The Trails Less Traveled

Dawn's Trail

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WHAT: Dawn’s Trail is a 3.6-mile out and back, hiking only trail that features beautiful wildflowers throughout spring and summer and is good for all skill levels.

WHERE: Access from Silver Star chairlift at Park City Mountain. Take the 2-Green bus to Silver Star, located on Three Kings Road. Walk up to Silver Star Drive and you will reach the Spiro Tunnel. From here, begin hiking on the Silver Spur trail for a half mile until you reach Dawn’s Trail.

TIP: Spend time in Park City Mountain Resort’s Village after your hike and check out the variety of shops, restaurants, and activities.

Discovery Trailhead

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WHAT: New downhill mountain bike trails have been added to complement The Road to Arcylon making for a set of trails that offer something for every skill level. Pale Green Dot is a very beginner friendly downhill flow trail that is great for families. Toll New World multi-use trail can be connected into the Toll Canyon open space and further into the Summit Park trail system.

WHERE: Take the Green 101 – Spiro/224 Local High Valley Transit bus to Fresh Market on Pinebrook Boulevard. From there, bike up Kilby Road until you reach Discovery Way. The trailhead is at the end of the road.

TIP: If you are new to mountain biking, nearby Woodward Park City is the perfect place to learn, offering instruction programs for ages 7+ including private and group lessons.

Uinta National Forest

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WHAT: Head out to the Uinta Mountains in Eastern Summit County to experience the Yellow Pine Trail, a 9.2 mile out and back trail with views of Yellow Pine Lake. From the trailhead you can also access the Slate Creek mountain bike trails, new and well-maintained 5.65 or 8.56 mile loops through the forest for riders of all abilities.

WHERE: The Unita-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is located east of Park City. Take the scenic Utah Highway 150 and pay for a recreation pass when you enter the National Forest. The Yellow Pine Trailhead provides access to both hiking and mountain biking trails. Consider hiring a local guide service to carpool and enhance your experience.

TIP: Utah Highway 150 is also known as the scenic Mirror Lake Highway. Note that you can access the trailhead year-round, but the highway is closed 14 miles beyond Kamas from November - May. On your way home, stop at Samak Smoke House for classic home-made jerky and smoked fish, and Artique for unique art and gifts made by local artists.

Park City and Summit County are committed to destination stewardship. Read about our Sustainable Tourism planning process here.

Quarry Mountain

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White Barn at McPolin Farm

WHAT: A recently updated and often-overlooked 2-mile loop with great views of Park City Mountain, Deer Valley Resort, and the McPolin Barn.  

WHERE: Take the Green 101 - Spiro/224 Local High Valley Transit bus to the 2590 Park Ave & Meadows Drive stop. Walk a half-mile up Meadows Drive until you reach Mountain Ridge Court. The trailhead is at the end of the road. 

TIP: Head out in the early morning or late afternoon as there is not a lot of shade cover on the trail.

Round Valley's Adaptive Loop

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WHAT: The Adaptive Loop includes PorcUlimb and Downward Dog trails. Mountain Trails Foundation partnered with the National Ability Center (NAC) to build this trail specifically with the needs of three-wheeled, off-road handcycle riders by considering trail squeeze points (a point where the trail suddenly narrows due to an obstacle, which might block an adaptive rider), the radius of corners and more. This trail is perfect for adaptive cyclists and offers an amazing loop for families and others on traditional, upright mountain bikes.

WHERE: Located off Kearns Boulevard. There is plenty of free parking at Quinn's Junction trailhead and the National Ability Center.

TIP: In the winter, Round Valley’s groomed double track trails are ideal for adaptive fat biking - whether a rider with a disability uses an upright or a recumbent fat bike. The NAC backs up to the trails and provides adaptive instruction, equipment and more.

Our Partners

Mountain Trails Foundation

The Mountain Trails Foundation (MTF) is a dedicated advocate for Park City trails, collaborating with local government entities and stakeholders to offer over 400 continuous miles of non-motorized trails in Park City, one of the most extensive, continuous trail systems in the country. MTF keeps locals and visitors aware of trail etiquette and safety concerns by providing on-trail signage, social media updates, and a monthly newsletter to maintain a safe, sustainable way to explore Park City.

Snyderville Basin Special Recreation District

Synderville Basin Special Recreation District owns and manages nearly 2,300 acres of open space, has built and/or maintains 170 miles of trails and works with Summit County, state, and local organizations on planning and operating several outdoor park facilities, which include bike parks, a skate park, groomed cross-country trails, sports facilities, ponds, community areas, and dog parks.

Holy Roller Trail

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WHAT: A smooth wider flow trail offering alternatives for adaptive riders. This is a great beginner trail taking riders from the top of Bald Mountain to Silver Lake Village.

WHERE: Take the Silver Lake Express chairlift from the Snow Park base area at Deer Valley Resort and then the Sterling Express chairlift. Take the 1-Red, 2-Green, or 5-Yellow bus to get to the mountain base. 

