SPRING HIKING IN PARK CITY

SPRING IN THE MOUNTAINS

The temps are rising and the snow is melting. This is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the amazing hiking trails here in Park City. Here are a few of our favorites, along with some general tips and tricks for the beauty that is spring hiking in Park City.

LOST PROSPECTOR
The Lost Prospector trail is a quintessential Park City classic, and for all trail lovers.  It is accessible for recreation during the spring, sitting on the ridgeline just above the town, Lost Prospector is a great out-and-back hike option, or a loop if integrated with the Rail Trail. The trail offers stunning views of Park City, and of both resorts. There are other trail options that run along/intersect with Lost Prospector if hiking in a loop is preferred, including Gambel Oak and Masonic. Parking/Trailheads: Rail Trail parking lot (just behind White Pine Touring), Prospector Park (located just off Kearns Boulevard), or Aerie Drive (parking limited). Trail map. Insider Tip: Park in the lot along Aerie Drive (permitted there is space), hop on the trail and head North West. Hike it as an out and back to enjoy maximum views of the town.

ROUND VALLEY TRAIL SYSTEM
Located northwest of Park City's historic Main Street and the two resorts – Deer Valley and Park City Mountain – the Round Valley trail system tends to dry out well before other trails that are at a higher elevation. Round Valley is compiled of over 30 miles of trails, spread out over 700 spacious acres. Round Valley offers a variety of terrain for all hiking levels starting in mid-late spring. Round Valley is a great place to take dogs, as leashes are not required (yay). Parking/Trailheads: Quinns Trailhead on Park City Parkway (near the intersection of highways 248 and 40), North Round Valley Trailhead (Silver Summit Road, just off highway 40), or Round Valley Way Trailhead (in the Park Meadows neighborhood). Locals Tip: Start and end your hike at the Quinns Trailhead where there are bathrooms, a playground for kids, and an outdoor workout playground for adults. From the trailhead, head over to Rambler trail – from there hikers can access a variety of loops and both singletrack and doubletrack options.

GLENWILD
Glenwild is a trail system made up of roughly 25 miles and can be found on the opposite side of I-80 in Kimball Junction. These trails,  which can be accessed easily via the Spring Creek Trailhead, offer intermediate terrain for hikers and mountain bikers both!  The Glenwild trails offer stunning views of the Park City area and the trails do tend to dry out in time to be enjoyed by spring. Parking/Trailheads: Spring Creek Trailhead, Bad Apple Trailhead, or East Canyon Creek Trailhead (all located along Rasmussen Road). Spring Creek Trailhead has a bathroom and a water fountain. Trail map. Locals Tip: Start your hike at Bad Apple or East Canyon Creek Trailhead and end your hike at Park City Brewery, located just across the parking lot from Bad Apple.

PC HILL
Which is technically part of the Round Valley trail system, PC Hill is a short, and relatively easy hike, with quick elevation gain and stunning views. If hiking to the summit isn’t enough, once you reach the top, the trail continues down the backside, providing access to other Round Valley trails. Parking/Trailheads: A large parking lot sits directly beneath PC Hill, just off Kearns Boulevard/248 (across from Wyatt Earp Way). Locals Tip: Looking for the perfect viewing spot of a gorgeous mountain sunset? The top of PC Hill offers expansive views and is west facing, making it a perfect location to watch the sunset over Park City.  

Tips for Spring hiking in Park City
Spring in the mountains brings fluctuating weather – sunny one moment – a rain shower or occasional gust of wind the next. One of the reasons these trails tend to dry out more quickly is that they are more exposed to the elements. It’s always a good idea to bring extra clothing along with you, and please be mindful of trail conditions, avoiding any terrain where mud sticks to shoes. Remember sunscreen, even if it’s a cooler or an overcast day, and bring an ample water supply. Additionally, proper trail etiquette makes for a fun and enjoyable hiking experience for all trail users. Mountain Trails Foundation provides some great tips for you to keep in mind: “Practice 10 Seconds of Kindness.” Slow down and smile, it’s easy and it makes everyone feel good. Bikes, even if traveling uphill, NEVER have the right of way to pedestrians or equestrians. Bells on trails keep everyone safe. Use and listen for them while you are on the trails. Do not use muddy trails! If it is sticking to your heels or wheels, turn around. Now is the time to get out and enjoy spring in Park City!