When the summer crowds thin out and the winter ski season is still a few weeks away, Park City transforms into something magical. Crisp mornings, golden aspens, and that perfect mountain sunshine make fall one of the most underrated times to visit. Whether you’re here for adventure, relaxation, or a little of both, autumn in Park City is pure magic, and with fewer crowds, you’ll feel like you’ve got the mountains all to yourself.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the 25 best things to do in Park City in the fall, from scenic drives and outdoor adventures to cozy evenings by the fire.
1. Take a Scenic Drive (and Bring Your Camera)
Fall leaf-peeping in Park City is the stuff of postcards, and you’ll want your camera ready when you take these scenic drives. For some of the best foliage in Utah, head up Guardsman Pass, a winding road lined with glowing aspens that peak in late September. If you’ve got more time, make your way out to the Mirror Lake Highway in the Uintas, where alpine lakes reflect the fiery colors. Even a quick spin up Emigration or Big Cottonwood Canyon will reward you with mountain panoramas and plenty of photo stops. Sunrise and sunset are especially breathtaking when the mountains seem to glow from within.
2. Hike Among the Aspens
There’s nothing like crunching through leaves under a canopy of gold. Popular hikes include the Armstrong Trail (gentle and aspen-filled), the Mid-Mountain Trail (crosses the mountainside for miles of color), and Silver Lake Trail near Deer Valley. Pack layers; mornings can be brisk, but you’ll warm up quickly once you start climbing. For more ideas, check out our full guide to Park City hiking trails.
3. Go Mountain Biking in Cooler Temps
Fall is the locals’ favorite time to ride. Trails are tacky, the air is cool, and the views? Unbelievable. Try Round Valley for mellow loops with big color, or Wasatch Crest if you’re up for a bucket-list ride along a high alpine ridge. Rentals and guides are easy to find in town if you didn’t bring your own gear. We cover trails, tips, and insider routes in our complete Park City mountain biking guide.
4. Ride a Scenic Chairlift
Even if you’re not biking or hiking, you can soak up the views with a scenic chairlift ride. Both Park City Mountain and Deer Valley keep lifts running on select weekends into the fall. Sit back, dangle your feet, and watch the aspens shimmer below you.
5. Explore the Kimball Art Center
After soaking up Park City’s fall colors on the trails or scenic drives, why not let that inspiration follow you indoors? At the Kimball Art Center, you can admire rotating exhibitions from local and international artists, many of which echo the textures and tones of the season. Better yet, sign up for a workshop and try your hand at creating your own masterpiece infused with autumn hues. From ceramics to painting, it’s the perfect way to channel the beauty of the mountains into something you can take home.
6. Cast a Line in Gold-Trimmed Rivers
Fly fishing in the fall is peaceful perfection. The Provo and Weber Rivers run just outside of town, offering blue-ribbon trout waters with fewer anglers than in the summer. Autumn hatches bring the fish to the surface, making it a dream for beginners and experts alike. If you’re new to the sport, our Park City fly fishing guide covers the best rivers, seasons, and outfitters.
7. Tee Off on a Fall Morning
Golf with mountain views hits different in the fall. The Park City Golf Club is lined with color, Canyons Golf offers dramatic elevation changes, and nearby Wasatch Mountain State Park has one of the most scenic courses in Utah. Crisp mornings, quiet fairways, and fewer lost balls in the rough make for a perfect round. See our full Park City golf guide for courses, tips, and where to book a tee time.
8. Float Above the Foliage in a Hot Air Balloon
Few experiences top a sunrise balloon ride over Park City. You’ll drift above golden hillsides and mountain valleys as the sun lights up the peaks. Local outfitters like Bigfoot Balloons (year-round) and Skywalker Balloon Company (operating through November) offer fall flights that feel like pure magic.
9. Saddle Up for Horseback Riding
Fall is prime horseback season, with cooler temps for both horses and riders. Local ranches and guides, like Red Pine Adventures (operating horseback rides through fall before shifting to snowmobiling in winter) or Boulder Mountain Ranch at Deer Valley, lead rides through aspen groves and meadows bursting with color.
10. Paddle at Jordanelle or Rockport Reservoir
Fall mornings on the water are calm, crisp, and scenic. Rent a kayak or SUP at Jordanelle Reservoir for wide-open views, or head to Rockport for a quieter setting. Pack a thermos of hot cider and enjoy the stillness of autumn on the water. Our guide to paddleboarding and kayaking has all the details on where to rent gear and launch.
11. Hop Aboard the Heber Valley Railroad
This vintage train winds through farmland and foothills framed by fall colors. Themed rides like the Pumpkin Train or Haunted Canyon Train add a seasonal twist; kids (and adults) will love them.
