Here’s Why Park City, Utah Makes The Perfect Active Summer Escape
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1 week ago
Alpine cycling, local art galleries, cosy lodges and fresh mountain air – what’s not to love?
Coolcations and summer alpine escapes are on the rise in Europe – but we’ve found the perfect little-something-different Stateside. Located in the Wasatch Mountains just a 35-minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport (with direct flights from London Heathrow), Park City is one of the most accessible mountain towns in the US – and also one of the most forward-thinking when it comes to nature and outdoor life.
Emerging as a mining town in the 1860s, Park City has reinvented itself as a world-class year-round mountain destination in recent decades – as well as an artistic hub, dotted with independent galleries. It’s a ski-lover’s dream, home to two of the USA’s largest ski resorts, Park City Mountain and Deer Valley – though in summer, those pistes give way to hiking trails, mountain biking and seemingly endless greenery.
Set to host a number of events during the 2034 Utah Winter Olympic Games (32 years after its first Games), all eyes will soon turn to wintering in this mountainous state – but our gaze is firmly fixed on summer. Here’s why Park City makes a summer adventure worth packing for – and how to make the most of every trail, peak and panorama.
Start planning your perfect escape to Park City at visitparkcity.com
Park City is artistic hub dotted with independent galleries. (© Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau)
Park City: Is This The Perfect Outdoors Summer Holiday?
When winter loosens its icy grip on alpine Utah, most tourists scatter – but the savvy few save their trip for the summer. As the snow melts into green valleys, the mountains transform into a lush escape that rewards those who stick around. Park City’s forests and meadows come alive with wildflowers, wildlife darts through the grass, and more than 700 km of hiking and biking trails run throughout the mountains and valleys. Festivals, outdoor concerts, and farmers’ markets fill the sunlit days, giving a glimpse of local life alongside the outdoor action.
Nature is part of daily life here, something locals call the Mountainkind mindset – a way of living that stays connected to the land, the community, and the mountain adventures that shape the town. If you are someone who seeks crisp mountain air and summer afternoon hikes, embracing and preserving the surrounding natural beauty, you are the Mountainkind – and Park City is for you.
Nature is part of daily life in Park City. (© Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau)
STAY
Park City is known for its stellar accommodation options. One example is The Lodge at Blue Sky, an eco-conscious retreat just outside of town, built entirely with local natural materials. The Lodge sits on 3,500 acres of preserved wilderness, and guests can enjoy floor-to-ceiling windows, cosy fireplaces and terraces with picture-perfect views of the Wasatch Mountains across 46 calming rooms and suites. Outside, there’s locally-sourced fare, an indulgent spa, and activities spanning horseriding, fly fishing on private waters, clay shooting and hiking through aspen groves.
On the other side of town, Montage Deer Valley is another cosy mountain retreat with immediate access to scenic summer trails and outdoor pursuits. The emphasis here is on ease: step straight from the hotel’s warm wooded, natural stone interiors into the surrounding landscape. Dining leans local, with the elevated Apex making the most of seasonal Utah produce without overcomplicating it and the more relaxed Daly’s Pub & Rec being perfect for casual meals and post-hike refuelling.
Top Tip
After a day of hiking, don’t miss the Recovery Massage at Spa Montage. Designed specifically to soothe muscles post-mountain activities, this deeply therapeutic treatment utilises warming botanical oils and targeted techniques to release tension.
Park Silly Sunday Market is one of many summer-only events visitors and locals alike flock to. (© Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau)
DO
Park City’s mining history is still visible in the town’s well-curated museums and restored façades clustered around the historic Main Street, which doubles as the town’s social spine. This colourful street is the place to stop, shop and dine, hopping between independent boutiques, art galleries focussed on nature-inspired fine art, farmers markets and festivals (like the beloved Park Silly Sunday Market and the Kimball Arts Festival), and coffeehouses showcasing America’s unparalleled coffee scene. It’s also easy breezy to get around, with free local bus services and the Summit Bike Share, which works just like London’s Santander Cycles (only with better views).
