What are the Top Park City Hiking Trails?

There is something for every hiker. Whether you love the challenge of steep mountain trails and rock climbing or are new to hiking and want a pleasant stroll with great views and a spot for a picnic lunch, Park City has trails that will become your favorites. Some of the best and most unique hiking opportunities in and around Park City, Utah include:

• Silver Lake to Bald Mountain. This 4.7 out-and-back trail has parking at the Silver Lake Lodge and only permits foot traffic, ensuring a tranquil experience. The end of the trail takes you to the top of the mountain, where you’ll enjoy views of the Heber Valley, Jordanelle Reservoir, and Park City. Colorful Aspens in autumn and the wildflowers in the spring and summer make this a stunning choice for a hike.

• Bloods Lake and Lackawaxen Trail. This 2.8-mile loop trail is well-trafficked between May and October and features a restroom area for hikers. Two alpine lakes along the trail are perfect for swimming in the warm weather and the trail itself is easy to moderate, ideal for casual hikers. Of the two lakes, Lake Lackawaxen is a little more isolated since it is further along the trail. The Bloods Lake trailhead takes you into aspen groves and meadows of wildflowers right to the snow-melt waters of Bloods Lake. This beautiful blue water has a unique shoreline where you can while away many pleasant hours.

• Lofty Lakes Loop. You can take your canine friends with you on this 4.4-mile dog-friendly looped trail that takes you past the appropriately-named Picturesque Lake as well as Scout Lake, Lofty Lake, and Kamas Lake, with views of peaks and even more alpine waterways. Head out from late July to early August to see the area fully in bloom with wildflowers and pack a snack to enjoy the stunning views. You can park for free with an annual American Fork Canyon Pass or National Park Pass.

• Armstrong Trail. This mixed-use trail is one of the newer options for Park City hiking and it offers good tree cover with evergreens and aspens as well as 3.8 miles of moderately challenging terrain. The trail meanders past ski runs and lifts and offers amazing views of Park City and surrounding areas. You have a few options to keep your hike short or head to Spiro Trail, which takes you to a café where you can enjoy drinks or a good meal after an excursion.

• McPolin Nature Trail. This family-friendly trail is less than two miles long, looping around the famous McPolin Barn, into a bright pedestrian tunnel, past brooks, and into wildflower fields. A relatively easy hike for children and adults alike, this trail has interpretive plaques to keep the trail well-marked and to offer information about the area and its wildlife.

• Mid Mountain Trail. More advanced hikers love this multi-use, 23-mile trail with multiple access points. There are several looped trails and different grades of difficulty, from the flatter southern section to the steeper northern side. You can climb up to 8000 feet along this trail, which meanders from Park City to The Canyons, offering amazing views of the valley and the city. You can make this trail a full-day experience or break it up into sections using the different access points.

• Union Pacific Rail Trail. Part of a state park, this 30-mile gravel trail has a three-mile paved section, which is why it’s a popular spot for horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and biking as well as hiking. Rich with history, this wide trail was once the route of the railway and early settlers. Historic markers with more information and a railway bridge pay tribute to the past and help users of the trail learn more.

• Three Divide Lakes. Some of the best Park City hiking available, with a dog-friendly loop trail of 5.4 miles and parking at Crystal Lake Trailhead, this trail is ideal for hiking, backpacking, and even running. The trail is mostly flat and has several lakes as well as stunning views. The trail also has a secret: to get to Three Divide Lakes, you need to go over a ridge on the south side of Lake Clyde. Since this spot is unmarked, not many hikers make it all the way to the Three Divide Lakes, making it an idyllic and very quiet spot.

• Round Valley. Choose between long or short loops along this dog-friendly trail and enjoy walking through open landscapes with sweeping views of the mountains in the distance. This trail is perfect for cool days. An easy-to-moderate trail, Round Valley is part of Round Valley Protected Open Space and has many break-off points, so you can choose a different route each time.

Park City has an active hiking community and non-profit groups keep the trails well-groomed. It’s easy to find a Park City trail map, current conditions, and more trail information throughThe Mountain Trails Foundation, local tourism offices, Benloch Ranch Concierge,The Hiking Project, and other groups. If you’re looking for less frequented or unmarked trails, these groups can help you find those hiking spots only locals know.