Park City is the perfect Utah mountain town, and is one of our top recommendations for places to visit on a summer trip to Utah. It’s Utah’s best resort town and has tons of adventure activities, and as a bonus, it’s only 35 minutes from Sale Lake International Airport. With everything that there is to do in Park City, narrowing down how to spend your time can be the biggest challenge. As area locals, we spend TONS of time in Park City all throughout the year, and we’ve put together a fantastic 3 day Park City itinerary that will help you hit all of the highlights and best views.
Best Time of Year to Visit Park City
If you’re looking for the best time of year to visit Park City, our top recommendation would be in July. The high temperatures are usually in the low 80’s and the wildflowers at higher elevation are in FULL BLOOM! Best of all, the water in the lakes is starting to get warmer then so it feels wonderful to go for a swim. June and August are also great months to visit Park City. June is a bit cooler with highs in the mid 70’s and while August has warmer temperatures afternoon thunderstorms are common, which can make some of the adventure activities we recommend difficult.
Where to Stay in Park City
We’ve been all over Park City, and have a clear favorite. We absolutely LOVE the Marriott Mountainside Inn and have stayed there at least a dozen times (it’s so good that we stay there even though home is 20 minutes away). It’s amazing for families, the location at the base of Park City Mountian gives you really easy access to trails and fun activities and the pools and hot tubs are some of the best in town. Best of all, their summer rates are great! If you are looking for more options here are our favorite places to stay in Park City.
How Long to Spend in Park City in the Summer
If you haven’t guessed, the ideal amount of time to spend in Park City during the summer is 3 days. While you could easily come up with plenty to do for a week, I recommend spending 3 days here and then exploring other areas in the state if you want to stay in Utah longer. 2 days in Park City is fine, but you’ll likely feel rushed to do all the fun things! If you have more time in Park City we made a list of 23 activities to do in Park City.
Day 1 in Park City
Start your first day in Park City with an early morning hike. In the summer the air is cool in the moring but it warms up quickly so dress in layers. Our top recommendations for Park City hikes are either Armstrong Trail or Bloods Lake, depending on your preference for scenery and difficulty. Armstrong Trail offers a moderate trek with a mix of shade and sun, weaving through aspen groves and wildflower meadows, perfect for those looking for a serene start to their day without too much strain. It’s at the base of Park City Mountain and is one of the most popular Park City hikes.
Alternatively, Bloods Lake is ideal for adventurers seeking a more picturesque destination, with its stunning lake views making a perfect backdrop for a mid-hike snack or photo opportunity. The hike to Bloods Lake involves a bit more elevation gain but rewards hikers with refreshing mountain views of Pine Canyon below. The Bloods Lake Trail starts near the top of Guardsman Pass.
After your morning hike, head to Park City Mountain to experience the thrill of the Alpine Slide and Mountain Coaster. The Alpine Slide whisks you down the mountain on a luge-like track, offering you a chance to race another sled side by side. Meanwhile, the Mountain Coaster offers a unique alpine experience, with carts that speed along the tracks, allowing for individual speed control as you descend through the stunning landscape. It’s exactly what the name would imply – a roller coaster down the mountain. Both attractions provide a fun and adrenaline-pumping way to embrace the beauty of Park City Mountain Resort and are fun for all ages.
Following your mountain adventure, treat yourself to a well-deserved ice cream at Java Cow on Main Street. This beloved local spot serves up a variety of delicious homemade ice cream flavors, offering a cool and sweet respite from the summer heat. Take a leisurely stroll down historic Main Street, browsing the unique shops and galleries, as you enjoy your ice cream.
Cap off your day with an evening concert at either Deer Valley or the Canyons, depending on the lineup and your musical preferences. Deer Valley’s Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater is renowned for its scenic backdrop and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for enjoying performances ranging from classical music to contemporary bands while you relax on the grass. Alternatively, the Canyons Village stage offers a vibrant concert experience with a mix of genres and artists, set against the stunning mountain vistas at The Canyons base area. Whichever venue you choose, you’re in for a night of fantastic music under the stars, rounding out a perfect day in Park City. Remember to bring a blanket or low-back chair and pack a picnic or enjoy the concert fare available at the venue for the perfect summer evening. Summer evenings get chilly so make sure to pack a jacket.
