Your Expert Navigator to the Best Trails, Views, and Post-Hike Perks
Quick Guide
Trail Types: Alpine, forested, high-desert, lift-access, hike-only
Skill Levels: Beginner to advanced
Distance Range: <2 miles to 10+ miles
Best Time to Hike: June to October
Dog Friendly: Many trails are, but leashes often required
Good to Know: Download the Trailforks or Mountain Trails Foundation app
Local Tip: Use the free Transit to Trails shuttle for peak-season access
Why Go Hiking in Park City?
When the snow melts, hiking in Park City takes center stage. The trails come alive with wildflowers, wildlife, and fresh mountain air. From high-alpine meadows and ridgelines to shady forests and desert scrubland, Park City offers something for every hiker. With 450+ miles of scenic, interconnected trails, you can walk out your door and onto a trail within minutes.
Even better? Many hikes begin with a scenic chairlift ride, so you can skip the hard climb and get straight to the good stuff.
For this article, we’ve tapped a local year expert–Art Myshrall, a top guide at White Pine Touring. He is available for guided hikes, guided mountain bike rides, and more.
Plan Your Hike
Parking & Access
- Busy trailheads like Bloods Lake and Bonanza Flat often fill early. Use the Transit to Trails shuttle (free!) for stress-free access.
- Newpark Resort guests are within 10-15 minutes of multiple trail systems, including Glenwild, Round Valley, Park City Mountain Resort, and Deer Valley.
Gear & Supplies
- Stop by Backcountry, Jans Mountain Outfitters, or Mountain High Outfitters for last-minute gear.
- Grab trail snacks and drinks from Whole Foods or Smith’s (both close to Newpark).
Trail Navigation
- Use Trailforks, AllTrails, or the Mountain Trails Foundation app.
- Trail signage is good, but cell service can be spotty at elevation. Download offline maps.
Top Destinations for Hiking in Park City This Season
Local Favorites (with rewarding views!)
PC Hill Trail
1.7 miles round trip | Moderate | Great for sunrise/sunset
Short, sweet, and steep enough to get your heart rate up. Rewarding views over town make this a local go-to for early mornings and golden hour.
Rob’s Trail
4.8 miles round trip | Moderate | Shaded forest trail
This gently climbing trail through aspens and spruce is dog-friendly and connects to the Mid Mountain Trail for longer outings. Go early to beat both sun and mountain bikers.
Olympic Legacy Loop (at Utah Olympic Park)
2.5–3 miles | Easy/Moderate | Scenic + family-friendly
This quiet, scenic trail loops through aspens and meadows above Utah Olympic Park. It’s lightly trafficked, great for spotting wildlife, and offers gentle elevation—perfect for a peaceful walk or a trail run. There are also excellent bonus trails that stem from this loop.
Lift-Access Hikes (Ride Up, Hike Down)
Silver Lake Trail (Deer Valley)
5 miles round trip or ~2.5 miles down with lift assist
Ride Sterling Express to Bald Mountain and descend via meadows and fir trees. For a short walk, explore the hike-only Red Cloud Trail up top.
Jenni’s Trail (PCMR)
3 miles down | Moderate | Shaded and scenic
Take Payday Express up and descend via smooth switchbacks. It’s a popular multi-use trail, so go early to avoid bikes.
Armstrong to Spiro Loop
6+ miles | Moderate/Advanced | Big variety
Start at Silver Star and loop Armstrong > Mid Mountain > Spiro. Popular with bikers, so early mornings are best for hikers. Note: the local high school mountain bike team rides this trail often in the evenings.
Hike-Only Trails (Peaceful & Pedal-Free)
Bloods Lake Trail
2.8 miles round trip | Easy | Dog-friendly on leash
An alpine lake hike that’s become a favorite for its accessibility and no-bikes policy. Pack a picnic and enjoy the quiet.