As for the natural surroundings, at the entry to Park City, the Swaner Preserve & Eco Center offers a hands-on introduction. Spread across 1,200 acres of protected wetlands, it combines boardwalk trails with talks, workshops, guided tours and family programmes that explain how this landscape actually works, with the opportunity to spot resident birds, beavers and other wildlife in their natural surroundings.
Discover local history at Park City Museum. (© Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau)
And for a taste of one of Park City’s most decorated products, pay a visit to the family-owned Alpine Distilling, which turns 10 years old in 2026 and operates two distilleries under one roof. Enjoy a guided tasting experience of their botanical spirits and whiskeys in the cocktail lounge, or enjoy a private gin making experience guided by CEO and Master Botanical Distiller Sara Sergent – the most decorated botanical distiller in the US.
But of course outdoor pursuits are the order of the day in Park City, with Mountainkind locals and visitors alike in constant pursuit of that fresh mountain air. More than 700 km of hiking and mountain biking trails await, whether it’s lush forests, alpine meadows or bubbling waterfalls you’d like to pass through (or all of the above). Whichever direction you take, expect breathtaking views and opportunities to spot wildlife throughout.
Outdoor pursuits are the order of the day in Park City. (© Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau)
There’s also Utah Olympic Park, which despite being a winter sports venue is still a must-visit come summer. Thrilling activities like ziplines, bobsledding and Flying Aces aerial show keep adrenaline levels high, while scenic lift rides cater to anyone preferring their thrills at a lower intensity.
And when legs finally give out, the surrounding mountain roads deliver excellent scenic drives, best enjoyed without much of an agenda at all.
Top Tip
Take a guided tour of the Olympic Park to get up close with some of the world’s most impressive Nordic ski jumps – and try out some of the activities for yourself.
Park City offers thrilling activities galore. (© Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau)
EAT & DRINK
Food isn’t an afterthought in Park City, and Main Street is the place to be for family dinners and date nights alike, with local produce magicked into an array of cuisines. Riverhorse on Main is one of the most popular local spots, serving wild game, fish and steaks; make sure you book ahead. Elsewhere don’t miss Firewood on Main, which transforms seasonal ingredients over woodfire. There are also Italian spots like Grappa and Cafe Terigo, as well as sushi and western comfort food.
In the Old Town, farm-to-table spot Handle is all about small plates and sharing, while Butcher’s Chop House has a great outdoor patio to absorb the summer sun. And for that alpine feeling, Courchevel Bistro serves French staples like baked brie and steak frites.
Across town, don’t miss Twisted Fern for seasonal small plates, Tupelo for fine dining or Sterling Steak and Lounge for Park City’s very best steak accompanied by live music – ideal if there’s reason to celebrate. And if steak is indeed what you’re after, Grub Steak is another iconic venue, dating back 40 years.
Outdoor patios are perfect for absorbing the Utah summer sun. (© Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau)
After dark, drift between Main Street’s bars to absorb the lively nightlife. The Spur Bar & Grill offers live music and DJs, while the historic No Name Saloon is known for its rooftop terrace and High West Saloon offers house-distilled whiskey and cocktails.
Noticing a western theme? It’s not all cowboy country: buzzy cocktail and wine bar Palomino would feel right at home in a metropolis, while Velvet Room offers a theatrical night out and boasts Park City’s longest wine list.
Top Tip
Spend a gourmet evening on a curated culinary tour with Gourmand Food Tours or Delicious Cities, showcasing Park City‘s unique independent restaurants and insider stories.
It’s easy to explore Park City on two wheels. (© Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau)
BOOK IT
Start planning your perfect escape to Park City at visitparkcity.com
All of these hotels, activities and more can be integrated into an itinerary organised by Elegant Resorts. Find out more at elegantresorts.co.uk
