The 10 Best Hiking Trails Near Park City Utah This Winter!

Mar 14, 2023

The 10 Best Hiking Trails Near Park City Utah This Winter | Park City Trail Series
By Westgate Resorts
  • McPolin Farm Nature Trail

  • Lofty Lake Loop Trail

  • Round Valley Rail Trail

  • Jenni's Trail

  • Bald Mountain Trail

  • Silver Lake Trail

  • Iron Canyon Trail

  • Fantasy Ridge Trail

  • Dawn's Trail

  • Glenwilde Loop Trail

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.

Best Hiking Trails Near Park City

To prepare for your Park City hiking excursion, make sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring a fully charged cellphone, 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 | McPolin Farm Nature 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: 1.75 miles | DIFFICULTY: Easy

WHERE: The Farm Trailhead is located on the east side of HWY 224 directly across from the McPolin Barn. Paved parking lot and trailhead kiosk. Bathrooms nearby at the McPolin Barn accessed via the tunnel under HWY 224.

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2 | Lofty Lake Loop Trail | Check out this 4.5-mile loop trail near Kamas, Utah. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 hr. 17 min. to complete. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are June through September. Dogs are welcome, but they must be on a leash.

DISTANCE: 4.5 miles | DIFFICULTY: Easy to Moderate

WHERE: This hike starts at the Pass Lake Trailhead just on the Highway near Pass Lake. Start on the Weber River trail. After a short distance you will come to the Lofty Lake Trail on the right. Continue around .7 miles and you will come to the Cuberant Lake Trail junction but continue to the right past Kamas Lake 1.3 miles until you arrive at Lofty Lake less that 1 miles from Kamas Lake. Either return the way you came or continue up the pass and drop down to Scout Lake near a boy scout camp working south and west until you arrive back at the Weber river trail and return to you car.

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3 | Round Valley Rail Trail | Discover this 7.1-mile loop trail near Park City, Utah. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 hr. 47 min. to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, mountain biking, and road biking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are April through November. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.

DISTANCE: 7.1 miles | DIFFICULTY: Easy to Moderate

WHERE: Quinn's Junction Trailhead (84098 Gillmor Way)

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4 | Jenni's Trail | At the base area near the First Time Lift, you will find signage for Jenni’s Trail. Follow the meandering, gentle uphill trail through gorgeous Aspen groves with smooth switchbacks that cross numerous ski runs until it opens up to some beautiful views of Park City Mountain. The trails are a bit of a choose your own hiking adventure, as you can go as long or as short as you want, try an out and back or a loop, by hooking up with a couple of other trails. Partway up Jenni’s Trail, there’s an intersection to head down the lower portion of Crescent Mine Grade (CMG) that will allow you to cut back to the base for a shorter loop hike. To complete Jenni’s trail in its entirety, ignore the CMG turn off and keep going up until you get to Mid-Mountain trail, where you can turn around and head back down Jenni’s or for a longer hike head across Mid-Mountain Trail till it connects with CMG on the right to take you back down to the base.

DISTANCE: 3 miles | DIFFICULTY: Moderate

WHERE: Start from the Park City Mountain Resort

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5 | Bald Mountain | The Silver Lake Trail to Bald Mountain is one of Deer Valley's few foot traffic only trails, allowing hikers to walk in peace and avoid run-ins with downhill bikers. The trail takes you across ski runs and along the East side of Bald Mountain, which has beautiful views of the Jordanelle Reservoir. From the top, take in sights reaching from Guardsman Pass to Mount Timpanogos. If the chairlift is running you can spare your knees by riding down for free, or get the full 4 miles in by returning the way you came. Make it a loop by hiking down the other side of the mountain via Ontario Canyon trail, which is also reserved for hikers only. Note: dogs are not allowed on the mountain.

DISTANCE: 4 miles roundtrip | DIFFICULTY: Moderate

WHERE: Park at the Silver Lake Lodge parking garage and walk up to the Silver Lake base area. With the lodge behind you, walk left between Homestake Express and Silver Lake Express, following the trail into the trees. Note: parking is $30/day.

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6 | Silver Lake Trail | Explore this 4.0-mile out-and-back trail near Park City, Utah. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 hr. 29 min. to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Dogs are welcome, but they must be on a leash.

DISTANCE: 4 miles roundtrip | DIFFICULTY: Strenuous

WHERE: Silver Lake Lodge at Deer Valley Resort

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7 | Iron Canyon Trail | Iron Canyon Trail is a short and steep hike that takes you through some amazing aspen groves on the way up to a stunning panoramic view of Park City. This is not as popular as some trails, so it can be an escape from the crowds and a way to avoid mountain bikers in Park City, which can be hard to do. Bring your dog along the nicely shaded trail that is lined with wildflowers in the summer months. Once you get to the top you will see an amazing view of the Snyderville Basin and Park City below. You can see clear from Kimball Junction over to Bald Mountain of Deer Valley Ski Resort with the Uinta Mountains in the distance. This is a great trail to hit up after work on a hot summer day.

