Looking for the best Park City hikes? You have come to the right place.
In the beautiful space of northeastern Utah lies a historical, world-renowned location known for its outdoor adventure: Park City, Utah. Offering sustainable tourist attractions, abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, and a lively year-round community, Park City attracts tourists and Utah residents alike for all it has to offer.
Located just 35 miles east of Salt Lake City, Park City is home to several enormous ski resorts that draw winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world. In the boundaries of Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort alone, hikers can find dozens of trail options during every season of the year. Needless to say, there’s no shortage of hiking in Park City, Utah — but some are more worthwhile than others.
One of the most notable things about Park City is its stunning views and mountain routes, so it inevitably draws trail lovers of all backgrounds. Whether you prefer walking, hiking, mountain biking, birding, or running, there’s a trail for everyone near Park City. Keep reading to find out the best Park city hiking trails.
14 Best Park City Hikes That are Super Fun!
1. Bloods Lake Trail
Park City hiking has never been better with this fun hike.
Bloods Lake Trail is a popular, out-and-back hiking destination near Park City. Bloods Lake Trail is definitely a must-try for anyone looking for a short, scenic, and moderately challenging trail that feels rewarding upon completion. As the name indicates, you can expect to enjoy the pristine beauty and refreshing waters of Bloods Lake at the end of the hike, as well as its alpine surroundings.
Bloods Lake Trail is dog-friendly as long as you keep your pet on a leash at all times. Although Bloods Lake is gorgeous at any time of the year, don’t let your dogs swim in it. To make up for it, though, you may continue a short trek about one mile past Bloods Lake to find Lake Lackawaxen, which you (and your dogs!) can freely swim in.
To access the trail, begin at Bloods Lake Trailhead. Many people prefer to ride Transit to Trails to start the trail. Try to arrive at the trailhead early in the day, as parking is often limited.
One of the best hikes Near Park City Utah for sure.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 2.8 miles
Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Elevation Gain: 465 feet
Location: Park City, UT
2. Armstrong Trail
Set in Park City’s Wasatch Mountains, Armstrong Trail is a hiker’s delight thanks to its scenic views and diverse terrain. Hikers of varying abilities can enjoy this trail. It’s also popular among trail runners, mountain bikers, and bird watchers. This is one of the most popular Park City Utah hiking spots because it offers a combination of shaded and unshaded areas, plus plenty of lookout points, forest terrain, mountain views, and serene passages.
If you access the trail through the Park City Mountain Resort parking lot (its main entrance point), expect to hike a few smaller trails before arriving at the Armstrong Trailhead. Or, if you don’t want to venture the extra distance, you can take public transportation directly up to the trailhead. Additionally, there are offshoots that link Armstrong to other trails like Spiro and Mid Mountain. If you’re a seasoned hiker and want to enjoy multiple routes in one day, this is a great option!
Dogs are allowed on Armstrong Trail as long as they are kept on their leash. If dogs are seen being off-leash, expect to pay a fine.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.3 miles
Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Elevation Gain: 672 feet
Location: Park City, UT
Image credit: Tripadvisor
3. Silver Lake Trail
Silver Lake Trail is a hard but strikingly popular out-and-back trail that’s ideal for water lovers, as it includes several creek crossings. It grants hikers access to some of the best 360-views of Park City and its wilderness. Unlike many other Park City hiking trails, Silver Lake Trail is foot traffic only, promising many hikers a calm, quiet experience without worry of oncoming cyclist traffic.
Wildflowers bloom abundantly here in the summer months and dense trees line the expanse year-round. The trail is rather steep with noticeably challenging inclines near the end of the hike. Be prepared for that final push before you reach the peak of Bald Mountain and take in the glorious views beyond.
To access Silver Lake Trail, take free public transportation from the Deer Valley Resort entrance to Silver Lake Lodge, then enter the trailhead. The entire trail is clearly marked so you should have no problem reaching your destination. Dogs are allowed on-leash, and in indicated areas, they’re free to roam off-leash as well.
