Park City visitors come from far and wide for exciting events like the Sundance Film Festival and to enjoy the pristine winter slopes. But beyond these major attractions, there is so much more to see, eat, and learn about in Park City.
Since Jensen and Company have been part of the Park City community for over 30 years, we want to share the ABC’s of Park City and what makes this mountain town so special.
A Humble Start As A Mining Town
The area that became Park City was first found in 1868 as part of a push to find resources such as coal and precious minerals like silver. With the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1870, more miners came in droves to uncover the silver laced through the Wasatch Mountains that surround Park City.
As with other mining towns in the West, the discovery of silver and other mineral resources drew droves of settlers. Yet, unlike many Western mining towns, Park City didn’t become a ghost town when the mining dried up.
Boom Mining Town To Skiing Paradise
Before Park City Mountain became what it is today, it was known as Treasure Mountain, though its treasures had been mined out. But, in 1963, skiers could take a unique trip using subway cars up the mining tunnels, which took over an hour to reach the mining elevator. Once at the mining elevator, skiers were taken another 1,750 ft, from which they could reach the base of the Thaynes Canyon ski lift for some quality runs.
You can find out more about Park City’s roots at the Park City Museum, which you can visit downtown along Historic Main Street.
Champion Practice Grounds For Olympic Athletes
Even before the 2002 Winter Olympics were held in Salt Lake City and the neighboring city of Park City, world champions and Olympic hopefuls would come and train in Park City. After the 2002 Winter Olympics, the Utah Olympic Park has been maintained for the training of champions as well as those looking to try the runs that Olympians tackled.
If you are looking for expert advice or want to rub shoulders with former Olympians, many of the ski resorts in and around Park City employ former Olympians. You can book private instruction with a former Olympian or join in with a group, depending on your preference.
Delight In Tours Of All Kinds
Sometimes, the best way to enjoy something new is with the help of an expert. Park City offers an array of guided tours, such as:
- Food tours
- Historic Main Street tour
- Wine tours
- Silver to Slopes Mining tour
- Historic Glenwood Cemetery tour
- Ghost tours
- Guided hikes
There are options for group or private tours. Some accommodations and changes have been made due to COVID-19 concerns, but many of these tours are still available.
Enjoy In Luxurious Day Spas
Park City is also home to world-class day spas. Whether you need to recoup after a day of outdoor adventure or just want to unwind, there are many excellent options to enjoy in Park City, such as:
- Align Spa
- Serenity Spa by Westgate
- The Spa at Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley
- Aura Spa & Boutique
- Waldorf Astoria Spa
- The Spa At Hotel Park City
That is just a sample of the day spas available. Again, there are some COVID-19 restrictions in place, but many of these spas are operational.
Find Over 400 Miles Of Trails
Nothing says social distancing like traversing over 400 miles of trails. That’s right, Park City boasts more than 400 miles worth of trails that you can explore, with a helpful array of difficulties. Whether you need a family-friendly and accessible trail or want a real challenge, you can find the right trail.
Also, you don’t have to go on foot. There are mountain bike rentals available, as well as electric bikes available. Another bonus is that many chair lifts are still operational and can take you up to a remote trail.
Go From Airport To Slopes In No Time
To reach such a gem of a mountain town, you might think that a long, isolated drive is ahead of you. But, since the Salt Lake City International Airport is only about 38 miles away from Park City, reaching our destination town is relatively quick and easy.
If you don’t want to rent a car, there is also a shuttle service available, on top of rideshare and taxi options.
Home To Sundance Film Festival
Well-known as one of the most prestigious film festivals, the home of the Sundance Film Festival is in Park City. As this festival is generally held during the last week of January and first week of February, you can go from engaging films and panels with creators to hitting up the slopes.
Indulge In Food From Around The World
Unlike what you might expect from any other small mountain town, Park City has attracted world-class restaurants of many different styles. Whether you are craving a rare bison steak or fresh sashimi, you can find what you are looking for in Park City.
Jump On the Free Transports
Skip driving yourself and enjoy the free Park City transportation services. From the charming Main Street Trolley to the busses, you can jump onto these free transports and skip navigating traffic on your own.
Kickback And Enjoy A Show
Whether you are looking for a live performance at the OP Rockwell Cocktail Lounge & Music Hall or are looking for a concert in the Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater, you can find a show to enjoy.
To help promote social distancing, there are remote options also available, from virtual concerts to virtual cinema screenings with Q&A sessions.
Look Into Exclusive Real Estate
If Park City is your ideal vacation destination, you may be interested in buying a home in Park City. Whether you are looking for a sleek ski-in ski-out condo or want property in a private community, Jensen & Company can find the right home to fit the vacation home of your dreams.
Mixes Art With High Altitude
Along with being a ski paradise and a foodie’s dream, Park City also draws many artists. There are many stunningly curated art galleries for you to explore, as well as art tours available. On top of these things, Park City also offers various art workshops and seminars throughout the year, so you can embrace your artistic side.
National Ability Center
Park City welcomes people of all abilities to come and enjoy the outdoors, particularly at the National Ability Center. This organization provides adaptations—whether to outdoor equipment or locations—to allow individuals of all range of abilities to experience camping, outdoor recreation, and access to the adventures that makes Park City the place to play all year round.