TIP: Try the famous turkey chili at Deer Valley Grocery~Café after your ride.

Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail

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WHAT: The Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail is a 28-mile trail from Park City to Coalville and around Echo Reservoir, perfect for walking or biking. The first 2-3 miles are paved and the remainder is a soft dirt and gravel surface. 

WHERE: Take the 5-Yellow bus to the Ironhorse Drive stop to access the official start of the trail. There are several other access points, including the Promontory and Wanship trail areas. 

TIP: Before you leave, grab a sandwich at Fairweather Café and a treat from Ritual Chocolate to enjoy on your ride.

Pathways sign along the Rail Trail

Rockport State Park

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Aerial view of Rockport State Park

WHAT: Rockport State Park is one of Utah’s designated dark sky areas. At an elevation of 6,000 feet above sea level, the surrounding Wasatch and Unita Mountains create a protective barrier that blocks out light pollution, allowing for some of the best stargazing in the state.

WHERE: Rockport State Park is just 15 miles from Park City, yet it’s remote enough to make you feel like you’ve escaped for the day. Please remember to pay the State Park entrance fee once you arrive. Day passes and annual passes are available.   

TIP: Attend one of the public programs hosted by park staff to learn about the importance of dark skies for the native nocturnal species.

Our Partners

National Ability Center

The National Ability Center (NAC) provides world-class adaptive recreation and outdoor adventures for individuals and families with disabilities, physical, cognitive, and developmental, including competitive athletes, youth, veterans, and more. NAC empowers participants by building self-esteem, confidence and lifetime skills through inclusive programming and activities such as alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, cycling, swimming, rafting, and archery, among others.

Park City Museum

The Park City Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, and promoting Park City’s rich history and culturally significant sites through engaging exhibitions and educational events.

Mining Heritage: Silver King

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WHAT: Experience the iconic mining relics on the slopes at Park City Mountain.

WHERE: Ride the Payday Express chairlift to the top and hike to the Silver King Consolidated Mine and Mill near the base of the Bonanza chairlift. If you’re on Main Street, you can also ride the Town Lift chairlift to the top. 

TIP: During the ski season, check out the Silver to Slopes Historic Mining Tour at Park City Mountain. This complimentary, guided ski tour takes intermediate-level skiers around the mountain to uncover historic mining buildings and hidden relics.

Silver King Mine Building in the Fall

Mining Heritage: Silver Star/Spiro

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Spiro Tunnel

WHAT: Explore the coal hopper and boiler buildings, spiro tunnel, Ivers Mine and mine buildings, and the foundry building within steps of one another.

WHERE: Take the 2-Green bus to Silver Star, located on Three Kings Road. Walk up to Silver Star Drive and you will reach the Spiro Tunnel.

TIP: Finish your tour by visiting the Silver Star Café and Silver Star Ski & Sport for any recreation rentals you may need.

Mining Heritage: Daly West/Empire Canyon

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WHAT: Experience the iconic mining relics on the slopes at Deer Valley Resort.

WHERE: Take the 9-Purple bus to Montage Deer Valley. Visit the Daly-West Headframe. Hike up the hill to see the Quincy Mine Bench and the Little Belle Ore Bin. Hike down the hill into Empire Canyon to visit the office building of the Judge Mining and Smelting Company, the Anchor Judge tunnel, the Silver King Watchman’s House, and the Silver King Electrical House.

TIP: When you are done, head over to the Park City Museum at 528 Main Street to learn more about Park City’s mining heritage.

Park City Museum on Historic Main Street

Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter

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Swaner Ecocenter and Preserve

WHAT: The Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter is a 1,200-acre nature preserve and 10,000 square foot LEED Platinum building offering interactive exhibits, 10 miles of trails to explore within the wetland ecosystem, wildlife viewing, summer camps, and environmental education for all ages.

WHERE: Take the High Valley Transit Blue 103 - Kimball Junction Shuttle or the Purple 104 – Bitner Shuttle to Newpark. Walk under the Newpark sign that goes across the road, and the EcoCenter will be straight ahead.

TIP: Purchase a piece of local, ecofriendly art in the gift shop before exploring the wide variety of local restaurants and shops in the Kimball Junction area.

Arts & Olympics

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WHAT: Rent a bike from the Park Ave/Homestake Road Summit Bike Share station. Ride to the corner of Park Ave and Kearns Boulevard to explore the Park City Olympic Welcome Plaza. Continue down Kearns Boulevard, onto Homestake Road to the Kimball Arts Center to view their rotating exhibitions or take an art class. Make your way to Historic Main Street and stop at the Miner’s Park to learn about Park City’s rich historical transition from a silver mining town to one with an Olympic legacy. 

WHERE: Begin in Park City proper area and bike to Historic Main Street.

TIP: Stop by Java Cow to find the work of famous graffiti artist, Banksy. This piece was created by Banksy as a promotion for his 2010 film that was featured at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City.

Summit Share E-Bike Station

Sustainable Community