The Top 6 Day Hikes in Park City

Posted by Kerri Whipple on Tuesday, July 6th, 2021 at 9:59am.

via visitparkcity.com


Hiking in Park City can be a four-season activity that is fun for the whole family. We are lucky to live in a place where we have access to a plethora of trails that highlight some of our best scenery from shady aspen groves, high alpine lakes, and wildflowers, to autumn leaves, wildlife, and epic views.

Every local has their favorite trails to wander, get lost in the present moment, and relish in awe. Below I’ll be highlighting six of my favorite hikes, and as you can see all but one feature a lake. For me, the perfect mountain trail is characterized by intermediately challenging terrain, good views, groves of trees, and high alpine lakes. All of my favorite hikes encompass these characteristics in one way or another.

Bloods Lake and Lake Lackawaxen Trail

  • Distance: 2.8 miles round trip
  • Elevation Gain: 465 feet
  • Trail Use: Hiking Only
  • Loop or Out and Back: Out and Back or Loop
  • Dog-Friendly: Bloods Lake - No, Lake Lackawaxen - Yes
  • Parking: The new parking area is right before you get to the summit and the old lot, which now is drop off only, and shared by hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers who use it to access a variety of trails in the area, so parking can be scarce during peak times as there are only 40 spots. There is also a new restroom provided.

If you are a fan of high alpine lakes without having to travel far, boy are you in for a treat! These two pristine lakes are perfect for picnicking and swimming. Bloods Lake is a local Park City favorite, as the trail is relatively easy but does have some moderately steep areas and can get very crowded as it is a very popular hike. But just beyond Bloods Lake by a mile, you will find Lake Lackawaxen, another dazzling high alpine lake. Since Lake Lackawaxen is a bit further of a hike, you’ll get a little more solitude by going the extra mile. Also, your four-legged friends are allowed to swim at Lake Lackawaxen, unlike at Bloods, where dogs must be on a leash.


 

Silver Lake to Bald Mountain

  • Distance: 4.7 miles 
  • Elevation Gain: 1,433 feet
  • Trail Use: Hiking/Running Only
  • Out and Back or Loop: Out and Back
  • Dog-friendly: No
  • Parking: Visitors can park at the Silver Lake Village.

Deer Valley’s Silver Lake Trail is an intermediate hiking trail that is designated as a foot-traffic only, so you’re guaranteed more tranquility as you hike through the peaceful landscape. This trail is perfect during the summer when wildflowers bloom and in the Fall when the aspens begin to turn their golden hue. This is an absolutely gorgeous hike that is well marked and starts at the bottom of the Silver Lake chairlift and ends at the top of Bald Mountain with picturesque cliffs on one side and a bird’s eye view of the Heber Valley on the other.

Lofty Lakes Loop

  • Distance: 4.4 miles 
  • Elevation Gain: 962 feet
  • Trail Use: Hiking/Running Only
  • Out and Back or Loop: Loop
  • Dog-friendly: Yes
  • Parking: Pass Lake Trailhead

The Uintas are a magical mountain range close to Park City with quite an array of high alpine lakes. The Lofty Lakes Loop really showcases some beautiful scenery along with blooming wildflowers if you happen to head there during peak bloom, usually mid-July through early August. This hike starts at the Pass Lake Trailhead just off Mirror Lake Highway near Pass Lake. There are two trailheads for this hike - one in the NW corner of the parking lot and one in the southern area. We hiked this route in a counter-clockwise direction, so we started from the NW corner TH. If you want to hike this in a clockwise direction, start from the trailhead in the southern end. The trail is slightly rocky but very gradual and well defined. The first lake you come across is small yet quite picturesque - no wonder it’s called Picturesque Lake! Continuing on, Scout Lake comes into view, and it’s a spectacular spot with droves of wildflowers blooming. A perfect place to set up a picnic. 

Three Divide Lakes

  • Distance: 5.4 miles 
  • Elevation Gain: 547 feet
  • Trail Use: Hiking/Running/Backpacking
  • Out and Back or Loop: Loop
  • Dog-friendly: Yes
  • Parking: Crystal Lake Trailhead

In addition to the Lofty Lakes Loop, The Three Divide Lakes Trail is another spectacular hike full of high alpine lakes for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying life outside. The trail is very well maintained, not very difficult, and mostly flat, so you can meander as fast or as slow as you want. You pass by several lakes with great views around every corner. To get to the Three Divide Lakes, when you reach Clyde Lake, make sure you actually go over the small ridge to the south (perhaps 100-150m). Although the trail is named after them, it does not actually go to them. If you don’t walk over the ridge from about the middle or even western end of Clyde Lake, you will miss them completely. There is no sign indicating they are there, just hidden a very short distance away. That’s why this hike is favorite - a perfect jaunt to find your own little slice of heaven.

Armstrong 

  • Distance: 3.3 miles 
  • Elevation Gain: 754 feet
  • Trail Use: Hiking/ Mountain Biking
  • Out and Back or Loop: Loop
  • Dog-friendly: Yes (on leash)

I love this trail in the Fall, as it is an excellent hike amongst the golden aspens. You’ll start at the base of the Silver Star lift and head uphill meandering through shady aspen groves. The trail does get pretty steep, but it is manageable. Take a break once you get to the King Con lift. I love sitting here for a moment dreaming about winter. You continue past the lift and back uphill. At this point, you’ve probably had a handful of mountain bikers pass you as this a popular biking trail as well. Once you reach Dawns Trail, you’ll start heading downhill with sensational views of Park City. Dogs can use this trail but must be kept on a leash. When you’ve completed your 3.3-mile loop, pop over to the Silver Star Cafe for lunch and then check out Silver Star Ski & Sport for any bike or paddleboard rentals you may need this summer.


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