Hikes, Hot Springs and Food

Judy and I love taking long drives and hiking in Park City. Before it gets too cold, check out these 10 easy hikes. Hiking is a great way to see wildlife, wildflowers, waterfalls, arches and other people taking pictures of all of the above. Here’s a list of 10 easy-to-moderate trails around the state to get you started. Please note that easy and accessible hikes are often the most popular. But that just means there will be more people around to take triumphant photos of you atop a mighty peak.

1. Cecret Lake

Location: Salt Lake Valley (Little Cottonwood Canyon) - Distance: 1.5 miles round trip

This hike is strewn with wildflowers AND other people enjoying the alpine lake views. Put your clothes back on! The lake is part of the Wasatch watershed so there’s no swimming. Get more info here.

2. Lake Mary

Location: Salt Lake Valley (Big Cottonwood Canyon) - Distance: 2 miles round trip

Lake MaryA favorite vacation destination for nude sunbathing moose. Don’t stare or they’ll make a weird face at you. Wait... that's just their faces. Get more info here.

3. City Creek

Location: Salt Lake City - Distance: 5.6 miles round trip - City CreekA pleasant walk through the canyon, five minutes from downtown Salt Lake. Stick to the paved road or wander about on the various dirt trails. Get more info here.

4. Birdsong Trail

Location: Ogden Canyon - Distance: 1 mile round trip

Shady, short and perfect for the little ones. If you listen close you’ll hear birds singing “We Are the World” by Michael Jackson. Get more info here.

5. Adams Canyon

Location: Layton - Distance: 3.5 miles round trip

Adams CanyonAn accessible hike to a sparkly waterfall. This isn't the easiest hike on this list, as it has switchbacks and gravelly bits, so give yourself plenty of time. Once you’re an expert hiker, put on your crampons and do it again in winter to see the waterfall frozen. Get more info here.

6. Goblin Valley

Location: San Rafael Swell - Distance: Variable, Goblin ValleyGreat winter or early spring destination (summer = burning hell-pot). Kids love scrambling around the goblin rock formations. Goblins love eating kids. Everyone wins. Get more info here.

7. Corona Arch

Location: Moab - Distance: 3 miles round trip, Corona ArchA real purdy red rock hike to the beautiful Bowtie and Corona Arches. The trail is a bit adventurous and includes a short section with a ladder and rope. You got this. Get more info here.

8. The Watchman Trail

Location: Zion National Park - Distance: 3 miles round trip

The WatchmanSunrise or sunset are the perfect times for this scenic hike. The colors of Zion’s canyon walls will be saturated with pink light. Keep yourself saturated (with water) if you do this hike midday in the summer. Get more info here.

9. Hickman Bridge Trail

Location: Capitol Reef National Park - Distance: 2 miles round trip

Hickman BridgeYet another red rock hike to a beautiful arch. It has some switchbacks at first and then levels out. Keep your eyes peeled for ruins from the Fremont culture. Get more info here.

10. Spectra Point Trail

Location: Cedar Breaks National Monument - Distance: 2 miles round trip

Spectra PointAt 10,000 feet this hike is perfect for escaping the summer heat. Lowlanders might huff and puff, but the view from the overlook is worth every gasp. Get more info here.

Once your hike is done, visit one of these 7 Area Hot Springs Worth a Visit - Pack your suit and hit the road for one of these nearby hot springs.

Lava Hot Springs - Just over 180 miles from Park City is the kitschy town of Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, named for the mineral water pools there, ranging in temp from 102 to 110 degrees (430 E Main St, 208.776.5221). Book a room at the Home Hotel (306 E Main St, 208.776.5050) and grab a post-soak beer at the Blue Moon Bar & Grill (89 S 1st E, 208.776.5007). Go: I-15 N to Exit 47, then drive east for 11 miles.

Crystal Hot Springs - These 100-year-old pools outside of Honeyville (8215 N Hwy 38, 435.339.0038) have an interesting history: during World War II, wounded soldiers were sent to rehab at these springs by President Roosevelt. Today, you’ll find there a large natural soaking pool, a steamy Olympic-size pool, and a hot pool with a cool waterslide. Go: Hwy 84 N to I-15 N to Exit 372 at Honeyville.   