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 4.5 miles
Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Elevation Gain: 1,423 feet
Location: Deer Valley Resort
Image credit: Tripadvisor
4. Dog Lake, Lake Mary, Twin Lakes Reservoir Loop
Just a short 11-mile drive from Park City, there’s an incredible hiking loop featuring several lakes within the Brighton Resort territory. Most notable of these lake reservoir loops is the hike along Dog Lake, Lake Mary, and Twin Lakes Reservoir. Hikers enjoy vibrant blue waters, scattered mountain peak views, forest terrain, and plenty of inclines.
To access the trail, take Guardsman Pass (during summer) or visit the UDOT website for the latest transport updates. You can also take this loop either clockwise or counterclockwise. Most hikers agree the excursion fares better going clockwise (beginning at Dog Lake) so that you don’t have to grapple with slippery gravel. Plus, the progression of scenic views is more worthwhile.
Hikers have the option to extend this hiking loop to visit Lake Martha and Lake Catherine, but it’s advised that you know which trails are currently open or closed before you go — there can sometimes be closures throughout the year.
No dogs are allowed on this trail. Stay alert, as bear and moose sightings are common along this loop.
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 3.7 miles
Time: 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,053 feet
Location: Brighton Ski Resort
Image credit: Tripadvisor
5. Lake Blanche
Lake Blanche is not only one of the best hikes in Park City Utah, but it’s also a serious hiking spot in the entire state. If you enjoy getting some Type II Fun while enjoying the outdoors, Lake Blanche Trail is a great place to plan your next day hike or backpacking trip.
With over 2,000 feet of elevation gain, steep rocks, and plenty of mental obstacles to overcome, Lake Blanche ends with the rewarding feeling of having accomplished the physical challenge of a mountaineer. But it also ends with a memorable view that will make every muscle ache worth it. Several miles into the hike, you’ll witness the magnificence of Sundial Peak. A few miles later, when you summit the hike, you can enjoy the mountaintop views of Lake Blanche. Additionally, you can create even more beautiful memories with Lake Florence and Lake Lillian in view if you continue the trail.
Begin your adventure at Mill B South Fork Trailhead which you can find just off of Big Cottonwood Canyon Road. No dogs are allowed on this trail, or any other areas of Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 6.7 miles
Time: 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 2,811 feet
Location: Lake Blanche Trailhead
Image credit: Tripadvisor
6. Wasatch Crest Trail
Hike along Park City’s ridgeline peaks on this classic, picturesque trail in the middle of the Wasatch Mountains. As one of the longest and most challenging hikes near Park City, the Wasatch Crest Trail is ideal for experienced hikers, mountain bikers, and backpackers who are familiar with technical, challenging terrain.
If that sounds like too much for a hike, you can always shorten the trek by taking one of the available shuttles. You can also plan your route ahead of time, opting for alternative destinations with fewer miles.
During the spring and summer, Wasatch Crest Trail boasts an abundance of wildflowers, native herbs, and plenty of lovely, fragrant foliage. The views are absolutely incredible, and many hikers feel like they’ve entered a dream that makes every difficult uphill mile worth the effort.
Since this is a long hike along a steep ridgeline, make sure you come prepared with enough gear and supplies. This isn’t a trail for dogs, so leave them at home. Beware of hiking through avalanche terrain during the colder months. You can expect plenty of wildlife sightings as well. A top Park City Utah hiking spot.
Difficulty: Hard
Length: Up to 18 miles
Time: 8.5 hours or more
Elevation Gain: Up to 3,211 feet
Location: Cottonwood Canyons
7. Round Valley Trails
Want to choose your own hiking adventure at any time of the year? Round Valley is the perfect opportunity to do so. With more than 50 miles of trail options consisting of natural, paved, and rocky terrain, you and your hiking buddies can enjoy the beauty of Round Valley without ever hiking the same route twice.
Round Valley is well-known for being extremely dog-friendly, as your pets are allowed off-leash on many of the trails. From timid, beginner hikers to the most intense adrenaline-seeking backpackers, Round Valley never disappoints. If you hike any part of Round Valley in the summer, bring sun protection and extra water, as it’s mostly unshaded.
