welcomed. There is limited parking at the trailhead so plan accordingly and look for parking at the PCMR parking lot.
We’ll warn you – it’s an uphill climb the majority of the way and some of the trail markers have faded from the sun, so bring a map!
Corvair Trail
Length: 2.9 miles
Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
One of the best hikes around park city Utah, Corvair Trail takes you out and back. Technically considered one of the Deer Valley hikes, it’s popular with hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers.
Dogs are not allowed on this trail and small kids should also be left at home; the trail is narrow and steep at times, following a series of switchbacks. That said, the trail is well-marked and there’s a small parking lot at the bottom of the trail.
The hike goes through the forest so is quite shady on warm sunny days but stays pretty cold on winter days. Wildlife is also pretty common on this trail, so stay alert.
McLeod Creek Trail
Length: 6 miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Many of the Park City hikes can be pretty difficult – which is why we love the next trek. Even though this trail is on the longer side, it’s an easy one.
It’s an out-and-back trail (with hardly any elevation gain) that takes you through wooded areas, over bridges, and past unique sculptures before letting you loose in the open country. Because of this, it’s considered one of the best Park City walking trails.
Parts of the trail are paved and can accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. Better yet, dogs are welcome and the path is popular no matter what time of year it is – at one end of the trail are a fenced-in dog park and lake.
Short Stack Trail
Length: 2.7 miles
Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Another out-and-back trail, Short Stack is one of the best hikes in Park City, Utah, when you’re short on time. If time isn’t an issue, there are trails that connect to this trail if you want to make it longer or turn it into a loop.
Most people hike this trail between April through September and it’s also popular with bird watchers.
Leashed dogs are welcomed on this forest trail, which starts in a residential area. By the way, if the parking lot is full, avoid parking on the streets.
If you’re hiking in the winter, check avalanche conditions prior to setting off.
Park City Hikes: Practical Tips
- To stay safe during Park City winter hikes: Wear layers of synthetic materials and avoid wearing cotton, know the warning signs of frostbite and hypothermia, and avoid hiking solo when possible.
- If you’re hiking in summer, you should always bring more water than you think you’ll need and wear plenty of sunblock.
- Check the weather frequently before you set off (and during if possible) – this helps you to be aware of any potential threats.
- We always recommend starting your hike early so you don’t have to hike after dark.
- While rare, you should always watch out for bears, moose, and mountain lions on the trail. Bringing a bear bell along with you can be helpful.