The Homestead Crater - You’ll feel like you’re on another planet when you walk into the massive limestone rock dome to access this 65-foot-deep geothermal pool, hovering around a constant 90 to 96 degrees, at the Homestead Resort (700 N Homestead Dr, 435.654.1102, reservations required). Go: US 40 E to a right turn on River Rd, then follow the signs.

Diamond Fork Hot Springs (a.k.a. Fifth Water Hot Springs) - Good things come to those who hike: upon completing the 2.5-mile walk from the trailhead on Diamond Fork Road, you’ll be rewarded with a variety of hot natural pools and scenic waterfalls. Don’t be alarmed if you happen upon nude bathers here—swimsuits, while required, are often considered optional. Go: I-15 S to Exit 258/Price and drive east for 11 miles to Diamond Fork Rd.

Baker Hot Springs - The water in the three large soaking tubs at Baker Hot Springs can be very hot, but you can adjust the temp via two hot- and cold-water ditches that fill the tubs. Admission is free, but all maintenance is performed by volunteers, so please pack out your trash. Go: I-15 S to Hwy 132 W (Nephi) to Hwy 174 and follow the signs.

Meadow Hot Springs - These three crystal-clear pools are deep enough for snorkeling and scuba diving with the proper gear. The pools are located on private property in Meadow, just south of Fillmore, but they’re open to the public and camping is allowed. Go: I-15 S to a left off Exit 158; drive 4 miles to the hot springs. 

Mystic Hot Springs - Owned by artist Mike Ginsburg, a.k.a. Mystic Mike, this funky Monroe-area resort (475 E 100 N, 435.527.3286) features two soaking pools and eight bathtubs built into the red-rock landscape. Buy a daily pass, or spend the night in a restored pioneer cabin or a converted school bus; tent and car camping are also permitted. Go: Take I-15 S to Exit 188/Scipio. Head east on Hwy 50 to I-70 W. Pull off at Exit 31 to Monroe.

Mapped has 13 activities that will make you re-evaluate your favourite ski destination to Park City. Sitting just 40 minutes away from the Salt Lake City airport and 7,000 feet above sea level, Park City is the ski resort you’ve been missing out on all this time. Featuring a ski-town vibe to rival Whistler’s, slopes that would have Coloradoans jealous, and light, powdery snow that is unique to Utah’s own corner of the globe, Park City makes for an unforgettable stay.

Take a look at these 13 must-do activities to get a taste of what it’s like to have your life elevated at Park City.

Have brunch at Five5eeds Featuring some of the city’s most delicious (and best-presented) brunch options, Five5eeds recently underwent an expansion so that they could fit more customers and fill more bellies with their unique dishes.

With more than a hint of the Australian foodie culture — and seriously good coffee — thanks to Five5eeds’ owners, its no wonder that the colourful plates and perpetually on point aesthetic cause a line going out the door. We’d suggest getting there early to secure yourself a seat, because it’s just. That. Good. 1600 Snow Creek Drive, Park City

Go snowboarding or skiing - Park City Mountain, while this one is a no-brainer for the resort city, we had to add it to the list for obvious reasons. With two resorts to choose from — though only one if you’re a snowboarder — Park City’s slopes are bucket-list worthy for their jaw-dropping views, an assortment of runs, and powder straight out of a skier’s dream.

Thanks to the high elevation and the extremely low humidity, Utah has been known to have the best snow on earth, as it stays light and fluffy throughout the entire ski season.

Park City Mountain Resort, which merged with Canyons Resort in 2015 to create the 7,300-acre playground that it is today, is one of the largest ski resorts in the US, featuring 17 peaks, over 330 runs, and 41 different lifts.

Deer Valley is the other option for skiers (snowboarders are not allowed on the privately-owned slopes) and features premium, well-groomed runs, multiple apres-ski dining options, and some of the finest snow you’ll ever find.

Stay at the Park City Peaks Hotel (or at least eat at their restaurant)

The recently-renovated Park City Peaks Hotel makes for the perfect jumping off point for any of the city’s awesome outdoor activities — that is if you can even tear yourself away from the firelit lobby, indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, under-the-stars fireplace, and fully outfitted gym.

