Sitting in the Wasatch Mountains about 30 minutes east of Salt Lake City, Park City is best known as a winter ski destination, but summer is when the area shines for outdoor adventure. Once the snow melts, ski runs turn into hiking and mountain biking trails, gondolas stay running for scenic access, and the surrounding mountains open up without the crowds.
Unlike many national parks, Park City works more like an adventure basecamp. You can mix lift-served trails, alpine hikes, reservoirs, scenic drives, and easier access to less-developed parts of the Wasatch.
This guide focuses on what Park City is like to visit in summer, what is actually worth your time, and how to decide if it is a good fit for your trip.
Quick Takeaways
- Visitors can hike, mountain bike, raft, fly fish, golf, or ride zip lines and alpine coasters, with most activities concentrated around town and nearby resorts
- Park City sits around 7,000 feet in elevation, which typically means cooler summer temperatures than the Salt Lake City valley
- Festivals and outdoor concerts are common during the summer and can shape the atmosphere and crowd levels
- Historic Main Street anchors the town with shops, restaurants, and seasonal markets
- Lodging options are plentiful, ranging from hotels and resorts to vacation rentals
- Public transportation is more limited in summer, so having a car is often helpful depending on the activities you plan
Who Will Love Park City
- You want a mountain destination with both outdoor activities and a real town attached
- You like having options: hiking, resort activities, historic areas, and events all in one place
- You prefer cooler summer temperatures without giving up dining and lodging variety
- You enjoy trips where you can mix active mornings with relaxed afternoons or evenings
- You want flexibility rather than committing your entire trip to one type of activity
Who May Be Frustrated in Park City
- You are visiting in summer expecting a ski-town experience without realizing most winter energy is seasonal
- You want everything to be walkable regardless of where you stay
- You are sensitive to crowds and visiting during peak summer weekends or festivals
- You expect a quiet mountain escape rather than a destination that balances tourism and daily life
- You prefer destinations where nature feels immediate and uninterrupted rather than integrated with a town
Map of Adventures
Here’s a visual overview of the major hikes, overlooks, and activities around the great state of Utah, including Park City. Click any pin for photos, details, and more information.
Top Outdoor Adventures
These are the outdoor and in-town experiences we personally did while visiting Park City in summer.
Historic Park City Village
Historic Main Street is the social center of Park City, lined with shops, restaurants, and seasonal events. It is an easy place to spend a few hours between outdoor activities, especially in the evening or during festivals. Most visitors end up here at some point, even on trips focused primarily on the outdoors.
Scenic Gondola Ride
The Park City gondola offers an easy way to gain elevation and views without committing to a long hike. Riding up gives you a sense of the surrounding terrain and how the town sits within the Wasatch. It works well as a low-effort activity or as a way to break up more physical days.
Hiking Holly’s Trail
Holly’s Trail is a moderate hike that offers elevated views over Park City and the surrounding valleys. The trail is accessible from town and works well as a half-day outing rather than a full day commitment.
Utah Olympic Park Ski Jump Show
Utah Olympic Park offers a look at Park City’s Olympic history along with hands-on activities that are still actively used for training. In summer, this is one of the most distinctive stops in town, especially if you want something physical that is not a hike.
Summer Bobsled Experience
The summer bobsled ride at Utah Olympic Park is one of the most unique experiences in Park City. Riders descend the actual Olympic track with a trained driver, reaching high speeds and sharp turns in a short but intense run. It is fast, physical, and very different from most typical summer attractions. We thought it was worth the money.
Utah Olympic Park Musuems
Utah Olympic Park includes several small museums that cover Olympic history, winter sports, and athlete training. These are easy to explore before or after other activities and help add context to what you are seeing on the grounds. They work well as a low-effort option if you want a break from more physical activities.
Nearby Adventures
Brian Head, UT
Brian Head is a high-elevation mountain town in southern Utah that works better as a separate stop than a quick add-on from Park City. It is known for cooler summer temperatures, scenic drives, and easy access to alpine-style terrain. This makes it a good option if you are building a longer Utah road trip and want a very different mountain environment than the Wasatch.
Kolob Canyon (Zion National Park)
Kolob Canyon is the lesser-visited section of Zion National Park, located off I-15 north of the main Zion Canyon. From Park City, it works best as a stop if you are traveling south through Utah rather than as a standalone day trip. The short scenic drive and canyon viewpoints make it a low-effort way to experience Zion’s scale without committing to the crowds or logistics of the main canyon.
Other Adventures You Can Do in Park City
These are additional activities available in and around Park City. We did not have enough time to check them out, but they are popular options depending on the season, weather, and how active you want your trip to be.
More Activities
Summer Activities
- Mountain Biking: Park City has an extensive trail network and is well known for both in-town and downhill riding. Rentals are widely available through resorts and local shops.
- Horseback Riding: Guided horseback rides are offered in the surrounding mountains and valleys, usually focusing on scenery rather than technical riding.
- Rafting and Water Sports: The Weber River and nearby reservoirs support activities like rafting, tubing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking.
- Fly Fishing: Park City is close to several rivers and streams known for fly fishing, including sections of the Provo and Weber Rivers.
- Hiking: In addition to trails directly around town, there are many alpine and foothill hikes throughout the Wasatch. Options range from short scenic walks to longer, more exposed routes.
- Golf: Several public and resort golf courses operate during the summer season, taking advantage of cooler mountain temperatures.
