The Hottest Park City Activities to do this Summer
Planning a trip to Park City for a summer vacation with family or friends? Then check out our list of the best summer activities for your group to experience. Our resort town offers world-class biking and hiking trails, pristine lakes and rivers, and even hot air balloon adventures for those looking for a little aerial excitement.
Park City has something for everyone to experience during the warmer months of the year. Here are our five must-do summer adventures in Park City.
1. Plan an Outdoor Adventure in the Uinta National Forest
A quick 25-minute drive from Park City, Uinta National Forest offers travelers abundant native flora, magnificent mountain peaks, and picturesque water features. For the outdoor adventurists, there are miles of backcountry trails to explore. Check out Bald Mountain for unparalleled 360-views and colorful displays of wildflowers. Or spend the day exploring the plethora of small lakes, nestled between high mountain peaks. Perfect for anglers of any age, Mirror Lake is a favorite among locals with great fishing and striking settings. Located on one of our most popular scenic highways, the drive to Mirror Lake offers premiere sightseeing opportunities and Instagrammable moments for the whole family.
Looking for gourmet Grab and Go options before or after your outdoor hike? Check out Park City Provisions by Riverhorse. With just 24 hour’s notice, they can prepare you a full picnic meal packed for your adventurous crew. Choose from lighter options like fruit and crudités or one of their amazing sandwiches from their deli. For a more extravagant outdoor meal, order their Surf and Turf made with Niman Ranch beef and poached shrimp. No matter what your group is in the mood for, PC Provisions has you covered.
2. Tear Up the Trails with a Day of Mountain Biking
Park City has become a mecca for cyclists around the globe by boasting over 400 miles of adventurous terrain that satisfies the most hardcore bikers and newbies alike. Cruise along the family-friendly Historic Rail Trail, a pathway with even terrain, tightly packed dirt, and one of the longer rides in Utah with inspiring scenery. For the more avid cyclists, collect your crew and head to Round Valley for a more challenging experience that includes more twists and turns. Each trail system is conveniently located on the edge of Park City and offers impressive views of the city and its ski resorts. Parts of our trails are also dog-friendly, so bring Fido along!
After a day of two-wheeling, you need some serious refueling. That’s why locals turn to Silver Star Cafe, located at the entrance of the Spiro and Armstrong trails. Great for large or small groups, their dinner menu boasts such hearty dishes as Pork Osso Bucco with tomatillo salsa and a must order Elk burger. For vegetarians, there’s a decadent wild mushroom stroganoff with house-made spaetzle. What’s more? They have live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings starting at 7:30 PM.
3. Navigate the Rapids at Weber River
Visitors flock to Park City for our white powder skiing in the winter months, but locals turn to our awesome whitewater rafting in the summer. For an epic day on the water with friends and family, take a trip down the Weber River and cool off from the summer sun. Offering two-hour tours through mild rapids or full day heart-pounding outings, Park City Rafting will guide your group through rushing waters and unforgettable scenery. Whether you have a boat of thrill seekers or laid-back nature lovers, rafting in Park City promises a memorable way to experience our city in the summer.
There’s nothing better than a cold beer after the Weber River rapids. And there’s no place quite like the Red Rock Junction. Their bar offers a wide selection of award-winning drafts, cocktails, and wine for those needing to relax after a thrilling day on the water. Their food menu is also stacked with a wide variety of options, including wood-fired pizzas and entrées like Alaskan sautéed halibut and fresh cuts of steak.
4. See Park City from Above with a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Searching for an extraordinary way to experience Park City in the summer? Book a hot air balloon excursion to get the best birds-eye view of our dynamic mountainous landscape. Offering daily sunrise departures, Skywalker Balloon Company, and Park City Balloon Adventures will glide you over our cityscape and the Uinta Mountains for a one-of-a-kind aerial perspective. Equal parts exhilarating and serene, this is a vacation must-do for groups of any size looking for a fun summer activity in Park City.
Cap off your hot air balloon ride with a glass of wine at Old Town Cellars. With patio dining options and well-crafted wines, you can enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the sun after a day out. OTC also partners with Park City’s Beltex Meats and Ritual Chocolate to deliver some of our favorite tasty wine pairings. Plus, it’s located right on Main Street, so you can keep it romantic in the heart of downtown Park City.
5. Wander through our Historic Main Street
A trip to Park City wouldn’t be complete without visiting Historic Main Street. The hub of our city, Main Street offers a wealth of activities centered around shopping and entertainment. Use our free public transit system to take in a weekend show at the famed Egyptian Theatre, get your art and drink on at Paint Mixer, or embrace your inner foodie at Mountain Town Olive Oil. From shopping to art galleries and award-winning restaurants, there is something for everyone to do in Park City during the summer.
Ready to eat? Visit Riverhorse on Main–one of downtown’s oldest and most beloved restaurants–for the quintessential Park City dinner experience. Their progressive and rotating menu focuses on the best ingredients in the area and their offerings are always fresh and creative. Try their “Trio of Wild Game,” made with buffalo, venison, and elk or their hand-cut buffalo tartare with creamy egg yolk and brined capers.
What to do in Park City in the Summer?
Whether you are looking to spend the day in the forest, get out on the water, or stroll through downtown, Park City always delivers unique experiences for anyone seeking a summer adventure, dramatic landscapes, and world-class cuisine. Looking for even more summertime fun? Visit our website and search for events and cuisine to learn more.