When Utah turns white, the adventure doesn’t stop at the ski lifts. Beyond Park City’s iconic slopes lies an entirely different kind of powder day — one fueled by adrenaline, horsepower, and miles of snow-covered mountain terrain.
Snowmobiling around Park City opens the door to deep powder meadows, alpine forests, sweeping ridgelines, and high-adventure backcountry zones — all within a short drive of Newpark Resort.
Whether you’re brand new to snowmobiling or you’re chasing the best snow in the Uintas, this is the most complete, up-to-date guide to winter riding near Park City.
For this guide, we collaborated with Bud Larson — owner of Park City Peaks Snowmobiling and one of the most respected snowmobile operators in the region. With decades of experience riding and guiding in the Wasatch and Uinta backcountry, Bud’s insight helped shape our recommendations on terrain, safety, and how to create your memorable snowmobiling adventure.
Why Snowmobiling in Park City Is So Special
Few winter destinations offer such a perfect blend of accessibility and wild, varied terrain. Within 15 to 45 minutes of
Newpark Resort, you can:
- Cruise mellow meadows on private ranchland
- Rip along high-elevation trails in the Uinta Mountains
- Explore deep powder bowls with expert guides
- Discover quiet, scenic valleys far from the ski-resort crowds
There’s truly something for everyone — families, couples, beginners, adventure seekers, and experienced riders alike.
As Bud Larson explains, “The beauty of riding around Park City is the range. You can take a brand-new rider through mellow meadows in the morning and be carving deep powder in the high Uintas by the afternoon.”
Top Snowmobiling Areas Near Park City
To help you quickly understand where the best riding zones are located, here’s an overview organized by direction, terrain type, and drive time from Newpark Resort.
Thousand Peaks (Summit Meadows Adventures)
- Drive Time: ~25 minutes
- Direction: Northwest of Newpark Resort
- Map Link: View on Google Maps
Thousand Peaks is Utah’s largest private backcountry playground. Sprawling across more than 60,000 acres of privately owned backcountry, it offers riders an experience you simply can’t get anywhere else in the area. Imagine carving fresh tracks across untouched meadows, weaving through dense aspen groves, and pulling up to stunning vistas that stretch across the Uinta and Wasatch Ranges.
Because all access is controlled, the snow stays remarkably fresh and the crowds stay blissfully low. This makes it a dream for both beginners (smooth, predictable terrain) and thrill-seekers (plenty of high-adventure zones).
Best For: First-timers, families, scenic riders, anyone wanting the most premium terrain experience
Garff Ranch / Red Pine Canyon
- Drive Time: 10–15 minutes
- Direction: Southwest, near Canyons Village
- Map Link: View on Google Maps
If you’re looking for an easy, close-to-town option, Garff Ranch and the surrounding Red Pine Canyon area deliver that classic Park City snowmobiling vibe. The terrain here is mellow and inviting — wide-open fields with plenty of room to practice, surrounded by tall evergreens that create a picturesque mountain backdrop.
Rides in this zone are typically shorter, making it ideal for families with young kids, first-timers getting comfortable on the throttle, or anyone who wants a fun half-day adventure without committing to a big backcountry mission.
Best For: Short tours, first-timers, families with young riders
Mirror Lake Highway & The Uinta Mountains
- Drive Time: ~45 minutes
- Direction: East toward Kamas
- Map Link: View on Google Maps
The Mirror Lake Scenic Byway transforms into one of Utah’s most spectacular snowmobile corridors in winter. Once the snow piles up, this high-elevation road (over 10,000 feet in places) becomes a gateway to countless miles of snowmobile-friendly terrain.
Expect dramatic scenery — frozen lakes, jagged peaks, untouched meadows — and snow conditions that stretch later into the season than anywhere else near Park City. It’s a favorite for riders craving a true “mountain wilderness” experience with the flexibility to explore all day.
Best For: Confident riders, remote exploration, longer adventures
Weber Canyon & Strawberry Reservoir
- Drive Time: 50–60 minutes
- Direction: Southeast toward Oakley, Woodland & Strawberry Valley
- Map Link (Weber Canyon): View on Google Maps
- Map Link (Strawberry Reservoir): View on Google Maps
If you’re chasing fewer crowds and big, open terrain, Weber Canyon and the Strawberry Reservoir region are worth the extra drive. These areas feature wide, unobstructed valleys perfect for long cruising, along with pockets of deep powder that draw more advanced riders.
