Park City may be famous for its champagne powder winters, but when the snow melts, the mountains come alive in ways that only the long days of a Rocky Mountain summer can deliver. Imagine high-alpine trails under your feet, sunsets spilling across ridgelines, and crisp mountain air carrying the sound of live music.
Whether you crave adrenaline, indulgence, or a little of both, Park City offers a grown-up summer playground that blends outdoor adventure with elevated experiences. Jenn has lived and worked in the Wasatch Mountains, and we are regular visitors to the Park City / Deer Valley region. Join us as we share our top summer adventurous things to do in Park City from our most recent trip.
Lift-Served Hiking in the High Country
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Both Deer Valley and Park City Mountain turn their ski lifts into scenic gondola and chairlift rides in summer, whisking hikers to trailheads high above town. From there, you can wander alpine meadows, ridge-top panoramas, and cool aspen groves without the grueling uphill grind. Pack a picnic, snap a few summit selfies, and savor that high-altitude serenity.
We toured Deer Valley with Don Winsor, an extraordinary local hiking guide. He showed us just how easy it is to reach the summit on the lifts with exceptional views in every direction. We didn’t have to hike far to see a lot. After we had our fill of high country splendor, we returned mid-mountain to the Easy Street Cafe. You should never pass up an opportunity for a bowl of Deer Valley’s famous chili!
Mountain Biking at Deer Valley and Park City
Photo Credit: Park City Chamber & Visitors Bureau.
For mountain bike riders, Park City is a mecca—over 400 miles of singletrack connect the slopes to the valley. Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort both offer lift-served riding, but Deer Valley takes it up a notch with meticulously built flow trails, berms, and features that keep you grinning from top to bottom. Whether you’re a seasoned shredder or new to the sport, their trail network serves up a satisfying mix of adrenaline and alpine views.
We heard Park City Mountain’s lift-served riding has a more rugged vibe with that old-school singletrack feel for those who prefer raw, natural terrain. Don said you could find it all at Deer Valley. He showed us his favorite lines down and said it’s the diversity of trails that makes Deer Valley his favorite, along with high-quality rental bikes, meticulous signage that separates riders from hikers, and a variety of terrain, including his favorite run through the aspens. You could sum it up as the Deer Valley Difference.
Alpine Slide Thrills at Park City Mountain
Photo Credit: Park City Chamber & Visitors Bureau.
If you’re looking to stir up a little nostalgia with your thrill, Park City Mountain’s alpine slide is a must. It’s one of the longest in the world, twisting and turning down the mountain in a serpentine rush of pure fun. Race your friends or simply cruise—either way, you’ll be grinning all the way to the bottom.
Jenn worked the Park City alpine slide back in the day. To date, it’s still her favorite attraction of Park City Mountain Resort’s summer operations.
Road Biking Through the Valley
Photo Credit: Park City Chamber & Visitors Bureau.
For smooth pavement and big scenery, the bike paths between Kimball Junction and Deer Valley are pure joy. The route weaves through open fields, past sparkling ponds, and right into the heart of town. Grab a bike from the Park City Bike Share Program for a casual cruise, or rent a road or hybrid cycle for a longer ride.
Jenn’s absolute favorite summer activity from her Park City days was riding the bike trails. They were incredible back in the day and have now more than doubled in size. Needless to say, we can wait to get out and try them again. We were tempted to hop on the bike share bikes at Deer Valley for a downhill trip to Main Street and then call the St Regis car service to pick us up at the bottom of the hill.
Fly Fishing with Rocky Mountain Outfitters
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Utah’s blue-ribbon rivers and streams are an angler’s dream. For the best experience, head out with a guide who knows where the fish are biting, how to match the hatch, and the perfect stretches of water for every skill level. Whether you’re wading in cool currents or floating a river, it’s a day of pure mountain Zen.
We chose Rocky Mountain Outfitters, one of the few companies with access to the Lower Provo River. Our guide unlocked the security gate, opening up miles of untapped ripples and runs. I hooked a fish on my first cast, albeit just a baby. By the end of the morning, I was landing some of the largest rainbows and browns I’ve ever caught, and you should have seen the one that got away!
Hot Air Ballooning Over the Wasatch
Photo Credit: Park City Chamber & Visitors Bureau.
For an unforgettable start to your day, take to the skies in a hot air balloon at sunrise. From high above the Wasatch Mountains, you’ll watch the first light spill across the peaks and valleys—a peaceful, panoramic perspective that’s pure magic.
To be fair, we have yet to experience hot air ballooning. However, we saw several balloons launching just outside of Heber on our way to fly fishing. With the early start and close proximity to Park City, this would make an excellent prequel to an afternoon of playing along the Provo River.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding at Jordanelle Reservoir
Photo Credit: Park City Chamber & Visitors Bureau.
Just a short drive from Park City, Jordanelle Reservoir offers calm waters perfect for stand-up paddleboarding. Glide across the lake with views of rolling hills and open skies, or try an early morning paddle when the water is glassy and peaceful.
