8 Ways to Explore Park City’s Breathtaking Elevations
Park City boasts plenty of mountain fun, thrilling activities, and serene sights. Want to reap all the benefits of our higher-altitude adventures? Read on for the best, unique experiences that come with vacationing in Park City.
What is Park City, Utah’s Elevation?
Park City is ideal if you are unaccustomed to high altitude but want to take in breathtaking views and mountain fun. Visitors thoroughly enjoy partaking in the wide array of activities our town offers, free from concerns about altitude sickness, which typically becomes more common above 8,000 feet.
Our town’s elevation ranges from 6,570 to 10,000 feet above sea level. While Park City has its head in the clouds, our elevation is lower than other ski and resort destinations. For example, you’ll find Colorado ski resorts topping well over 10,000. Breckenridge reaches 12,998 feet, and Silverton Mountain reaches a height of 13,487.
Discover the Ultimate Guide to High-Elevation Fun
No matter the time of year, Park City promises great escapades and chill times.
1) Hit the Resort Slopes
High-elevation mountain terrain means one thing: incredible snow! According to U.S. News, Park City is ranked #4 in Best Ski Vacations in the U.S.A. Plus, we have two of the most popular ski resorts in the country: Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort.
Deer Valley Resort: Enjoy 21 ski lifts and 2,026 acres of snow-packed, skiable terrain at this world-class ski resort. Deer Valley also offers host-guided ski tours and ski racing trails.
Park City Mountain: Skiers and boarders love the 7,300 acres of supreme powder and two distinct base areas. Families can take advantage of kids’ group lessons for kids aged three to 14.
To maximize your time on the slopes, book your lodging at Deer Valley Resort or Park City Mountain Village.
2) Play in the Backcountry with a Ski Utah Interconnect Tour
An interconnect tour from Ski Utah is made for expert skiers searching for epic powder. The Snowbird Tour is especially strenuous, taking serious snow bunnies through Snowbird, Alta, Brighton, and Solitude areas. Expect some backcountry hiking and plenty of fun.
Book your tour in advance, or contact our complimentary concierge services for reservation assistance.
3) Experience the Olympic Spirit
Get a high-altitude bobsled thrill at the site of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Experience a bird's-eye view from the highest point as you race down an Olympic bobsled track, mirroring the thrilling journey of professional athletes. Utah Olympic Park also offers a free museum and hiking opportunities and a wealth of year-round events and activities.
4) Soar Through Clouds in a Hot Air Balloon
Who says enjoying high elevation takes hard work? With a hot air balloon tour, you can silently ascend into blue skies and float over aspens, the cityscape, and the mountains. The aerial perspective offers tranquility, an indelible memory, and a sense of calm. Bigfoot Balloons offers shared rides as an economical option as well as private tours.
5) Coast Through Scenic Alpine Terrain
Love roller coasters and beautiful scenery? Then Park City Mountain Village’s Alpine Mountain Coaster was made for you. The longest mountain coaster in Utah, it coasts at 25 miles per hour and spans miles of fun loops and exhilarating curves. It’s the perfect blend of excitement and serenity. For those who feel a need for speed, check out ZipRider, and soar 110 feet above Park City Mountain’s bike trails at speeds up to 45 miles per hour.
6) Embark on a Picturesque Road Trip
Taking a scenic drive lets you choose your own adventure and discover more natural wonders. Whether you are looking to enjoy some spring flowers, summer sun, or the beauty of fall colors, these popular drives will allow you to discover Park City's natural beauty, any season of the year.
Sundance Mountain Resort: 35 miles from Park City
Take a stunning drive through Provo Canyon on your way to visit Sundance Mountain Resort. The resort, founded by actor and filmmaker Robert Redford, is located in the canyon and is renowned for its beautiful scenery, stunning spa, the Sundance Art Studio, and fabulous events. If you’re feeling peckish, you don’t want to miss out on dining at the Owl Bar—once frequented by Butch Cassidy!
Guardsman Pass: 15 miles from downtown Park City
The region is a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts, thanks to its diverse range of natural habitats. The autumn months hold a special allure for locals, who relish driving through the area to witness the spectacular transformation of the leaves. During fall, the landscape comes alive with vibrant hues of orange, red, and yellow as the variety of trees put on a captivating display, creating a vivid spectacle that lasts for a couple of weeks.
Wolf Creek Highway Pass: 38 miles from Park City
Wolf Creek Pass boasts Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest access. There are myriad pullover areas, so you can take your time reaching the summit. The drive takes you through stunning mountain scenery, with lush forests, meadows, and alpine landscapes. You'll have plenty of opportunities to take in breathtaking vistas and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Mirror Lake Scenic Byway: 16 miles east of Park City
Mirror Lake Highway stands out as a highly favored driving route. Along this breathtaking scenic byway, travelers can revel in numerous overlooks, picnicking spots, cascading waterfalls, pristine lakes, inviting trails, and well-equipped campgrounds. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the route, including deer, moose, elk, and a variety of bird species. Be sure to stop at The Notch Pub during your drive and partake in their freshly homemade eats, like house-smoked salmon, chili and cornbread, crisp salads, and juicy burgers.
7) Take a Lift to the Tree Tops
In summer, Deer Valley Resort's scenic chairlift rides give you spectacular mountain views and access to Bald Mountain hiking trails. Ride up to Silver Lake Express, then transfer to Sterling Express for a trip to Bald Mountain for incredible trails and plenty of photo opportunities.
8) Book an Adventure Package to See it All
Optimize your Park City adventures with the convenience of a multi-excursion package offered by a local tour company. All Seasons Adventures offers year-round activity packages, which is a great way to pack in a lot of high-elevation playtime. Keep in mind that when you book directly with Park City Lodging our concierge team can help you plan your excursion, arrange transportation, and more.
Premier Provider of Vacation Rentals in Park City, Utah
When you book directly with Park City Lodging, you have your choice of amenity-filled luxury properties and access to our complimentary concierge services. Whether you are looking for transportation, restaurant reservations, or must-try activities, our team can build an itinerary perfect for you. Contact us to get started on your perfect Park City vacation.
Published on Tuesday, November 7, 2023