Strap on Your Snowshoes for 7 Winter Hikes in Park City
Winter Hikes in Park City
When you think of Park City, skiing and boarding are probably the first winter activities that come to mind. But for those who want to experience the brisk mountain air at a slower pace, winter hiking and snowshoeing might be another option for your next visit to Park City. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite 7 winter hiking trails to try out during your next snowy vacation to Utah’s gorgeous mountains.
#1: Farm Trail, 3.6mi
The only paved trail you’ll find on our list, Farm Trail is an easy hike no matter what time of year you’ve decided to visit Park City, no snowshoes required. This 3.6 mile trail is a popular one for biking, but you’ll find solitude wandering down this path during the wintertime.
Unlike many of the popular hikes around the area, Farm Trail is only moderately steep in one section and fairly gentle for the most part, making it easy for anyone to complete. Be sure to leave dogs at home, however, as no dogs are allowed on this trail.
#2: PC Hill, 1.3mi
If you’re looking for a shorter and far more challenging winter hike, check out PC Hill. Named for the letters on the hillside for a nearby high school, this route starts out with switchbacks and doesn’t give up for much of its uphill traverse. The view at the top is worth the hike, however, as you’ll be gifted with one of the best panoramic views overlooking Park City. During the wintertime, those seeking solitude can find it on this trail as well as a great place to snowshoe, with a short but rewarding finish.
#3: Lost Prospector Trail, 3.2mi
Lost Prospector Trail is a snowshoer’s haven. This 3.2 mile loop offers excellent views of Old Town Park City and due to being situated on a north-facing hillside, holds snow well during the later winter months. Although this is a popular place to visit during the summertime, during the wintertime it’ll be easy to find an escape from the busier pace of life while snowshoeing through freshly-fallen snow.
#4: Donut Falls Trail, 3.3mi
It’s ambitious to be out during the wintertime at all, let alone scrambling up towards a frozen waterfall, but that’s precisely what awaits our most adventurous winter hike: Donut Falls Trail. This hike’s namesake is also its endpoint, the titular Donut Falls where water falls through a small hole and forms some of the most amazing ice you’ll see in Utah. While we wouldn’t recommend scrambling up the falls during the wintertime due to the ice, it’s still a great trail to climb when you’re in the area and looking for something different to tackle with your snowshoes.
#5: Quarry Mountain Loop, 2.7mi
If you’re on the hunt for bliss in the snow with no one around to disturb your peace, Quarry Mountain Loop could be for you, especially if you’re used to having to find your own way. This seldom-trafficked trail is just across the street from the more popular Farm Trail or about a 1 mi hike away, but offers much more solitude than it’s more popular neighbor. Hike your way across 2.7 miles of moderately tough trail, though be advised that in the snow it can be very easy to wander off-track, especially near the top and through the downhill area.
#6: Round Valley, 3.2mi
Snowshoers and winter hikers will find themselves in a winter wonderland on this route in a popular hiking area. Follow Round Valley down a 3.2 mile track that offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains as well as scenic overlooks. If you’re not feeling fulfilled enough by this trek, you can also connect to the PC Hill hike to extend your wintertime outing.
#7: Gamble Oak Trail, 2.8mi
Those who aren’t a fan of long treks off the beaten track will enjoy the last item on our list, Gamble Oak Trail in Prospector Park. This easily-accessible hike is a good choice for anyone who doesn’t want to wander too far away from town but still take in some of the brisk winter air and amazing views of the town and surrounding mountains. This is the perfect area to test out your snowshoes after a long season spent indoors, with 2.8 miles of pristine snowy trail for you to cover.
Unwind With More Wintertime Fun in Park City
Winter is far more fun when you get out and enjoy the mountain air, whether that’s just a short jaunt in the park at Farm Trail or a longer hike through Round Valley to ensure your snowshoes see some use this season. After a long day spent winter hiking or snowshoeing in Park City, you’ll have plenty of reason to want to stop in and unwind at some of the best fine dining in the area. Or, if you’re not a fan of planning your own vacations, we’ve planned out a long weekend in Park City for you so you don’t have to worry about any of the details.