Day 2 in Park City
Today is the day that we pack full of adventure filled activities in Park City. Start your second day in Park City with an adrenaline-filled morning at the Utah Olympic Park, an iconic venue that still buzzes with the legacy of the 2002 Winter Olympics but is fully equipped for summer fun. Don’t forget to check out the free museum.
Passes for the park are sold in 4-hour blocks and will give you full access to the outdoor activities. Kick off the excitement with ziplining, where you can soar with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, providing a unique perspective of Park City’s natural beauty. Following the thrill of the zipline, test your balance and agility on the summer tubing lanes, a refreshing twist on the winter sport that allows you to slide down the synthetic grass hill on specially designed tubes. If you’re still craving more adventure, the ropes courses at the park offer varying levels of difficulty, challenging both your physical and mental abilities. There are ropes courses that range from beginner level that young kids can do, up to very difficult with challenging obstacles and heights.
In the afternoon, shift gears and explore Park City’s renowned mountain biking trails. For a more relaxed ride, the RTS trail near the Utah Olympic Park offers a gentler experience, perfect for soaking in the vistas at a leisurely pace. If you want to avoid doing much driving, this is an easy option. However, if you’re up for a challenge, the Mid Mountain Trail will not disappoint. This trail winds through the heart of Park City Resorts terrain, offering a mix of technical rides and challenging climbs. You’ll work up a sweat, but it will be well worth the effort!
After a day filled with outdoor adventures, unwind in the evening with some indoor fun. Our top suggestions are the Park City Escape Room or Jupiter Bowl (a bowling alley named after the most challenging area of Park Cirt ski resort). The Park City Escape Room offers a brain-teasing adventure, perfect for groups looking to test their problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging environment. These rooms are suitable for all ages, and there are different escape challenges depending on the make-up of your group. Alternatively, Jupiter Bowl provides a more laid-back atmosphere with its luxury bowling lanes, arcade games, and dining options, making it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the company of friends or family. If you go bowling, plan on eating dinner there, since the food is surprisingly good and will be delivered right to your lane.
Day 3 in Park City
Begin your last day in Park City with a calm morning visit to the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter, a gem nestled out at Kimball Junction to teach you all about the local ecology. This 1,200-acre preserve is a haven for wildlife viewing, bird watching, and simply soaking in the beauty of the natural landscape. Not only is is a great place to spot wildlife, but the indoor education center will teach you a ton about the area as well. Start with a leisurely walk along the boardwalks; these paths wind through wetlands and fields, allowing you to immerse yourself in the calmness of the preserve. Head up to the lookout tower to be able to see across the wetlands and have a better chance of spotting wildlife that’s a bit farther away (they have binoculars to help with viewing).
The Swaner Nature Preserve also has some wonderful educational programs for kids, so if you have kids with you, make sure to check the schedule in advance so you can be there during one of the programs.
As the morning unfolds and the day gets hotter, prepare for an afternoon of lakeside leisure by packing a picnic filled with your favorite treats. Our top recommendations for a lake day in Park City are Rockport Reservoir or Jordanelle State Park.
Rockport State Park is a fantastic option for those looking to add a dash of excitement with jet skiing. The park’s clear, cool waters offer a refreshing respite from the summer heat, and the thrill of jet skiing across the lake provides an adrenaline rush like no other, and a great way to cool off. Jet ski rentals are available at the marina.
Alternatively, Jordanelle State Park offers a wide array of water activities, so plan on setting up for the day at the swimming beach. From there you can swim in the cool water, play on the “beach area”, rent paddleboards or kayaks or play on the water obstacle course at the end of the bay.
As the day begins to wind down, drive up to the top of Empire Pass, a vantage point renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views. The drive itself is scenic, but the views from the top are absolutely spectacular. Here, amidst the quiet beauty of the Wasatch Mountains, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, and you’ll feel like you can almost touch the clouds. Watching the sunset from Empire Pass is the perfect way to culminate a day filled with natural beauty and adventure, leaving you with a sense of awe and appreciation for the landscapes of Park City.
After your three days in Park City, we recommend having a day or two to relax. If you’re looking for some quiet, head over to Heber Valley for a stay at the Homestead Resort where you can soak in the Geothermal Crater for a bit and enjoy the towns charming Swiss vibe and delicious restaurants.