Hiking Guide to Park City: Long Hikes to Explore
Best Long Hikes near Park City
There’s nothing better than setting foot onto a hiking trail and losing yourself in your surroundings, and there’s no better place to do that than in Park City, Utah. Nestled in the gorgeous Uinta Mountains, Park City is home to a plethora of hiking trails to explore, many of which will lead you into the mountains to view alpine lakes, wildflowers, and blooming greenery during the summer and fall months.
Join us as we explore some of the best long hikes over 4 miles near Park City, from the mountains of Deer Valley to the Park City overlooks from in-town hikes.
Explore Deer Valley on the 4.5mi Silver Lake Trail
Deer Valley may be known for its skiing, but during the summertime and the changing of the leaves during fall, this area is great for another activity: hiking. Check out the stunning 4.5 mile Silver Lake Trail, for instance, for your next Park City hiking adventure.
Unlike many hikes in the area, this trail is for hikers only, meaning that you won’t have to worry about zooming mountain bikes as you enjoy the tranquility of your walk. Start at the bottom of the Silver Lake Chairlift (after which the hike was named) and trek your way towards the top of Bald Mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with views of Heber Valley below that will make you gasp in awe. Even the trip down is one to remember: hike through lush forests and along cliff sides as you make your way back down into the foothills of Deer Valley.
Experience Park City Hiking Bliss on the Lofty Lakes Loop
Ever wanted to catch a glimpse of some of the most beautiful alpine lakes anywhere in the Park City area? Be sure to look into the Lofty Lakes Loop, a 4.4 mile trail that will lead you through fields of wildflowers and to mountain lakes that will leave you breathless in the face of unforgettable views.
Head over to Mirror Lake Highway (and pay the entrance fee of $6 for day use) to find the Pass Lake Trailhead, where this hike begins, and enjoy 4 miles with less than 1,000 feet of elevation gain across the whole trail. It’s recommended to hike this trail in the clockwise direction, as the gradual incline is a bit easier than counterclockwise. Once you get going, there are a number of lakes on this trail–the first being dubbed “Picturesque Lake”, and for good reason–the views here are incredible. Wear good shoes, as there may be snow on the trail even during the summer months.
Enjoy a Park City Hike with Little Elevation Gain: The Three Divide Lakes Trail (AKA Clyde Lake Loop)
Want to glimpse some alpine lakes without having to trek up the sides of mountains? Then the Three Divide Lakes Trail (also known as the Clyde Lake Loop) is the trail for you. Although you will have to drive nearly an hour outside of Park City to reach the trailhead, you’ll find that the incredible mountain vistas and stunning lake views will be more than a worthy reward.
Interestingly enough, once you’re on the Clyde Lake Loop Trail, you’ll see that the three lakes are not easy to find. That’s because, once you hit Clyde Lake, you’ll have to walk south over a ridge to discover these hidden lakes. Head south once you hit the middle portion of Clyde Lake to find these beautiful alpine vistas that you will remember forever.
Trek Alpine Lakes on the Lackawaxen Lake Trail and Bloods Lake Trail
If you don’t want to travel too far from Park City for a hike that you’ll dream about for years to come, there is one trail with alpine lakes to enjoy not far from town: the Lackawaxen and Bloods Lake Trail. Just twenty minutes away from Park City lies this gorgeous 4.9 mile out-and-back trail, which will take you to not one, but two alpine lakes as you trek through lush aspen forests and wide-open vistas that will provide you with great views of the surrounding mountains.
You can even bring your dog with you when you hike this trail–furry friends are allowed as long as they are on a leash and don’t enter the Bloods Lake Watershed. Check the parking lot camera before you go to ensure that you arrive before the lot has filled up, as this trail is very popular during the summertime and fall months.
View Park City Fall Colors on the Gambel Oak Loop
For those of you who are searching for a hike that will provide you with great views of the changing leaves during the fall, you can’t go wrong with the Gambel Oak Loop, located just a few minutes drive away from the center of town. This 4.1 mile loop is filled with the bright yellow aspen leaves, and its peak gives you a glimpse of Park City from above that you will remember forever. Getting to the trailhead is quite easy–just head up Main Street and make a right onto Aerie Drive to reach it.
Reserve Your Park City Vacation Rental Today
Planning a trip to Park City is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially if you are visiting during the summer or fall, when the hiking is the best. Not sure where to stay while you’re gallivanting through town? Check out Park City vacation rentals with LocalVR, an expert property management service that connects you with some of the most stunning vacation rentals in the area.
Want to find out more about traveling to Park City? Take a look at the LocalVR Travel Guides, where you’ll find helpful guides like our recommendations for the best ski runs on Park City Mountain or our list of the best places for nature photography in Park City.
