5 Activities to Discover Park City’s Wildlife
Best Wildlife Activities Park City
Not too long ago, Park City was a small ranching community that was filled with endless native species of foxes, bears, coyotes, elk, moose, eagles, and deer that roamed where they pleased. And although people have moved into the area in droves over the last few decades, the legacy of that wildlife still remains, especially in preservation and conservation areas dotted around this mountain town.
If you’re a wildlife lover or photography enthusiast who wants to capture some of the natural beauty during your next visit to Park City, we’ve got just the guide for you. Today, we’ll go over 5 activities you can participate in to discover the array of wildlife to be found in the Park City area. From elk to bats to bobcats, you’ll be surprised by the diversity of the natural world in the Wasatch Mountains.
Head to Swaner Nature Reserve to See an Array of Species
For those with an interest in the flora and fauna around Park City, there’s no better place to educate yourself than Swaner Nature Preserve and EcoCenter. This 1,200 acre nature preserve is home to an endless variety of native species. It also offers some of the best access in the area for visitors to be able to witness these animals in their natural habitat.
Whether you’re itching to trek the trails, visit the EcoCenter, check out the demonstration garden, attend a nature discussion, or go on a guided tour, you’ll be able to at this unique preserve. If you happen to bring along the family, there’s even a climbing wall in the EcoCenter for the kids to try out. For those who love hands-on learning, a visit to Swaner is a must.
Get in Some Bird Watching at Jordanelle State Park
At Jordanelle State Park, bird watching amateurs and experts alike will have the opportunity to observe over 160 different bird species, from bald eagles to barn owls to hummingbirds. Located just 10 minutes down the road from Park City, this state park is brimming with other wildlife species as well, including elk, moose, and deer. The Rock Cliff Recreation Area in particular is a hotbed for wildlife viewing, and it also includes a nature center where you can learn more about the variety of species in the area.
Meet Some Domesticated Species with the Kids at Rundown Ranch Kids Farm
Just a 30 minute drive from Park City in Kamas is a very special farm that your kids will love: the Rundown Ranch Kids Farm.
Although this activity is more akin to a petting zoo than wildlife viewing, your children will have a blast meeting all of the domesticated animals, including cows, pigs, buffalo, and more. Each has its own name and unique personality, listed out in their bios on each stall. Visiting this ranch is a great activity for your children to learn more about a variety of farm animals while having the time of their lives.
Take the Red Pine Gondola to Get an Bird’s Eye View of Wildlife
There’s no argument that getting a bird’s eye view of nature is a great way to see it from afar, without disturbing the natural habitat or risking scaring off more timid species. In Park City, you’ll be able to do just that with a scenic ride on the Red Pine Gondola, which is open during both the summer and winter seasons to allow guests to enjoy an unparalleled view of the natural world while climbing the mountain.
As you ride the gondola, on one side you’ll have a view of some of Park City Mountain’s best ski runs, while on the other side, you’ll have a chance to see the mountain beauty that the town is so famous for. Once you reach the top, stop in at the Red Pine Lodge for a bite to eat and take in the mountain vistas.
Observe Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles with Park City Adventure Tours
Not sure a self-guided tour of Utah’s wildlife will cut it for you? Check out Park City Adventure Tours, an adventure company that’s second to none in the Park City area.
Not only will they be able to provide you with insight into where the best places to observe wildlife are on your tour, the tour guide offers a wealth of information about identification, behavior, and anything else you may want to learn. During your tour led by Fausto Rodriguez, you’ll have a chance to see some of the most common wildlife in Park City, along with some of the hidden animals that you might never have known how to identify.
How to Have a Blast on Your Next Visit to Park City
Wildlife is abundant in Park City, and there’s tons of ways to discover it. Whether you decide to soar over nature on the Red Pine Gondola or pay a visit to the Swaner Nature Preserve, you’re sure to uncover some new animals you’ve never seen before.
Park City is not just full of wildlife to discover–there’s also plenty of other things to do while you’re visiting the beautiful Wasatch mountains. Check out our guide to fishing near Park City or plan out a romantic night at the best romantic restaurants for your next Park City visit.