Snowmobilers love this zone for its mix of approachable terrain and more advanced play areas — as well as its quieter atmosphere. It’s also one of the best regions for full-day adventures, wildlife sightings, and broad horizons that seem to go on forever.
Best For: Independent riders, returning visitors, backcountry-style outings
Snowmobile Rentals Near Park City
(For guests who want a flexible, self-guided adventure.)
If you’re confident riding on your own, these outfitters offer reliable sleds and excellent access to the Uintas, Wasatch, and surrounding valleys.
Uinta Adventures
Location: Kamas (~25 minutes)
- Prime High-Alpine Access: Based in Kamas, UT, providing the most direct access to the Mirror Lake Highway and the highest elevations of the Uinta Mountains.
- Ride-from-Shop Convenience: Their fleet consists of street-legal UTVs, meaning you can drive straight from their location to the trailheads without needing a trailer.
- Tech-Forward Experience: Rentals feature premium upgrades like Rockford Fosgate audio systems and pre-loaded GPS tablets with local “secret spot” pins.
- All-Inclusive Pricing: They typically bundle necessary gear—including helmets, goggles, and coolers—into the rental price to avoid “nickel and diming.”
Lofty Peaks Adventures
Location: Midway (~25 minutes)
Website: https://www.loftypeaks.com/
- Strategic Heber Location: Headquartered in Heber City, making them the more convenient choice for visitors staying in Park City or Midway.
- Expert Backcountry Guiding: Renowned for their technical snowmobile tours where guides act as instructors, teaching riders how to handle deep powder and off-trail terrain.
- “Ride-Time” Guarantee: They ensure your rental clock starts only when you are actually on the trail, rather than counting the time spent on safety briefings or paperwork.
- Expansive Trail Variety: Because of their location, they offer access to both the southern Uinta National Forest and the Wasatch Mountain State Park trail systems.
- Full-Service Facility: They operate as a long-standing family business (since 1994) that includes a certified repair shop, ensuring their fleet is maintained to high mechanical standards.
Guided Snowmobile Tours Near Park City
(Perfect for beginners, families, and anyone wanting maximum scenery with minimum hassle.)
Trade lift lines for powder meadows and alpine silence. Guided snowmobile tours venture into the Uinta Mountains’ vast backcountry—
think open bowls, aspen glades, and ridge-top views that stretch for miles. (Just east of Park City.)
What to Expect
Tours typically climb to 9,000–10,000+ feet. You’ll cover more terrain in a morning than you could hike in a week, with frequent stops
for photos and hot cocoa. Some tours include lunch at a backcountry warming hut.
Cost
Prices vary by tour operator and depend on the length of the tour. For each driver, 2-hour trips typically cost $250–$300, and half-day tours cost $300–$450.
Pro Tips
- You can double up on a snowmobile (2 people).
- Minimum age to drive in Utah is 16. Kids typically need to be age 5.
- Dress in serious layers—it can get 10–15°F colder than in Park City.
- Wear winter waterproof boots and bring goggles and a neck gaiter for powder spray.
- Bring your camera to remember your experience.
Park City Peaks Snowmobiling (PowderUtah)
Location: Oakley (~35 minutes)
Website: https://www.powderutah.com/
- #1 on TripAdvisor
- High-quality sled fleet
- Access to private mountain terrain
- Good option for confident beginners and experienced riders
- Bud Larson, the owner of Park City Peaks Snowmobiling, contributed his local expertise and decades of riding experience to this guide
Summit Meadows Adventures
Location: Near Utah Olympic Park (~25 minutes)
Website: https://www.utaholympiclegacy.org/venue/summit-meadows-adventures/
Exclusive access to the legendary Thousand Peaks private ranch.
Red Pine Adventures
Location: Near Canyons Village (~15 minutes)
Website: https://redpineadventures.com/
Closest, easiest terrain for first-timers.
