As a backpacker to the USA you’ll get your mix of snow and sun. In the state of Utah, Park City may be more known for its skiing, but it is also a fantastic place to visit for a summer vacation. Just because there is no snow on the slopes, you can still have a great time, especially if you travel here with your family. So what can you do when there is no snow? Here are my top ideas to get you thinking.
1. Mountain Biking
There are 400 miles of mountain bike trails in the surrounding area, making this one of the best activities you can enjoy here. The 20-mile Mid-Mountain Trail is one of the best, which starts in Deer Valley, but there are many others. The resorts here all provide lifts to get you up the steepest hills so you can spend more time racing down them, and you can either rent a bike when you arrive or go on a tour with a guide.
2. Hiking
When you book your stay in your Park City summer lodging, one of the best ways to get out and see your surroundings is to go hiking on one of the many trails in the area. This is perfect hiking country, and you will be able to find a suitable trail no matter what your level, whether that means strolling at a gentle pace and enjoying the scenery or hiking up Mount Timpanogos. Find more details of where you can go exploring with a trail map from the Mountain Trails Foundation.
3. Utah Olympic Park
The Utah Olympic Park is one of the main attractions here all year round. Made for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games where it hosted numerous events, it is now used by professional athletes for training. It is 400 acres in size, and you will find some thrilling rides to enjoy like the Xtreme ZipRider. You can also visit the 2002 Winter Games Museum, making it a great place to spend a day.
4. Jordanelle State Park
Head to Jordanelle State Park for a day trip to enjoy a wide range of activities that are perfect for spending warm summer days. You could go fishing, hiking, swimming, or even camping, and you will find it all just 15 minutes away from Park City, so go exploring here and enjoy a whole day out.
5. Summer Festivals
The Sundance Film Festival in the winter may be the most famous festival of the year, but there are plenty of other festivals here all year round. For example, you could visit the Kimball Arts Center Festival in August, which raises money for the exhibitions and programs put on during the year. Or you could enjoy the Park City International Music Festival, which features classical music and opera in four different venues.
6. Park City Golf Club
This golf club is one of the best in the state. Not only does it have a well designed and challenging 18-hole course, but it is also in a stunning location. At 6,700 feet, it tends to be cooler than many courses in the area, making it perfect for summer.
7. Discover the History of the Town
Park City used to be a silver mining town before it became a ski resort, and the old town character is still present. You can find out all about this by going on a tour of the town, or even a ghost tour if you are brave enough. Alternatively, visit Park City Museum to find out more through the interesting exhibits.
8. Not Just a Winter Destination
Park City is a fantastic year-round destination. Even if you don’t visit during the winter ski season, you will find plenty of things to see and do to keep you and the whole family occupied for your entire vacation. So don’t make the mistake of thinking that Park City is just for the winter or you could be missing out.
I’ll be heading back to New York next month by the way! Safe travels backpacking Utah in the good old U S of A!
Park City is a cool little town. I have only been there once briefly for a day on a company-sponsored school trip at the tail end of the Sundance Film Festival. While I did not manage to see any celebrities, I did experience one of the most beautiful places in the United States and the town of Park City still has the “Wild West” charm to it with its saloons and cowboy culture. Definitely worth a visit no matter what time of the year!
Ray recently posted…Ciudad del Este – The City of Chaos
Ha ha – nice one Ray – you certainly get around North and South America that is for sure!! Safe travels. Jonny