If you’re planning on staying in for the night, you can pop over to Versante Hearth and Bar (it’s connected to the hotel) for a nightcap or one of the city’s best wood-fired pizzas, among other delicious delights.

Use Ski Butlers to get the gear you need

Don’t feel like hauling your snowboard or skis into the taxi/baggage check/shuttle bus? Not a problem. Park City’s own Ski Butlers can hook you up with all your skiing needs right at your hotel so that you’re all ready to hit the slopes the next morning. Need an adjustment or your board isn’t feeling just right? They’ll meet you on the mountain with a replacement to get you back to the top of the lift ASAP.

Check out the Park Silly Sunday Market (this one will have to wait till next year)

Operating during the summer months, the Park Silly Sunday Market is an open-air market that brings together the community and local vendors. The market runs from 10 am to 5 pm on Sundays from June 2 to September 22 (with a few exceptions in August) and makes for a great way to start your Sunday in the sun!

Take a winery mining tour

Before Park City was a world-renowned ski destination, it was a mining town, with prospectors finding silver underneath the snow-covered hills. A few wineries around the area even offer a historical tour of the mining buildings, mixing in a few glasses of the good stuff to keep attendees in tip-top shape.

Fox School of Wine offers a three-hour, six location jaunt around some of the city’s oldest buildings (don’t worry, you won’t have to crawl into any cold, wet tunnels). You’ll learn about both the vintages and the history of Park City on the infinitely informative tour.

Grab a bite to eat at Riverhorse Provisions

This little spot on Main Street is perfect whether you’re hoping for a quick cuppa joe or a sit-down meal. With a well-stocked market upstairs, a cozy cafe/brunch hotspot downstairs, and apres-ski packs to go, you’ll be able to get some delicious fuel for whatever the day may bring.

Go on a yoga adventure

A few days on the slopes can leave you stiff and sore, and sometimes the jets in that outdoor hot tub just aren’t quite strong enough. Mix in a stretch (and an unforgettable experience) by signing up for a Park City Yoga Adventures tour, taking you out into the snowy expanse of the mountains for some yurt yoga, or onto the calm waters of a natural hot spring for some paddleboard yoga.

Fuel up at Vessel Kitchen

Don’t let the fact that this walk-up-to-order restaurant is quick and affordable fool you — the lunch and dinner on offer here rivals some of the best sit-downs around. With filling, hearty food laid out right in front of you and a wide selection of beers, you’ll be leaving here happy, healthy, and absolutely full.

Drink up at High West Distillery and Saloon

If you ever wanted to know what it was like to walk through the doors of an old saloon, High West is your best bet. While they may not have the classic swinging doors that you’ve seen on the old cowboy movies (Park City is far too cold for that), the saloon more than makes up for it with its astounding aesthetic, delicious drink, and one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

Rest your legs at Mid Mountain Lodge

This miners’ boarding house-turned-refurbished hotspot has become the go-to place for a break from the slopes. You’ll need to purchase a pass to Park City Mountain to make it there via ski or snowboard, but the destination is definitely worth the trip. Located halfway up the mountain, the lodge is the picture of a bumping ski resort: patio chairs circle roaring fires, faux fur lines the cozy chairs, and the lunch menu is filled with warm, hearty meals that will see you through countless runs on the slopes.

If all that isn’t enough, it’s also one of just two spots on the mountain where you can grab yourself a drink from a full bar to enjoy in that midday sun — though if you’re just looking for a cold beer, you’ll be able to get that at any one of the mountain’s lodges.

Catch a flick at the Sundance Film Festival

For ten days every year, the Sundance Film Festival lands in Park City, Utah with the most thought-provoking and visually-stunning films of the year. It’s the largest independent film festival in the United States, and if you can manage to time your trip just right, you’ll be able to enjoy the festival to its fullest potential. You may even spot a celebrity or two.

Have Dinner at Hearth + Hill

This recently-opened restaurant may be new to the city, but it’s already becoming a local favourite. The perfect spot for a hot date or a dinner with the whole family, Hearth + Hill’s warm atmosphere, wide (and affordable) menu selection, and friendly staff make it an ideal go-to for any night of the week. Oh, and the build your own Old Fashioned is something straight out of a daydream — you have to try it to believe it!