BEST HIKES NEAR PARK CITY, UTAH

BEST HIKES NEAR PARK CITY, UTAH

There is no shortage of great options for hiking near Park City, Utah. And while Park City itself has various spectacular hiking trails, sometimes it’s nice to get out of the city for some solitude in nature. Packing up the car and going on a scenic drive to an even more scenic hike is part of the fun.  

Whether you prefer a scenic stroll or a steep climb, there is something for everyone without having to travel very far outside of Park City. Following are our top five picks for the best hikes near Park City. 

MT. OLYMPUS TRAIL

Roughly a half hour away from Park City is Mt. Olympus in Holladay, Utah. This is one of the top hikes near Park City for those seeking some difficulty on the trail, as it’s pretty steep. Long-range views await those who make it to the top of the steep grade. Fortunately, the path is well-maintained, making it easy to follow, even during the colder months. 

If you park off Wasatch Boulevard, you can hop on the trail from the parking area and begin the climb up. Just short of two miles in, the trail becomes steeper after crossing a drainage area. When you emerge from the forest, there’s an even steeper incline to the top. From Wasatch Boulevard to the very top is 6.7 miles. 

DESOLATION TRAIL

Taking Desolation Trail to Salt Lake Overlook offers an intermediate hike in the Wasatch National Forest West. Under a half hour from Park City in Mill Creek Canyon, this trail offers multiple switchbacks for manageable climbing. Unparalleled views of Salt Lake Valley await at the top. 

You can either follow the trail all the way to the top or take the turn at Thayne Canyon if you’d like to explore a different route. The turn-off is about .75 miles of the way in. Desolation Trail veers to the right here. About 2.3 miles of the way up Desolation Trail, the path branches off to an overlook of Salt Lake Valley. Call it a day here, or continue up the trail to Big Cottonwood Canyon. This hike is 4.4 miles round trip. If driving into Mill Creek Canyon, be sure to bring some cash for parking. 

BRIGHTON LAKES

About 45 minutes outside of Pak City is Brighton Lakes. Start this hike on the south side of Brighton Loop Road to hop onto the trailhead. As the Lake Mary Trail winds up through a picturesque ski resort, you’ll hike past ski runs and under the chair lifts. 

As you reach the intersection of Dog Lake Spur Trail, you’ll cross a creek on your way to Lake Mary. Bring a picnic and set up lunch beside Lake Mary before continuing up the trail. If you’d prefer a shorter hike, this is a good spot to take a rest before heading back down. 

For those who like longer hikes, hang a left at Brighton Lakes Trail to continue on toward Lake Martha and Lake Catherine. At Lake Catherine, you have the option of hopping onto Ridge Trail #157, where the grade increases considerably, and from there onto Sunset Peak Trail. 

Views of both Brighten Lake and the valley reward hikers at the end of Sunset Park Trail. This hike is a total of 6.1 miles there and back of intermediate to difficult hiking. If that’s too long for you, it’s always possible to turn around at any of the lakes or trail junctures.

PIPELINE TRAIL

Jump on Pipeline Trail at the Burch Hollow Trailhead in Millcreek Canyon for a leisurely hike with only small portions of technical terrain. Head west along the well-marked path and remain on the main path to reach an overlook offering stunning views of the valley. Large alpine trees along the hike provide partial shade, making this an excellent option for warm, sunny days. 

This hike is just a bit more than a half-hour’s drive from Park City and 9.3 miles out and back. Alternatively, you can start your hike at Rattlesnake Gulch Trail or the Church Fork Trailhead. Both offer moderately steep hiking. Another option for a starting point is Elbow Fork, but this access point is only open during the summer months. 

If driving into Mill Creek, be prepared to pay a $3 per car fee when leaving the canyon. Also, while people commonly bring dogs onto this trail, be aware that snakes are a common sighting. 

LAKE BLANCHE TRAIL

If you enjoy a good challenge on the trail, the Lake Blanche in Big Cottonwood Canyon takes you up more than 2,700 feet in a span of just three miles, making this an intermediate to difficult hike. 

Make your way to Lake Blanche, Lake Florence, and Lake Lillian from a single path connecting the three bodies of water. Each lake provides an excellent opportunity to take a rest, catch your breath, and maybe even set out a delightful picnic, particularly if you’re planning to follow the trail all the way to Sundial Peak. Hiking up the east trail takes you to an overlook of Mineral Fork and Superior, but this is a pretty technical route. 

This trail is just a bit over a half hour from Park City, and the hike itself is seven miles out and back. Much of this hike is through trees. Besides the lake, the hike also provides good views of Raymond & Gobbler’s Knob. You’re also likely to see deer, moose, and a wide variety of birds along the way.

CONCLUSION

Park City is surrounded by amazing hiking opportunities. Whether you’re looking for some beautiful seclusion in nature or a challenging hike to get your blood pumping, these options are sure to delight your senses. And for those who want to feel surrounded by nature all the time, Park City’s Benloch Ranch makes an excellent outpost, with easy convenience to shops and activities, as well as to the spectacular wilderness of the area.