12. Stroll Historic Main Street
With summer crowds gone, Main Street is a dream in autumn. Explore galleries, boutiques, and coffee shops at your own pace. Don’t miss the Park City Museum if you love local history.
13. Savor Fall Flavors in Park City’s Dining Scene
From farm-to-table restaurants to cozy bistros, fall menus highlight local harvests. Try roasted squash soups, hearty game dishes, and warm cocktails. Riverhorse on Main, Handle, and Fletcher’s often lean into seasonal flavors.
14. Sip Local Brews and Spirits
Autumn is perfect for a pint at Wasatch Brewery or a whiskey flight at High West Distillery (a hot toddy hits just right when the evenings cool off). Brewery patios stay open into fall, complete with fire pits.
15. Browse the Farmers Market
The Park City Farmers Market at Canyons Village runs through October, offering fresh produce, baked goods, and local crafts. Stock up on apples, honey, and fall treats.
16. Taste Wines at Local Events
Join a tasting class at the Fox School of Wine, or look for seasonal food-and-wine pairings at local restaurants. Fall in Park City often brings intimate wine dinners with cozy mountain ambiance.
17. Reset at Newpark Resort’s Spa & Wellness Amenities
After a crisp fall adventure, there’s nothing better than a little recovery time. At Newpark Resort, you can unwind on your private balcony in a bubbling hot tub while gazing out at golden hillsides and mountain sunsets. Or, head downstairs to enjoy the year-round indoor/outdoor swimming pool, wet sauna, and dry sauna. It’s the perfect way to recharge your body and soul before your next Park City outing. Learn more about our private hot tubs and why they’re one of the best ways to relax in Park City.
18. Go Off-Roading on an ATV Adventure
If you want to see Park City’s fall colors with a little more adrenaline, hop on an ATV or side-by-side for a guided backcountry tour. Local outfitters take you deep into the Wasatch Mountains on rugged trails lined with aspens and panoramic overlooks. The crisp fall air, bursts of golden foliage, and the thrill of the ride make this one of the most exciting ways to experience autumn in the mountains.
19. Try Rock Climbing in Cool Temps
Fall’s crisp weather makes for excellent climbing. Local favorites include Echo Canyon and routes in the Uintas, with everything from beginner walls to advanced pitches.
20. Experience Utah Olympic Park
Built for the 2002 Winter Olympics, the Utah Olympic Park is a must-visit any time of year, and fall is perfect for skipping summer crowds. You can tour the Olympic museums, watch athletes training on the ski jumps, or get your own adrenaline fix on the ropes courses, alpine slide, or ziplines. With golden aspens as a backdrop, it’s a fun mix of history and high adventure. Keep an eye on the Park’s calendar for special fall events like the annual Anti-Gala, a local favorite fundraiser-meets-celebration.
21. Visit Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter
Fall is a great time to explore this 1,200-acre nature preserve right next to Newpark Resort. Boardwalks wind through wetlands where you’ll spot migrating birds and maybe even a moose or two.
22. Catch a Show at the Egyptian Theatre
This historic theater on Main Street hosts concerts, plays, and comedy shows throughout the fall. It’s a cozy evening activity when the mountain air turns chilly.
23. Celebrate Halloween, Park City Style
Historic Main Street goes all out for Halloween, with trick-or-treating, costumes, and live entertainment. For something spookier, check out local haunted tours or themed train rides.
24. Play at Woodward Park City
If you’re craving action sports, head to Woodward Park City, a massive adventure park with something for everyone. In the fall, you can ride BMX and mountain bike trails, try out the indoor trampolines and skateparks, or test your skills on ramps and foam pits. Families love their multi-week fall programs (September–November), which let kids and teens build skills across biking, skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding, and more. It’s family-friendly, weather-proof, and a great way to burn energy before winding down at Newpark.
25. Cozy Up by the Fire at Newpark Resort
After a day of exploring, nothing beats coming “home” to Newpark. Many of our suites feature private hot tubs and fireplaces, the perfect way to wind down with a glass of wine or mug of cocoa. With trails, restaurants, and shops just steps from your door, you’ll be ready for whatever tomorrow’s adventure holds.
Why Fall is the Perfect Season in Park City
Fewer crowds, lower lodging rates, and nature’s best show of the year make fall the ultimate “secret season” in Park City. Whether you’re chasing golden aspens on a trail, sipping whiskey by the fire, or flying down a zipline at Olympic Park, you’ll find a different kind of magic here in autumn.
Newpark Resort sits right in the heart of it all, the perfect basecamp for leaf-peeping drives, crisp morning hikes, and cozy evenings. This fall, come experience Park City at its most peaceful and colorful.