Olympic Legacy Loop (at Utah Olympic Park)
2.5–3 miles | Easy/Moderate | Scenic + family-friendly
This quiet, scenic trail loops through aspens and meadows above Utah Olympic Park. It’s lightly trafficked, great for spotting wildlife, and offers gentle elevation—perfect for a peaceful walk or a trail run. Extend your adventure by visiting the Olympic museum or ropes course after your hike.
Red Cloud Trail (Deer Valley)
Mellow | Lift-access | Foot traffic only
Stroll through high-elevation meadows without worrying about bikes. Great for families or a romantic walk.
Hidden Gems
Glenwild Loop
8.5 miles or shorter loops | Moderate | High-desert beauty
Minutes from Newpark, this open-sky trail system delivers rolling hills, flowers, and fewer crowds.
Charlie’s 9K Trail
Out-and-back | Moderate | High elevation ridge trail
Accessed via Bonanza Flat or Empire Pass (Transit to Trails helps!). A gentle, scenic option near 9,000 feet with incredible views.
Lost Prospector Trail
Up to 6 miles | Easy/Moderate | Overlooks Old Town
Less crowded than Round Valley with great bang-for-your-buck scenery. Connects with other trails for longer loops.
Moose Puddle Trail
2 miles out-and-back | Easy | Forested and fun
Tucked in the Round Valley area, Moose Puddle is an easy, shady trail that’s great for kids, beginners, or anyone easing into elevation. You’ll pass through pines and meadows and maybe even spot a moose in the early morning. Connects easily with other Round Valley loops.
Trail Etiquette & Wildlife Awareness
Park City is known for respectful, friendly trail users. Keep the vibe alive:
- Yield properly: Bikers yield to hikers; everyone yields to horses.
- Stay on trail: Protect fragile terrain and don’t cut switchbacks.
- Leash and clean up after pets
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Make noise in forested areas to avoid surprise wildlife encounters
- Do not approach or feed wildlife
For more, see Visit Park City’s Trail Etiquette Guide and Wildlife Safety Tips.
Food, Fuel & Recovery
Before You Go:
- The Bagel Den: New York-style bagels, right by Newpark Resort
- Cupla Coffee: Just steps from Newpark. Espresso and fast breakfast eats.
- Five5eeds: Aussie-style café with hearty, healthy eats.
After the Hike:
- Twisted Fern: Seasonal and creative. Perfect for date night.
- Wasatch Brewery: Classic burgers and beers.
- Bartolo’s: House-made pasta and a solid wine list.
Recovery:
- Newpark Sauna & Pool: Dry and wet saunas next to the indoor/outdoor pool
- Newpark Resort Hot Tubs: On-balcony, private, and perfect.
- Pure Sweat + Float Park City: Infrared sauna + float therapy tanks
- Align Spa: Deep tissue and sports massage
Frequently Asked Questions about Hiking in Park City
Q: What are the best hiking trails in Park City for beginners?
A: PC Hill, Bloods Lake, and Lost Prospector are great beginner hikes with easy-to-follow routes and rewarding views.
Q: Can you take a chairlift to hiking trails in Park City?
A: Yes! Both Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Resort offer summer lift access to trails like Silver Lake and Jenni’s Trail.
Q: Are there dog-friendly hiking trails in Park City?
A: Many trails welcome dogs on leash, including Rob’s Trail, Round Valley, and Bloods Lake.
Q: When is the best time to go hiking in Park City?
A: June through October offers the best conditions — snow-free trails, wildflowers in May and June, and amazing fall colors in September and October.
Why Stay at Newpark Resort?
Newpark is more than a place to stay—it’s a perfect hiking HQ. You’re minutes from trailheads, shuttles, shops, and restaurants, with stunning views of Swaner Preserve right outside your door. Whether you’re hitting the trail at sunrise or winding down with wine at sunset, Newpark gives you all the tools (and comfort) to explore Park City right.
Planning to bike too? Check out our full Mountain Biking Guide to Park City.
Ready to hike? Let Park City surprise you. Let Newpark welcome you home.