Be sure to visit Park City’s Mountain Trails Foundation website where you can explore the interactive trail map and plan your next hiking experience. Find suggested easy hikes such as McPolin Nature Trail, or take on challenging singletrack trails such as the 4.8-mile Princess Di. Enter the territory through the Round Valley Trailhead in Park City, or map your route from beginning to end before venturing out.
Difficulty: Easy to Hard
Length: 1-50 miles
Time: Varies
Elevation Gain: Up to 7,200
Location: Park City, UT
Biking and Hiking park City Utah | Image credit: Tripadvisor
8. Lofty Lakes Loop
If you’re going to explore Park City, you won’t want to miss the Uintas Mountains. Hiking in Park City Utah has never been better with this epic trail.
The trail for Lofty Lakes Loop displays some of the best alpine lake views near the Uintas. It’s a moderately challenging, 4.5-mile loop that will leave you rejuvenated and in awe.
Begin at the Pass Lake Trailhead near the highway, and follow Weber River Trail. Keep an eye out for the Lofty Lake Trail marker, and then keep right as you hike past the Cuberant Lake Trail sign in about 0.8 miles. This allows you to hike past Kamas Lake and then continue on about 1.5 miles until you reach Lofty Lake. After you enjoy your time by the lake, hike up the pass which will drop you toward Scout Lake. You will end the loop by Weber River Trail (near the parking lot).
You may have to purchase a 3-day, $6.00 permit to access the Mirror Lake Highway and trail. Purchase a permit from Mirror Lake Scenic Corridor Recreation Area (the ranger station). Or, if you have one, you can use an annual National Parks Pass or American Fork Canyon Pass to park for free.
Dogs are allowed when on a leash.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.5 miles
Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Elevation Gain: 960 feet
Location: Kamas, UT
Image credit: Tripadvisor
9. Gambel Oak Loop
A popular “easy” hike and one of the best in Park City, Gambel Oak is a 4-mile loop that is dog-friendly and family-friendly. Gambel Oak is hikeable all year long and it’s well-maintained by Park City rangers. It’s so popular, in fact, that many locals bring out their snow shoes during winter months.
Beware that some parts of the trail are in avalanche territory, so if you go when there’s snowfall, stay alert for local warnings. There are also narrow brush portions of the trail, and you might have to bring a hat or sunscreen in summer because there is little shade.
Other trails branch off of Gambel Oak, so be sure to keep an eye out to stay on track. You can expect a leisurely hike with beautiful views of two bordering mountains. Beware of moose and other wildlife.
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 4.1 miles
Time: 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 643 feet
Location: Park City, UT
10. Rob’s Trail
Like several other mentionable hiking trails near Park City, Rob’s Trail allows hikers to choose routes of various lengths and difficulty levels. The most popular option is the 4-mile out-and-back trail beginning at the Bear Hollow Drive trailhead. From there, you’ll gradually trek up the trail through pine trees and surrounding hills to the southern portion of Utah Olympic Park.
If you want to extend your hike, Rob’s Trail offers up to 8.5 miles of outdoor adventure. The total 8.5-mile, out-and-back moderately strenuous trek usually takes about 4.5 hours to complete. There can be road closures during different seasons of the year, so make sure you check local wilderness updates.
Dogs are allowed on Rob’s Trail, but they must be on a leash at all times.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 1-8 miles
Time: Varies
Elevation Gain: Up to 1,860 feet
Location: Park City, UT
Image credit: Tripadvisor
11. Corvair Trail
Corvair Trail is a 2.9-mile, moderately difficult out-and-back trail. Because it’s in the Deer Valley Resort territory, you can expect to see a lot of other hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners, and outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Most mountain bikers prefer to take the descending trail, but there’s no shortage of options for exploration either way.
