Whether it’s the anticipation of discovering what could be your new favorite flavor on a tasting spoon or maybe the taste of cold creamy deliciousness held in a freshly made waffle cone, chasing little drops of ice cream down the cone with your tongue before they hit your lap. Or perhaps for you it’s sitting outside in the sun watching people walk by while enjoying the most nostalgic of summer treats. Ice cream holds a special place for so many people as a quintessential summer treat.
This summer, I made it my mission to spend the month of July pedaling Park City’s bike paths in search of the best locally owned ice cream. The “research” was rigorous. It required support from ice cream-loving friends, planning and mapping out our daily objectives, and with the help of Park City’s Summit Bike Share, I found a handful of sweet stops that are as much about the ride as they are about the ice cream.
A Park City staple, Java Cow has occupied the same space on Main Street for over 20 years. Originally the ice cream shop “Cows” which then took over the coffee shop next door to become Java Cow, it has secured itself on the map as the go to ice cream shop on Main Street. It’s known for its eclectic atmosphere and cow themed merchandise. With a large variety of traditional ice cream flavors, and a few vegan options as well, it was an easy first stop choice on the Tour de Ice Cream checklist. Be sure to check out the authentic Banksy graffiti.
From the Park City Visitor Center Summit Bike Share station, the journey begins on the paved bike path heading towards Main Street. This wide, smooth path starts off with great views of the Utah Olympic Park where some of the events for the 2034 Winter Olympics will take place. Next up on your way into town you climb slightly but are rewarded with sweeping views of the both the Canyon’s and Park City base sides of Park City Mountain. As you pedal into town, you get the opportunity to go under a muraled covered walkway as you duck under Highway 224 to the McPolin Barn (AKA the White Barn). As your gradual climb continues, you can hop on the Poison Creek Trail to take a quick break at the Sound Garden, an outdoor music park where you can play on a variety of outdoor instruments like wooden chimes and retired mine cart wheels. Once you have made it to the top of Poison Creek Trail, you can set your bike into one of the two Summit Bike Share charging stations at the Main Street Transit Center and walk to either Java Cow or Park City Desserts and Coffee, both located directly across the street from one another.
Highlights:
Lots of public art installations to check out along the way!
Java Cow: Homemade ice cream is Park City staple.
Park City Desserts and Coffee: Cute, home atmosphere with delicious coffee and ice cream tucked in the back of the shop.
Distance & Time: About 7 miles from Quinn’s Junction, ~50 minutes at a leisurely pace.
As the newest addition to the competitive Park City ice cream market I had to check out Mack’s Finest Gelato. Located off of Bonanza Drive in Prospector Square you can find a little taste of Italy. Mack learned his gelato creation technique from the Maestro’s in Italy and across Europe. He even imports many of his ingredients directly from Italy, including the pistachio’s used in his pistachio gelato (which when paired as an affogato I 10/10 recommend).
If you’re ready for a shorter and more leisurely ride to ice cream (or gelato in this case) start at the Quinn’s Junction bike share station. From here, you can take a nice easy pedal up the Historic Rail Trail which will pop you out directly onto Bonanza Drive and from there it’s a very short turn into Prospector Trail for some Gelato.
For a fun option in Kimball Junction check out I Love Moo, the sister store to Java Cow. I Love Moo prides itself on the same quality ice cream available at Java Cow but at the Kimball Junction Location.
Pedaling to I Love Moo from Quinn’s Junction Trailhead allows you to enjoy the quieter side of Park City while also getting some biking miles under your belt. You will take the paved bike path around Round Valley (also great for mountain biking) then coast onto the path which parallel’s Highland Drive. From here, you will have great views of the hills surrounding Park City, the Utah Olympic Park, and the Swaner Nature Preserve. Weave your way on the bike path into the Redstone Shopping Center and park your bike right outside of I Love Moo to reward yourself for the ride there!
Highlights:
Delicious high quality ice cream and vegan ice cream options, healthier fare also available.
From scenic landscapes with mountain views and wildlife filled nature preserves, to Olympic Venues and sound garden’s, Summit Bike Share offers an incredible way to experience all that Park City has to offer with affordability and a low carbon footprint. Whether you do one ice cream stop or spread them out over a few summer afternoons, you’ll experience the best of Park City’s trails, culture, and local flavors all without getting in a car. So go make the most of your summer by hopping on a bike and checking out all of Park City’s finest ice cream.
Park City, Utah, in the summer, presents a ton of great activities for families to enjoy, including…
Author
Abby Stanislaw
Abby grew up ski racing on the Park City Ski Team, where she developed a passion for outdoor sports and the grit needed to excel. Now the owner of Progression Physical Therapy, LLC and a contract physical therapist for the US Ski and Snowboard Team, she helps athletes and outdoor enthusiasts return to the activities they love, whether recovering from injury, postpartum, or just trying to excel at their sport. When out of the clinic you can find Abby skiing, mountain biking, teaching Pilates, and enjoying all that Utah has to offer. Follow her adventures on Instagram @skiingabby or visit www.progressionphysicaltherapy.com.
