Skiing isn’t the only way to explore the legendary Wasatch Range after all
By Evie Carrick
When the snow melts, Park City, Utah transforms from a world-class ski destination into a hiking and biking hub. More than 400 miles of continuous trail link the town to the mountainous open space surrounding it, with trails climbing the slopes of Park City’s two ski areas and stretching into 8,000 additional acres of preserved open space, much of which is open to public use.
Few mountain towns make it easier to access the outdoors. Park City has spent decades building one of the nation’s most extensive trail networks, becoming the world’s first Gold Level Ride Center, a designation given to just three other destinations by the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA). In addition to high-quality trails and easy access, the Park City landscape is dramatic, running from rolling high desert hills to mountainous terrain that reaches 10,000 feet in elevation.
Situated in the middle of it all is Outbound Park City. From the hotel, guests can walk or ride to some of the city’s best trails, with the base of Park City Mountain less than a 15-minute walk away.
Here are our recommendations for Park City’s renowned hiking and biking season, which typically begins in June when the snow melts and runs through early November, when the snow starts to fly again. Pro tip: a three-day getaway is a good sweet spot for trying out several trails and enjoying in-town offerings without feeling overwhelmed. But of course, staying longer is always welcome.
Where to Hike in Park City, Utah
Silver Spur, Armstrong Trail, and Dawns Trail Loop
From Outbound Park City, it’s less than 15 minutes to the trailhead of one of Park City’s most iconic hikes: the Silver Spur, Armstrong Trail, and Dawns Trail Loop. The moderate hike is 4.6 miles long and leads right from the base of Park City Mountain, where you’ll hop on the Silver Spur trail, to Armstrong, and finally Dawns Trail. The loop is moderate, with not much elevation change, making it a great route to get your legs and lungs on mountain speed. The trail also offers great views over Old Town Park City and is particularly beautiful in the fall thanks to the aspen groves that line it.
It’s never a bad idea to end the hike early by cutting down the Silver Star Access trail to the Silver Star Cafe, which has a huge summer patio and a renowned reuben made with locally made pastrami.
Freemason, Masonic, and Lost Prospector Loop
The Freemason, Masonic, and Lost Prospector Loop is another moderate hiking route that starts steps from Outbound Park City. On the way to the Freemason trail, where the loop begins, swing by Windy Ridge Bakery to pick up coffee and breakfast to-go (we recommend saving a croissant or slice of quiche for the top). The 3.3-mile trail leads to the top of April Mountain and includes a few steep, rocky sections.
Bald Mountain via Silver Lake Trail
On the other side of town, at the base of Deer Valley Resort, Silver Lake Trail takes off, running to the top of Bald Mountain. The 4-mile out-and-back trail is only for foot traffic, so it is noticeably quieter than other Park City trails and hikers don’t have to worry about scrambling when a bike rounds the corner. The route runs through forest and aspen groves before opening up with views over the Jordanelle Reservoir. From the top of Bald Mountain, you get 360-degree views over Park City and beyond.
Where to Bike in Park City
OG Park City IMBA Epic Ride
Bikers come from all over to ride this route, which is one of IMBA’s coveted “Epic Rides.” Lucky for Outbound Park City guests, the start of the trail is less than a five-minute pedal from the hotel. You’ll spend just a few minutes on Silver Star trail before linking up with Armstrong, which leads to the Mid Mountain Trail, then Pinecone and the Wasatch Crest. Along the way, you’ll traverse across Park City Mountain Resort and conquer Pinecone trail, which is largely considered the best singletrack climb out of Park City.
The intermediate-to-difficult adventure is around 33 miles long, and is best fueled by a hearty breakfast at Billy & Co, Outbound Park City’s all-day diner. Grab “THE Breakfast Sandwich” to-go, or take a moment to sit down and enjoy Bernie’s French Toast Stack before you ride. Both are local favorites.
Mid Mountain Loop
The other IMBA Epic Ride in Park City is the Mid Mountain Loop, which runs from Deer Valley Resort to Park City Mountain Resort and back. Over the course of 23 miles, riders get to experience Park City’s renowned singletrack while riding along ridgelines and through aspen and pine forests.
For a local take on the classic route, try the Mid Mountain Twist, which was dreamed up by the crew at Mountain Trails Foundation. In this local variation, the ride starts at the top of Empire Pass, on the Corvair Trail, which is considered one of the area’s best stretches of singletrack.
Old Ranch Road/Home Depot Loop
If you prefer skinny tires, Park City has something for road cyclists too. Start this mellow 15-mile loop right from Outbound Park City, traveling north on Highway 224. On the way out of town, swing by Five5eeds, a family-owned eatery known for their Australian-style coffee, breakfast sammies, and the protein-packed PBD Smoothie.
From Highway 224, turn right on Old Ranch Road, where you’ll roll past idyllic farmhouses, horses, and pastures. On the second half of the loop, steer clear of traffic by hopping on the paved Silver Quinn’s Trail to the Rail Trail, which leads back toward the hotel.
Where to Buy and Rent Outdoor Gear in Park City
Park City Bike & Demo
Arguably the most locally loved bike shop in town is Park City Bike & Demo, which is a 15-minute walk from Outbound Park City. The team is dedicated to all things bike, offering a full lineup of rentals, along with gear and clothing, and a repair shop. You can rent a bike and get beta on trail conditions, or book one of their mountain bike tours, with options for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders. The shop also offers e-bike tours through town.
White Pine Touring
White Pine Touring is just down the road from Outbound Park City (less than 15 minutes on foot). White Pine has been Park City’s outdoor adventure hub since it was founded in 1972. Now, the company offers bike rentals, along with mountain bike and road bike tours and clinics. The White Pine team was instrumental in building Park City’s world-renowned trail network, so they truly know their stuff. Plus, they run free group mountain bike rides for women every Tuesday from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Where to Eat & Drink
Billy & Co
Outbound Park City’s own Billy & Co is an all-day diner that does it all, from an extensive brunch menu to a list of to-go handhelds like sandwiches and burritos that hold up during long hikes and rides. Throughout the day, Billy & Co serves up shareable plates and après bites along with heartier meals like flaky pot pies and rainbow trout, perfect for refueling after long trail days.
No Name Saloon
No restaurant in Park City has the lore and notoriety of the No Name Saloon. The building was erected in 1905 on the city’s historic Main Street, and continues to be a hot spot for tourists and locals who come for bison burgers and the stellar rooftop patio. The cool, eclectic bar is only for drinking-age adults, but the Annex Burger next door is owned by the same crew and has a similar vibe.
Billy Blanco’s
The motto of Billy Blanco’s is “Motor City Mexican Food,” making it a perfect fit for a post-ride drink or bite. The eatery is decked out in vintage bikes and cars, and just so happens to be located near the Gorgoza Park trailhead, a fun, flowy downhill ride.
June Bar
Park City days are buzzy and full of action. The natural way to come down is to settle into June Bar with a cocktail or one of Utah’s infamous dirty sodas (soda with cream and flavoring). It’s all on tap in the speakeasy-style bar within Outbound.
Riverhorse on Main
Every trip should include one nice meal out, and when that night comes, book a table at Riverhorse on Main, one of Park City’s most celebrated and longest-standing restaurants. Exchange your breathable tee for buttons and a collar and join the well-heeled at this award-winning Main Street mainstay—you earned it. Share the duck mac and cheese croquettes, but keep the blackened scallops to yourself.