Make sure to not park in Iron Canyon Court (where the trailhead is located) or you will be ticketed or even towed. Just park down the road a bit where the signs let you know it's OK.

DISTANCE: 2.1 miles | DIFFICULTY: Strenuous

WHERE: Iron Canyon Neighborhood (just 5 minutes from downtown Park City)

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8 | Fantasy Ridge | This six-mile trail winds through aspen groves and across a ridge-line to Canyons Resort's highest peak at 9,900 feet The pay off? 1,890 feet of elevation gain with panoramic views of both Park City and the Uinta Mountains.

DISTANCE: 6 miles | DIFFICULTY: Strenuous

WHERE: Canyons Village at Park City Mountain Resort

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9 | Dawn's Trail | Enjoy this 3.6-mile out-and-back trail near Park City, UT. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 hr. 54 min. to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are April through October. Dogs are welcome, but they must be on a leash.

DISTANCE: 3.6 miles | DIFFICULTY: Strenuous

WHERE: Armstrong Trail, Park City Mountain Resort

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10 | Glenwilde Loop Trail | Explore this 8.2-mile loop trail near Park City, Utah. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 3 hr. 29 min. to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking and mountain biking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but they must be on a leash.

DISTANCE: 8.2 miles | DIFFICULTY: Easy to Moderate

WHERE: Kimball Junction exit from I-80 (accessible from the Spring Creek Trailhead on Glenwilde Drive). To find the trailhead: from the parking lot, walk over to the bridge - the road one, not the bike one below.

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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!


Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Hiking Trails Near Park City Utah

Summers in Park City are warm, beautiful, and packed with adventures waiting around every corner. With great weather, soaring mountains, and lush velvety trees, it's easy to see why there are so many amazing hikes Park City is home to.

There is a plethora of options for hiking in park City! Some of the top day hikes include Bloods Lake and Lackawaxen Trail, Silver Lake to Bald Mountain Trail, Lofty Lakes Loop, Three Divide Lakes and Armstrong Trail.

Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, there are 132 scenic trails in the Park City area.

There are lots of things to do in Park City. From sweeping views to technical trails, there are 132 trails to take and explore the great Smoky Mountains.

No. Black bears are currently the only bear species in Utah.

Yes! There are several trails that are great for beginners seeking scenic views without the uphill battle.

The best hike with a panoramic view is the Silver Lake Trail.

The best mountain trails for beginners include Glenwild/Stealth Trail, McLeod Creek Trail and Lost Prospector Trail.

The easiest trails include the Park City Mountain Ski Resort Trail, Glenwild/Stealth Trail, UOP Trail, McLeod Creek Trail and Lost Prospector Trail.

Mid Mountain Trail - Silver Lake Lodge at Deer Valley, Park City. Mid Mountain Trail is a long, challenging, rewarding hike. It's approximately 23 miles long and takes approximately 10 hours for a seasoned hiker to complete. Mid Mountain Trail is a challenging trail that offers panoramic views.

The longest trail in Park City is the Union Pacific Rail Trail at 26.7 miles and 8 hours and 29 minutes.

Some exciting things to do in Park City include walking downtown, skiing at the Deer Valley Resort, visiting the Utah Olympic Park, eating lunch at the High West Distillery & Saloon, and art sightseeing at the Kimball Art Center.

Historic Park City has a rich and storied past. It began as a raucous silver town, nearly faded into history as a ghost town, and then re-invented itself as a ski town that grew into a world-class destination and host to global events such as the 2002 Winter Olympics and the Sundance Film Festival.

Long before Park City became a world-class mountain resort town and venue for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, it was famous for its silver mining. The area boasts a lively and colorful past. Founded by prospectors in the late 1860s, silver was mined here until the early 1970s.

The absolute best time to visit Park City is in the winter. The slopes of the mountain are blanketed in snow and skiers wearing their colorful best, and exciting events begin to take place.

Some of the best intermediate trails in park City include Bloods Lake Trail, Armstrong Trail to Dawns Trail Loop, Bald Mountain via Silver Lake Trail, and Rob’s Trail.

The downtown area is small and walkable. Most hotels are ski-in/ski-out, but there is also a free shuttle service (which includes transportation to Deer Valley), as well as a ski lift in the center of town.

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!


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The 10 Best Places To Eat In Park City Utah | The Best Restaurants In Park City

At Westgate Resorts, when you Check-In, there’s a LOT to Check-Out! Your Park City vacation awaits! Explore our Park City hotel today or talk with a vacation planner at 888-852-2959 or 407-355-2690.

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