We wrote this section with the closest, most popular activity first, but there are several parks along the Provo River worthy of attention. Below Jodanelle is Deer Creek Reservoir and below that is the Lower Provo run. The reservoirs are perfect flat water fun and the ripples on the runs make for fantastic floats. We saw bus loads of people getting ready to tube or kayak the Lower Provo. It looked cool in every sense of the word. Even though we were a thousand feet lower than Park City, the water was good and chilly coming out below the dam.
Horseback Riding in the Wasatch
Photo Credit: Park City Chamber & Visitors Bureau.
Experience the mountains at a slower pace on a guided horseback ride. Local outfitters lead you along wildflower-strewn meadows, pine-lined ridges, and hidden canyons. It’s a timeless way to connect with the land—and maybe spot a deer or moose along the way.
We’ve done the winter sled ride at Empire Lodge and snowmobiled with North 40 where they run horses in the summer,so that almost counts – lol. The scenery while snowmobiling was beautiful and unspoiled, so we can only imagine the summer views! Rocky Mountain Outfitters also offer trail rides in the summer at an adjacent property. While we haven’t ridden with either company yet, based on our experiences with both companies we believe either would be a solid choice. Giddy up!
Outdoor Concerts Under the Stars
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Nothing says summer in the mountains like a live concert with a stunning backdrop. Park City’s resorts, including Deer Valley, Canyons Village, and Park City Mountain, host regular outdoor shows ranging from local bands to national headliners. Pack a blanket, bring a picnic, and let the mountain air and music carry you away.
I don’t know if this next line will escape the scowl of our editors, but the hills are literally alive with the sound of music with all the outdoor concerts. We watched Lindsey Sterling perform with the Utah Orchestra at Deer Valley and drove past signs for a concert the same evening at The Canyons. If you love live music, you’ll love Park City in the summer.
Summer Bobsledding at Utah Olympic Park
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Relive the excitement of the 2002 Winter Games at Utah Olympic Park. In summer, you can take a gravity-powered bobsled ride down the actual Olympic track—with a professional driver at the helm. It’s a bucket-list rush that proves you don’t need snow to feel the speed.
This was an “only in Park City” activity we needed to try. We were torn between the summer or winter bobsledding but chose summer for two reasons. First, we didn’t have to give up a day of skiing. Second, the summer run goes faster and down the entire track. Even though it only lasted one minute, we are still reliving the memories.
Sunset Patio Dining and Craft Cocktails
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Summer sunsets linger late in Park City, which means more time for al fresco meals and mountain-to-table dining. From slopeside patios at Deer Valley to Main Street rooftop lounges, you’ll find no shortage of spots to toast the day. For something truly special, linger over a multi-course meal at one of Park City’s chef-driven restaurants and watch the alpenglow fade into starlight.
It’s hard to say if there’s better live music or patio dining in Park City because they so often come together in one delicious package. We stayed at the St Regis Deer Valley on our last trip, which has several al fresco dining options. Our favorite might have been the Mountain Terrace, where we could order from the Brassiere menu while watching the classic champagne sabering.
Strolling Historic Main Street
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Park City’s Main Street isn’t just a winter hangout for après-ski. In the summer, it’s buzzing with art galleries, boutique shops, wine bars, and patios that beg you to sit a while. It’s the kind of place where you can spend an afternoon browsing, sipping, and soaking in the historic charm of this old mining town.
We kicked off our evening at Courchevel Bistro, and the first bite had us daydreaming of Europe. Their baked brie—made with local cheese but served up Alpine-style—was hands-down the best we’ve ever had. Then came the finale: pillowy beignets stuffed with Utah peaches. One moment we were in the French Alps, the next we were back in the Wasatch, savoring the flavors of summer.
To work off our “culinary sins,” we wandered down Main Street as the sunset painted the sky. The galleries practically pulled us in, and it felt like every canvas and sculpture was humming the same summer song as the mountains around us—fresh greens, golden light, and all the vibrancy of a Utah evening.
Relaxation at the St. Regis Deer Valley Spa
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
After a few days of alpine adventure, your body will thank you for a little pampering. The St. Regis Spa at Deer Valley offers world-class treatments, serene relaxation areas, and that signature St. Regis service. From deep-tissue massages to rejuvenating facials, it’s the perfect indulgence for tired legs and sun-kissed skin.
We made sure that we scheduled a self-care day towards the end of our stay at the St. Regis, Deer Valley. We began with yoga to stretch our sore muscles, followed by sound bath meditation to release our imagination. We were already blissed out by the time we reached the spa, which took pampering to the next level. We reflected on our experiences as we enjoyed the spa amenities post-treatment and realized how valuable this assimilation time was in forming lasting memories of the entire trip.
Final Thoughts
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.
Summer in Park City is a season of contrasts—wild mountain adventures by day, refined comforts by night. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline on a bike trail, swaying to live music under the stars, or toasting the sunset with a glass of wine, you’ll find experiences that feed both your adventurous spirit and your love of the good life. Pack your hiking boots, your appetite, and your sense of wonder—Park City is ready to show you just how magical a high-altitude summer can be.