Uinta Adventures (Guided)
Website: https://uintaadventure.com/
Scenic rides deep into the Uintas.
Backcountry Snowmobile Tours
Location: Midway (~40 minutes)
Website: https://backcountrysnow.com/
High-adventure, deep-snow specialists for thrill-seekers.
Wasatch Excursions
Location: Wasatch Mountain State Park (~45 minutes)
Website: https://wasatchexcursions.com/
Great mix of groomed trails and open bowls.
What to Expect on a Snowmobile Tour
Whether you’re a complete beginner or you’ve ridden before, Park City’s snowmobile tours are designed to be welcoming, fun, and surprisingly easy to pick up. Here’s what the experience typically looks like from start to finish.
Check-In & Gear-Up
When you arrive at your outfitter’s base camp or trailhead, you’ll check in, meet your guide, and get fitted with a helmet. Most companies also offer goggles, balaclavas, and outerwear rentals if you need them.
Guides will help you adjust your helmet, secure your gear, and make sure you’re comfortable before heading out. It’s a relaxed atmosphere — nobody expects you to know what you’re doing yet.
Safety & Riding Orientation
Before engines fire up, your guide will walk the group through a brief, clear explanation of:
- Throttle and brake control
- How to steer (hint: lean with your body, not just the handlebars)
- How to safely ride uphill, downhill, and across flat terrain
- Group spacing and hand signals
- What to do if you get stuck (it happens, and it’s part of the fun)
The overview is simple, friendly, and designed for first-timers. By the end, most guests are surprised at how approachable snowmobiling feels.
2–4 Hours of Guided Riding
Most tours run between two and four hours, depending on the outfitter and which terrain you choose. Shorter tours stay closer to base camp with wide-open meadows and mellow terrain, while longer tours climb higher into forested ridgelines or deep-powder areas.
During the ride, expect a steady pace with regular breaks to:
- Snap photos
- Switch riders (if you’re sharing a double sled)
- Warm up and hydrate
- Let younger riders stretch or play in the snow
Guides keep the group together and choose routes based on the experience level of the slowest rider — so no pressure, no racing, no stress.
Scenic Stops & Photo Opportunities
Snowmobile tours are as much about the scenery as the riding. Most routes include at least one major viewpoint — a ridgeline overlooking the Uinta Mountains, a sweeping meadow beneath the Wasatch Range, or a quiet clearing surrounded by snow-draped pines.
These paused moments are often guests’ favorite part of the experience.
Beginner-Friendly Trails + Open-Play Zones
Park City-area companies do a great job balancing groomed trails (for comfort and ease) with open-play zones, where riders can test their skills in deeper snow.
Expect a mix of:
- Smooth, packed trails through forests
- Rolling meadows perfect for practicing turns
- Gentle hills that build confidence
- Wider powder fields where you can try carving, climbing, or quicker acceleration
Guides select terrain that matches your comfort level — whether you want a slow, scenic outing or a more adventurous ride with plenty of powder.
Support & Guidance the Entire Time
Your guide rides at the front, sets the pace, and helps riders who need a hand. They’ll:
- Offer riding tips
- Adjust the route based on weather and group skill
- Keep everyone safe and comfortable
- Teach you small skills along the way (like how to lean through turns or tackle a soft-snow patch)
Even in more adventurous zones, you’re never out there alone — and if you get stuck, don’t worry… your guide probably gets you out before you can even pull out your camera to document the moment.
The Overall Vibe
Snowmobile tours in Park City aren’t rushed or intimidating. They’re relaxed, scenic, and incredibly rewarding — a perfect mix of fun, winter beauty, and a touch of adrenaline.
Make It a Full Winter Adventure
Pair snowmobiling with:
- Skiing at Park City Mountain or Deer Valley
- Tubing at Woodward Park City
- Après-ski dining in Newpark Town Center
- A soak in your private hot tub at Newpark Resort
Plan Your Stay at Newpark Resort
With spacious suites, private hot tubs, cozy fireplaces, and unbeatable access to Park City’s best snowmobiling outfitters, Newpark Resort is your ideal winter basecamp.
Book your winter getaway at Newpark Resort and experience Park City’s wild, snow-covered side.
