Social Distancing Elevated in Park City
Posted by Heather Peterson on Friday, March 20th, 2020 at 12:58pm.
There is no question about it. Park City life has changed dramatically in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as it has across the globe. Our biggest attractions – Park City Mountain, Deer Valley Resort, Utah Olympic Park, and Woodward – have all closed a month before the end of the winter season. Hotels and many other businesses have also temporarily closed. Despite these unprecedented times, Parkites are feeling extra thankful to call Park City home. You couldn’t ask for a better place to socially distance as we are surrounded by the great outdoors. Locals are taking to the uncrowded, scenic trails and the roads to enjoy the fresh, mountain air. They’re back country skiing, cross country skiing, hiking, running, and snowmobiling. In a town where fitness is king, many of the local gyms are posting online workouts as well.
Our top places for trail use this time of year when the weather alternates between warm, sunny days and snowy ones:
Round Valley – 700 acres of preserved open space between Quinn’s Junction, Old Ranch Road and Park Meadows. This network of trails features single and double track options and range from flat to moderate. There are various places to access the trails here, but Quinn’s Junction offers the most parking. All trails here allow off-leash dogs. You can also take your furry friend to the dog park just before the Quinn’s Junction trailhead.
Historic Rail Trail – The snow melts pretty quickly on the Rail Trail that runs 26 miles from the heart of Park City in Prospector all the way to Echo Reservoir past Coalville. The surface is gravel and paved, but expect some slushy conditions along the way.
Empire Canyon – If you’re looking for some steepness and an alpine setting with trees, drive to the southern tip of Old Town to the new parking at the top of Daly Avenue. From here, you can access Tour de Suds and Mid Mountain trails. This is also a great area for spotting the occasional moose!
Basin Recreation – Trail grooming continues as conditions permit – find the best snow conditions for Nordic skiing at Basin 5K, Willow Creek, and Ecker Hill.
Visit the Mountain Trails Foundation website for comprehensive trail info and maps.
Indoor Activity at Home in Partnership with Park City’s Gyms
Need some local FITspiration? Many of Park City’s fitness facilities are putting their trainers to work by offering online workouts you can follow on their social media accounts to do at home or outdoors. No excuses!
Join the Park City fitness community by participating in the Park City Recreation challenge to run, hike, or walk 19 miles by March 31.
Boom Cycle Room is posting HIIT workouts on their Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Silver Mountain Sports Club’s personal trainer Kevin Rail is sharing home workouts on the gym’s Facebook page.
Park City is United – Support the Local Community
If you love Park City as a primary or second home owner, now is a great time to support businesses and their staff who will be severely impacted by the coronavirus economic fallout. Here are some ideas for the best ways to help:
The Park City Community Foundation’s Community Response Fund will support health and human services non-profits in greater Park City that are handling cases related to the impact of COVID-19. Targeted operating grants will fund organizations that have deep roots in community and strong experience working with residents without health insurance and/or access to sick days, people with limited English language proficiency, healthcare and gig economy workers, and communities of color, among others.
Diversified Bars & Restaurants, the restaurant group that owns Butcher’s Chop House & Bar, No Name Saloon, and Boneyard Saloon/Wine Dive is donating 100% of gift card sales to its service staff. Buy a gift card to enjoy it later while supporting workers now! Gift cards are available online at each business’s website.
Alaska Fur Gallery will donate 5% of your purchase to the Park City Community Foundation’s Community Response Fund. The store is open by appointment only, and purchases can also be made online or over the phone at 435.649.1241.