Inclusion is a key part of building memories, so if your family and friends have a range of abilities but want to take a trip to Park City, be sure to check out the National Ability Center as you plan your trip.
Outdoor Recreational Paradise
Skiing is one of the first things that comes to mind when you think of Park City, but there are so many more outdoor activities you can enjoy. Whether you want to ice skate, explore backcountry on snowshoes, take a sleigh ride, or many other winter activities, you can find them in Park City.
However, Park City isn’t just a winter haven. Instead, this beautiful mountain town has transformed over the years into a stunning outdoor recreational paradise. With world-class golf courses, miles of mountain trails, fly-fishing, and countless other outdoor activities, you can find something to do any time of the year you visit Park City.
Park City Museum
As we mentioned above, Park City has historical roots as a mining town. While it is no longer a hub for miners, this history isn’t forgotten. If you are looking for an educational activity and want to learn a little bit more about this mountain town, you can always stop by the Park City Museum.
Quench Your Thirst at High West Distillery & Saloon
Holding the distinction of being the first distillery in Utah, you can visit the High West Distillery during your visit to Park City. Depending on your preference, you can visit the associated saloon, distillery, or Nelson Cottage, which is the restaurant portion of the distillery.
With consideration for COVID-19 concerns, there are also virtual experiences offered by High West Distillery. That way, you can still enjoy their unique whiskey tasting experience while at a safe distance.
Road Trip to Nearby National & State Parks
Some visitors to Park City are looking to make the most of their time in the Western states, and there is no better way than taking a road trip to some of the most stunning national and state parks.
Below are some of the top national and state parks that are relatively near Park City, with approximate distance from Park City.
- Jordanelle State Park (10 miles)
- Yellowstone National Park (311 miles)
- Rockport State Park (15 miles)
- Grand Tetons National Park (278 miles)
- Arches National Park (236 miles)
- Canyonlands National Park (250 miles)
- Bryce Canyon National Park (274 miles)
- Zion National Park (314 miles)
Slide Down Park City Mountain on the Alpine Slide
Ride down one of the longest slides in the world during your Park City visit when you go on the Alpine Slide. There are multiple luge-like tracks to choose from, so you can try whizzing down Park City Mountain by a variety of paths.
Also, you can try out the Mountain Coaster, which is Utah’s longest mountain roller coaster and winds through the beautiful scenery of Park City’s mountains.
Theatrical Performances at the Egyptian Theatre
The Egyptian Theatre is the successor of the Dewey Theatre, which opened its doors back in 1899. While heavy snowfall destroyed the original theater, it made room for the Egyptian Theatre to open up in 1926. Since then, this historic theater has been home to homegrown musicals, seen international celebrities perform, and was the original home of the Sundance Film Festival.
However, as the pandemic is still ongoing, the Egyptian Theatre is closed. We hope to see this community landmark open when things are back to normal.
Union Pacific Rail Trail
The Union Pacific Rail Trail is a 28 mile stretch of paved and gravel trail that stretches from Park City to Echo, UT. From walking, running, biking, and even horseback riding, this scenic route follows that of the railroad that covered the area in the 1860’s. Make sure to keep an eye out for 16 plaques over the stretch of the trail that mark spots in which have historical significance such as where Mormon pioneers settled, Ice Age mammoth excavations, and even crossing one of the first transcontinental highways in the country.
Visit Park Silly Sunday Market
Park Silly Sunday Market is a market for vendors that takes place on Main St. between Heber Ave and 9th St. With the goal to highlight the community of Park City, Park Silly allows for friends, families, neighbors, and out of towners to come and celebrate Park City’s residents.
Winter Wonderland
Park City and the surrounding area is as festive of a community as one could imagine. From The Holiday Express in Heber City, Santa coming down Town Lift, Christmas festivals and parades, tree lighting ceremonies, shopping at the Outlets or Main Street, and let’s not forget New Year’s Eve at one of Park City’s resorts. There is something for everyone in Park City to celebrate the time of the year in Park City.
XC Skiing in the Tracks of Olympians
With miles and miles of Cross Country Skiing tracks, there are plenty of options for avid skiers to not get bored during the winter. However, take it up a notch and follow in the track of Olympians as you can visit Jeremy Ranch Nordic Center or Soldier Hollow Nordic Center to follow tracks designed by Olympians of the past, current, and future. There are also plenty of additional miles of cross country skiing throughout the Mountain Trails Foundation that is placed throughout Park City’s extensive trail system.
Yellow Wildflowers
Park City has some of the most beautiful wildflower fields you could possibly imagine. One of the most popular wildflowers in the area is called Leopard Bane. Leopard’s Bane is a yellow, heart shaped, flower that blooms in early summer throughout Park City. However, make sure to follow some of the rules when it comes to wildflower fields such as not picking the flowers, tramping the flowers, or leaving behind trash.
Zipline Some of the World’s Longest Lines
One of the most thrilling activities on the list we saved for last as you can zipline some world record ziplines not far from Park City. At Zipline Utah, thrill seekers are able to zipline the longest over water zipline in the world! This zipline is called the Screaming Falcon line. However, it doesn’t stop there because they also have a 2 mile zipline course that you never touch the ground on and is the longest zipline course in the world as well!
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