Best State Parks Near Park City
State Parks Near Park City To Visit
Park City is ripe for the picking with opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreation. From the endless miles of ski trails peppered across Park City Mountain to the rivers and reservoirs that are so perfect for fishing, boating, and rafting, it’s hard to run out of ways to have fun in the great outdoors while you’re visiting the abundant state of Utah.
If you’re searching for the best places to get outside, we’ve got you covered. In today’s blog, we’ll explore some of the best state parks near Park City.
Enjoy Endless Recreation at Nearby Jordanelle State Park
Just a fifteen minute drive from Park City is the closest state park in the area, Jordanelle State Park. This scenic reservoir, located in the beautiful Heber Valley, offers a host of recreational opportunities for visitors, with fishing, boating, and hiking coming in at the top of the list. Even if you’re not a fan of traditional outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone, including three different geocache treasures to hunt for and a nature center to educate yourself on the flora and fauna in the surrounding area.
Planning on taking a trip to Park City during the wintertime? Although some of the facilities at Jordanelle are closed during the snowy months, there’s still plenty to do if you’re willing to brave the cold, including ice fishing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and snow tubing.
Get in Some Tee Time at Wasatch Mountain State Park
Wasatch Mountain State Park is not your typical state park. Not only was this sprawling 22,000 acre park once the host of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games at Soldier’s Hollow, but there’s also plenty more surprising discoveries to be made within its bounds, such as two top-rated outdoor golf courses to choose from and two educational historical areas to explore. And unlike many of the other state parks surrounding Park City, this one has no large body of water as its focal point, but rather was named in honor of the mountain range it provides such great views of.
You’ll also find all of the typical outdoor activities at Wasatch Mountain State Park, such as fishing in the small community pond or the numerous hiking and mountain trails in the area. During the winter months, there’s still plenty of fun to be had at this mountain park, including miles of cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling trails to choose from.
Go Out on the Water at Deer Creek State Park
Looking to spend a day out on the water? Check out the tranquil waters and majestic views at Deer Creek State Park, located around 35 minutes south of Park City. Deer Creek Reservoir may be a man-made body of water, but that doesn’t take away a bit of its beauty, offering panoramic vistas of Mount Timpanogos from just about anywhere on the reservoir.
In addition to the usual summer activities like boating, fishing, windsurfing, zip lining, and swimming, there’s also some unique fun to be had at the Rainbow Bay Aqua Park, which features a huge inflatable obstacle course for the whole family to enjoy. And if you’re looking forward to an upscale dining experience after your day outdoors, there’s no need to drive all the way back to Park City. Visit The Lakehouse, located in the Island area of the Deer Creek State Park, for an unmatched night of fine dining in an unforgettable natural setting.
Gaze at the Stars at Rockport State Park
If you want to spend some time on a pristine lake only twenty minutes northeast of Park City, Rockport State Park should be your pick. Whether you want to go boating, fishing for trout and bass, waterskiing, or wakeboarding, this state park has it all. In the cold months, there’s also opportunities for ice fishing and snowmobiling available as well.
Like many other state parks in Utah, Rockport is a great spot to get in some stargazing, and it was certified by the International Dark Sky Association in 2021. Anyone looking for some incredible views of the Milky Way should take a trip to this nearby state park.
Have a Beach Day at East Canyon State Park
Fans of Utah’s storied Mormon history won’t want to miss out on East Canyon State Park, located about 25 miles north of Park City. Not only did the Donner Party pass through this canyon on its fateful trip through the mountains, but just one year later, the first Mormon pioneers in Utah took the same route to reach the Salt Lake Valley.
Even if you’re not into Utah history, Easy Canyon State Park has something to offer nearly everyone who wants to spend a day out on the water. Enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in this beautiful body of water or hike one its numerous historic hiking trails.
Make More Memories During Your Trip to Park City
The state parks surrounding Park City offer endless opportunities for recreation, with the chance to go boating, zip lining, and golfing at your fingertips. While you’re planning your next trip to the Wasatch Mountains, be sure to put one of these state parks on your list to discover your next outdoor adventure.
On the hunt for more ways to make memories in Utah? Give our blog on the best romantic restaurants in Park City a look or check out our recommendations for the best golf courses in Park City.