Being a year-round mountain destination, hiking and other activities thread their way through all four seasons in Park City. From warm and sunny to cool and snowy and everywhere in between, Park City's environment varies, making an ever rotating seasonal experience. In the summer, it's warm and sunny with vibrant green foliage. During the fall, a radiating and intense kaleidoscope of color stem from the diverse forest of Maple, Aspen, and Oak trees pockmarked by alpine conifers in a dark green. And spring is a clash of leftover winter storms, budding summer greens, and variable temperatures.
The same trails wind across Park City's hillsides all year long, and they can be hiked (or biked) from summer through winter. But the gear you need to be comfortable and safe does vary. So, we cooked up a bit of a checklist of the clothing, footwear, and accessories you'll need on the trail.
A winter snowshoe or hike on a packed trail is a magical way to see Park City!
Snowshoeing and hiking in the winter (yes, you can do that and should) offers up a really unique perspective on Park City's high season. The scenery is blanketed with a sheet of smooth white snow and pockmarked by towering trees, some bare from losing their leaves. The trails are almost always packed and firm. What is unique is how alone you can be and the serene quietness of a winter landscape. Of course, you can hike with friends or family as well and share this experience. Wait for a mild day where the temps are at least 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Be prepared for a cool breeze. And if the conditions align, a light snow can make your trek truly magical!
Believe it or not, you can get very hot during a winter hike. Your body will naturally generate a lot of heat, especially when wrapped in layers. It's best to think in terms of working with the cool temperatures and finding a balance to stay comfortable. Here's what we recommend for a winter hike in Park City:
Hat with insulated ears or a headband
Polarized sunglasses
Lip balm
Sunscreen SPF 30+
Thin moisture-long wicking long sleeve shirt and bottoms: Wool or synthetic works best but definitely no cotton.
Waterproof hiking or winter trail running shoes with gaiters: Insulated winter boots work best with snowshoes.
Tall ski or hiking socks: One pair only—multiple pairs will actually make your feet colder and cause pain points.
Technical winter aerobic pants: Nordic ski pants work best to block wind and vent excess body heat.
Insulated vest or light mid-layer
Gloves: Alpine ski gloves will likely be too hot, causing your hands to sweat. Try to find a light pair of gloves with a windproof layer and light insulation over the top of your hand.
Light softshell jacket: Some insulation around the core is best with venting mesh panels. A Nordic ski jacket is a great option for winter hiking.
Backpack with hydration bladder and insulated drink hose: Or bring a reusable water bottle.
Snacks: Granola bars, fruit gummies, and beef jerky are the best options. Remember to pack out your trash!
A magical hike (or bike ride) is the best way to experience Park City's unique spring aesthetic!
Spring is Park City's most "mixed bag" season, and we say that without a grain of salt. For one mile you hike through a gorgeous green meadow with budding flowers and the next ridge over you may have to navigate a melting snowfield. Spring storms come in fast with a cold prevailing wind and then snow on you for 15 minutes. Then the sun comes back out and you're shedding your extra layers.
But it's worth it! As you hike through those same green fields your eyes are met with majestic views of snowcapped mountains—a visual dichotomy that gives you a deep appreciation for nature and the change of seasons. Here is the gear you'll need for a spring hike in Park City:
Hat or headband
Polarized sunglasses
Lip balm
Sunscreen SPF 30+
Moisture-long wicking long sleeve shirt: Wool or synthetic works best but definitely no cotton.
Tall socks - Bring an extra pair in case your feet get wet or muddy.
Technical pants or shorts
Insulated vest or light mid-layer
Light softshell or rain jacket
Backpack with hydration bladder: Or bring a reusable water bottle.
Snacks: Granola bars, fruit gummies, and beef jerky are the best options. Remember to pack out your trash!
*Heads up! The trails during the spring months (mid-March through mid-June) can and will be muddy, especially on north and east facing slopes or aspects. Learn how to tread lightly and protect singletrack!
Make your memories with a summer hike in Park City!
As spring ebbs into summer, the hills in Summit County breathe anew with rich green foliage stretching as far as your eye can see. They call them "Quaking Aspens" for a reason as cool mountain breezes make their leaves shimmer in the warm sun. The trails take on a rich brown and every ridgeline rewards you with a stellar alpine vista. Summer weather is mostly stable. Cool mornings give way to warm afternoons. At elevation, the sun feels more harsh as the thinner air can't filter as many UV rays. So it's important to layer appropriately and protect your skin and eyes. Here's what we recommend for on a summer hike in Park City:
Hat
Polarized sunglasses
Lip balm
Sunscreen SPF 30+
Moisture-long wicking long sleeve sun shirt: Wool or synthetic works best but definitely no cotton.
Hiking or trail running shoes
Tall socks
Lightweight technical pants or shorts
Light rain jacket: Just in case.
Backpack with hydration bladder (or bring a reusable water bottle)
Snacks: Granola bars, fruit gummies, and beef jerky are the best options. Remember to pack out your trash!
A hike with a good dog is a great way to see the fall leaves in Park City!
Fall hiking is all about the leaves. Hues of reds, yellows, and fiery orange spread across the hillsides making for not-to-be-missed seasonal spectacle. The weather can be variable, and it's not uncommon to need a light insulated jacket in the morning only to strip down to a t-shirt and shorts when the sun is highest in the sky. Fall is also "monsoon season" where a sudden spout of rain can drench you while your friends a half mile away won't be touched by a drop. Here's what we recommend for on a fall hike in Park City:
Hat
Polarized sunglasses
Lip balm
Sunscreen SPF 30+
Moisture-long wicking long sleeve shirt: Wool or synthetic works best but definitely no cotton.
Hiking or trail running shoes
Tall socks
Technical pants or shorts
Insulated vest or light mid-layer
Light rain jacket
Backpack with hydration bladder: Or bring a reusable water bottle.
Snacks: Granola bars, fruit gummies, and beef jerky are the best options. Remember to pack out your trash!
Where to Find Hiking and Outdoor Gear in Park City
Ok, so you've got your checklist and are looking at few different hiking trails. Now you need some or all of the gear we've listed above. Park City has a ton of outdoor shops that provide what you need. You can also book a guide to take you to some of the best hiking areas around town. Just tell them your preference: wild flowers, incredible mountain vistas, untouched snow fields. A guide will tailor a hike just for you, your friends, or family!
Before I ever thought about heart rate variability, endorphins, or biomechanics, you could find…
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Visit Park City
Who is Visit Park City? It's all of us. All of us who love the mountains, their grandeur, and living an alpine lifestyle. It's an essence or a feeling. Maybe it's comradery. Regardless, Visit Park City are real people who live, work, and play in Park City, UT. Our blogs cover a wide range of topics, offering tips and advice on how to make the most of your trip to our mountain enclave!