The hills on Corvair Trail can get rather steep and narrow in certain areas of this hike, so it’s not ideal for families with young children. You’ll encounter plenty of switchbacks, shade, dense forest areas, meadow expanses, and beautiful scenery along the hike. In the summer, there are tons of wildflowers and wildlife to observe. There have been moose sightings, bear sightings, as well as plenty of other small creatures on this trail.
You can park at the bottom of the hill in the parking lot. No dogs are allowed at Corvair Trail.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 2.9 miles
Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Elevation Gain: 433 feet
Location: Park City, UT
12. Jenny’s Trail
Just over 3 miles long, Jenny’s Trail is a popular out-and-back nature route in the heart of Park City. Hikers, runners, and mountain bikers share the trails year-round. It’s especially loved during the fall as surrounding trees change the color of their leaves and show off amidst beautiful meadows. You can also get a glimpse of Park City from several vantage points.
There isn’t a lot of shade cover here in the summer, so hike prepared. In the winter, you’ll enter avalanche territory, so be careful. Marked signage can be difficult to find along Jenny’s Trail, so it’s not as direct as some hikers might prefer. This route has just enough incline and narrow curves in it to keep it challenging but fun.
There is ample parking here as it’s part of Park City Trails. Because it’s narrow and steep, no dogs are allowed on this trail.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.5 miles
Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Elevation Gain: 715 feet
Location: Park City, UT
13. Dawn’s Trail
Frequented by hikers, birdwatchers, and trail runners, Dawn’s Trail is a 3.6-mile, out-and-back trail with a consistent incline and gorgeous scenery to make up for the effort. Dawn’s Trail is also great for interpretive nature walks since there are no mountain bikes allowed downhill on the trails.
If you love wide-open skies, summer wildflowers, plenty of wildlife sightings, and scattered spots of shade, go hike Dawn’s Trail! If you arrive at a full parking lot, you can always park along Crescent Road and extend your hike by 0.3 miles to the trailhead. Alternatively, you can park at the Park City Mountain Resort parking lot and take public transportation to the trailhead.
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times on Dawn’s Trail. Don’t let them off leash, as you will be fined. Because of its short and steep grade, young children might struggle to complete this trail on their own two feet. It’s advised that you come prepared with a map, as some of the signs are worn away and difficult to read clearly.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.6 miles
Time: 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 845 feet
Location: Park City, UT
Image credit: Visit Park City
14. PC Hill
A classic tourist attraction and local hiking spot, PC Hill offers great views of Park City without having to spend all day trekking up steep grades. As the name indicates, however, there is a climb to the top — the entire hike is uphill. To be exact, this hike leads you up to the top of the big hill with the giant “PC” letters marked on it.
At the top of the hill, you’ll take in an expansive 360-degree view of nearby resorts and valleys. Many people hike PC Hill for photo opportunities, so it’s an ideal hike if you’re only visiting for a short period and want to at least hike one of the famous nature spots.
Going up the trail, you can expect steep, rocky terrain in some areas. If you notice several trail options that veer off the one you’re on, don’t worry. Most of the trails lead you to the final overlook. PC Hill in Utah is also a delightful spot to enjoy the sunrise, and there’s plenty of shade if you hike before the afternoon sun hits.
You can bring your dog with you on PC Hill, just make sure they’re on a leash.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 1.3 miles
Time: ~55 minutes
Elevation Gain: 475 feet
Location: Park City, UT
Image credit: Visit Park City
Go Adventure Hiking Near Park City Utah
There you have it: the list of our top 14 hikes in Park City!
Hiking Park City, Utah is a memorable experience at any time of the year. Whether you’re a tourist, a local, or simply passing through the northern Utah region, you don’t want to miss your opportunity to experience the unique gems any of these trails have to offer.
When going on adventurous hikes in Park City, make sure you review the city’s trail etiquette and safety tips beforehand. Even the most advanced hikers can discover something new in this wonderfully historical Utah city.
We know there are way too many mentionable trails to cover in one blog, so we’d love to hear about your favorite hiking spots nearby. We love hiking Park City so we’d love to know – What are your top-ranked trails near Park City? Let us know in the comments!
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