- Hot Air Ballooning: Balloon rides are offered seasonally and provide a very different perspective on the surrounding valleys and mountains.
- Zip Lines and Alpine Coasters: Resorts like Park City Mountain operate zip lines and alpine coasters in summer.
Winter Activities
While this guide focuses on summer, Park City is widely known for winter recreation. Common winter activities include:
- Downhill and Cross-Country Skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Dog Sledding
- Snowmobiling
- Sleigh Rides
- Tubing
- Ice Skating
When to Visit Park City
Park City is a year-round destination. Summer offers the widest range of non-ski activities, while winter centers almost entirely on snow sports. We visited in late June, when summer activities were ramping up but crowds were still manageable.
| Season | What It’s Like | Crowd Levels | Things to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Late Spring to Early Summer (May–June) | Snow melting at higher elevations, cooler temperatures | Low to moderate | Some trails and resort activities may still be limited early in the season. Weather can change quickly. |
| Summer (July–September) | Warm days, cool mornings and evenings, full access to summer activities | Moderate to busy | Peak summer season. Festivals and events are common, especially on weekends. Afternoon storms are possible. |
| Fall (October) | Cooler temperatures, fall colors, less visitors | Moderate | Shorter days and variable weather. |
| Winter (November–March) | Snow-covered landscape, winter activities focused experience | Busy during peak ski season and holidays | Winter travel is centered around skiing and snow activities. Lodging prices and crowds increase significantly during holidays and powder cycles. |
Where to Stay and Eat in Park City
Park City has a wide range of lodging and dining options spread across a few distinct areas. Where you stay will shape how much you drive versus walk, and which activities are most convenient.
Where to Stay
- Historic Park City and Main Street
Staying near Historic Main Street makes it easy to walk to shops, restaurants, and events. This is what we chose and found it convenient for evenings and downtime between activities. It works especially well if you want to limit driving and spend time in town. - Near the Ski Resorts
Lodging near Park City Mountain or Deer Valley puts you closer to lifts and resort-based activities. In summer, this can be a good option if your focus is gondolas, resort amenities, or quick trail access rather than town life. - Near Utah Olympic Park and Kimball Junction
Staying closer to Olympic Park or Kimball Junction offers easier access to I-80 and activities on the edge of town. This area can work well if Olympic Park is a priority or if you are using Park City as part of a longer road trip.
Across all areas, lodging options range from hotels and resorts to condos and vacation rentals, making it relatively easy to find something that fits different travel styles and group sizes.
Where to Eat
We found plenty of dining options throughout Park City, especially around Main Street and the surrounding neighborhoods. Choices range from casual spots to sit-down restaurants, with many places geared toward visitors coming off the trails or out for the evening.
If staying outside the historic core, having a car makes it easier to move between lodging and dining areas. If staying near Main Street, most meals are walkable.
Planning Note
During peak summer weekends and festival periods, lodging availability can tighten and popular restaurants can fill up quickly. Booking accommodations early and planning dinners ahead can help avoid last-minute stress.
Practical Information for Visiting Bryce Canyon
Altitude
Park City sits at roughly 7,000 feet, which is noticeably higher than Salt Lake City. Most visitors adjust quickly, but it is still worth planning lighter activities on your first day and staying hydrated, especially if you arrive from lower elevations.
Getting Around
Park City is spread out, and how easy it feels depends on where you stay.
- Car: Having a car makes the trip significantly easier, especially if you plan to visit Utah Olympic Park, trailheads outside town, or nearby reservoirs.
- Walking: If you stay near Historic Main Street, many shops and restaurants are walkable.
- Public Transportation: Park City does have a free bus system, but summer routes and frequency are more limited than in winter. Depending on your plans, buses may not fully replace a car.
Parking
Parking is generally manageable in summer but varies by location.
- Main Street: Street parking and public lots are available, but they can fill during festivals and weekends.
- Resorts and Trailheads: Parking is typically available, though popular trailheads can fill earlier in the day.
Cell Service
Cell service is generally reliable in town and along major roads. Coverage can become spotty on trails, at higher elevations, and in more remote areas. Download maps or directions in advance if you plan to hike or explore outside town.
Weather and Conditions
Even in summer, weather can change quickly in the mountains.
- Mornings and evenings are often cooler.
- Afternoon storms are possible, especially later in summer.
- Layers are useful year-round.
Conditions, operations, and access can change based on weather.
Park City FAQs
How many days do you need in Park City?
Most visitors find 2 to 4 days works well. This allows time to explore town, do a few outdoor activities, and visit places like Utah Olympic Park without rushing.
Is Park City worth visiting if you are not skiing?
Yes. While Park City is best known for skiing, summer offers a wide range of non-ski activities, including hiking, gondola rides, historic sites, and Olympic Park experiences. That said, winter visitors who are not interested in snow sports may find fewer options.
Is Park City good for a summer trip?
Yes, especially if you want a mountain destination with cooler temperatures and a mix of outdoor activities and town amenities. Summer is when Park City feels most balanced for non-ski visitors.
Do you need a car in Park City?
It depends on where you stay and what you plan to do. Staying near Main Street makes it easier to get around on foot, but a car is helpful for reaching trailheads, Utah Olympic Park, and areas outside town.
Can you visit Park City year-round?
Yes. Park City operates year-round, but the experience changes significantly by season. Winter trips are centered around skiing and snow activities, while summer trips focus on hiking, events, and outdoor recreation.