Park City Travel Guide

Located high in the Wasatch Mountains, Park City has always stood apart from the rest of Utah. While Salt Lake City was founded to be the new Mormon Zion, Park City grew up in the gritty business of mining. Park City's mountain town layout and liberated lifestyle have always contrasted with greater Utah's gridded streets and conservative culture. And though Salt Lake has greatly adapted and grown into the modern world, Park City has always maintained a flavor distinct from traditional Utah, drawing from its abundant natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and mountain culture.

Today Park City is world-famous as a ski destination, made so by its three world-class resorts, Park City, The Canyons, and Deer Valley. Each with its own flavor, these ski areas cater to visitors (and residents!) of all ski abilities and leisure tastes. Closely behind its snow sport fame comes its reputation as a incredible mountain biking town. Buffed trails meander over grassy foothills around the valley for cross-country riders; steep, lift-served downhill courses serve to challenge bikers at the ski resorts.

And in any season, Park City's "city" offers an enormous and condensed amount of cultural and culinary points of interest for any kind of visitor. Home to the Sundance Film Festival, Park City has been visited by nearly every silver screen celebrity during this January event. Whether you want to dine at a world-ranked restaurant or grab a burger at a brew pub, partake in an art stroll or catch an outdoor concert, Park City has you covered. And if you happen to have a bit too much to drink -or don't want to bother with parking- you may simply ride any of the free Park City shuttle buses.

Orientation-wise, Park City's Main Street can really be considered the town center. Lining this passageway is a huge representation of the town's galleries, eateries, and boutique shops. This long, narrow road, though open to vehicles, is much better suited to pedestrians than cars. If visiting this area, park in any of the lots just off Main Street and stroll around.

To the north (and near I-80) is Kimball Junction. Quite removed from the center of Park City, Kimball Junction serves Summit County with larger shops and venues requiring of more space to operate. Here you'll find the famous Tanger Outlets and other, larger box-type stores as well as some modern restaurants.

The three resorts, Deer Valley, The Canyons, and Park City Mountain Resort, function nearly as their own cities, each with restaurants, shops, and equipment rental opportunities. Of the three, The Canyons is located the farthest to the north, between Park City and Kimball Junction. Park City Mountain Resort is situated almost literally off Park City's Main Street. And Deer valley finds itself on the southeastern edge of town.

When planning your visit to Park City, don't consider yourself restricted to winter! This area is happy to host during any season, and is typically less crowded during the summer months. But be sure to book lodging well ahead of time to ensure the right rooms at the right price.

Where to Go in Park City