Visiting Park City Utah? Here’s 9 Things To Do

You’ll find endless adventure in Park City, from skiing the massive Park City Mountain Resort and premium Deer Valley to riding the thrilling Alpine Coaster year-round. Explore Victorian-era Main Street‘s galleries, soak in the unique Homestead Crater‘s geothermal waters, and experience Olympic history at Utah Olympic Park. Take scenic rides on the Heber Valley Railroad, catch Sundance films or summer concerts, bike the Rail Trail, or drive breathtaking Guardsman Pass. These nine experiences showcase why Park City captivates every type of traveler.

Hit the Slopes at Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley

When you’re planning your Park City ski trip, you’ll want to understand the two powerhouse resorts that dominate the area. Park City Mountain Resort offers incredible value as America’s largest ski resort, spanning 7,300+ acres with 330+ trails and 42 lifts. You’ll get convenient access right from Old Town, plus Epic Pass benefits if you’re planning multi-resort trips.

However, expect crowds and occasional lift lines.

Deer Valley takes a different approach as a skiers-only resort focused on premium service and perfectly groomed runs. You’ll pay more, but you’re getting Utah’s #1-ranked resort experience with exceptional customer service and less crowded slopes. Deer Valley’s upcoming east-side expansion will add even more terrain.

Choose Park City for variety and value, or Deer Valley for luxury and service. Recent market data shows February is experiencing some of the best post-COVID demand for ski destinations, making advance reservations even more critical for peak periods like Presidents Weekend.

Ride the Alpine Coaster and Summer Adventures at Park City Mountain

Park City’s summer adventures extend far beyond the slopes, with the Alpine Coaster leading the charge as the mountain’s signature warm-weather thrill ride. This gravity-powered coaster sends you down almost 4,000 feet of elevated steel track at speeds up to 30 mph—completely under your control via hand brakes.

You’ll need to be 54 inches tall to drive solo, while shorter passengers (38-53 inches) can ride with an adult. The combined weight limit is 375 pounds, dropping to 330 in wet conditions.

Consider bundling your coaster ticket with other summer activities like the Alpine Slide, scenic gondola rides, or mountain biking trails to maximize value. The experience begins with a scenic chairlift ride that transports you and your sled to the starting point while offering spectacular mountain views. Operations run 10 AM-7 PM from June through September, weather permitting.

Stroll Historic Main Street’s Galleries and Victorian Architecture

After you’ve had your fill of mountain thrills, Historic Main Street offers a completely different kind of adventure through its remarkable collection of Victorian-era buildings and art galleries.

You’ll walk along a 10-block stretch where restored 1800s commercial buildings house everything from saloons to boutiques. The narrow street features original brick storefronts, raised boardwalks, and decorative metal facades that survived the 1898 fire.

The dense concentration of galleries creates a walkable art corridor perfect for browsing. You’ll find Montgomery Lee Fine Art’s impressive 2,600-square-foot space, Gallery MAR’s contemporary mountain-inspired works, and Thomas Anthony Gallery among the standouts.

Many buildings retain original details like exposed wooden rafters and stamped metal ceilings, letting you experience authentic mining-town atmosphere while discovering local and national artists. Don’t miss the Park City Museum housed in the historic City Hall building, which showcases fascinating exhibits on the town’s mining heritage.

Soak in the Homestead Crater’s Geothermal Waters

Just a short drive from Park City, you’ll discover one of Utah’s most unusual natural wonders tucked away in the Heber Valley. The Homestead Crater is a 55-foot-tall limestone dome housing a crystal-clear geothermal hot spring that’s been forming for over 10,000 years.

You’ll enter through a 110-foot tunnel that leads to custom platforms where you can soak, swim, or even submerge yourself in the 65-foot-deep pool. The mineral-rich water maintains a perfect 90-96°F year-round, and the natural buoyancy makes floating effortless. The crater features a natural cavern opening that allows sunlight and fresh air to filter in, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

Personal flotation devices are included with your entry fee.

Since reservations are required and time slots fill quickly, book ahead. The drive from Park City takes about 30 minutes, making it an ideal afternoon escape.

Experience Olympic Legacy at Utah Olympic Park

While the Homestead Crater offers a peaceful retreat, you’ll find high-octane thrills at Utah Olympic Park, where the legacy of the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympics lives on through world-class venues and heart-pounding activities.

You can ride the actual Olympic bobsled track year-round—winter runs reach incredible speeds on ice, while summer offers wheeled sleds. The park’s zip lines and alpine slides use ski jump towers as launch points, giving you unique mountain views.

Don’t miss the 2002 Winter Games museum showcasing authentic Olympic medals and equipment. Guided tours reveal fascinating Olympic history and technology. The Olympic bob and luge track opened in 1997, five years before hosting the world’s elite winter athletes.

With activities ranging from beginner-friendly tubing to extreme sports, there’s something for every budget and thrill level at this 400-acre adventure destination.

Take the Heber Valley Railroad Through Provo Canyon

For a more relaxed pace after Olympic thrills, you can board the historic Heber Valley Railroad for a scenic 90-minute journey through stunning Provo Canyon. This heritage railroad operates year-round excursion trains on a former Denver & Rio Grande Western line dating back to 1899.

You’ll enjoy spectacular views of Mount Timpanogos, Deer Creek Reservoir, and the Provo River from your window seat.

The train departs from Heber City at 450 South 600 West and travels 16 miles to Vivian Park. Along the way, you’ll cross the river multiple times while spotting wildlife like mule deer and bald eagles. The original 28-mile branch connected Provo to Heber City before being abandoned in 1968.

The Provo Canyon Limited offers three-hour round trips when available. At $1,000,000 in restoration costs, this attraction provides excellent value for families seeking memorable mountain scenery.

Catch a Film at Sundance Festival or Summer Concert at Deer Valley

Park City transforms into an entertainment hub beyond its outdoor adventures, offering world-class cultural experiences that’ll captivate film buffs and music lovers alike.

You’ll find America’s largest independent film festival right here each late January through early February. Sundance showcases hundreds of premieres across venues like the historic Egyptian Theatre and modern Eccles Theater. The 2025 festival runs from January 23 to February 2, featuring fiction and nonfiction films, shorts, series, and episodic content. Grab the budget-friendly Locals Ticket Package for around $675 (10 screenings) or snag single tickets in mid-January. Don’t miss filmmaker Q&As and industry panels beyond screenings.

Come summer, Deer Valley’s Snow Park Amphitheater hosts an outstanding concert series featuring national touring artists. You’ll enjoy performances in a stunning mountainside setting with both lawn and reserved seating options. These cultural experiences make Park City a year-round destination that extends far beyond skiing and hiking.

Bike or Walk the Rail Trail to Kimball Junction

When you’re looking for a scenic, budget-friendly way to explore beyond Park City’s main attractions, the Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail offers an easy 28-mile route that’s perfect for casual biking or walking toward Kimball Junction.

The first 2-3 miles from the Bonanza Drive trailhead are paved, then shift to packed gravel with gentle 2-3% grades following the old railway corridor.

You’ll enjoy open views of the Wasatch Mountains and Silver Creek’s wetland meadows, where wildlife spotting is common. The area is home to diverse wildlife including mule deer, bald eagles, and cutthroat trout in the nearby Weber River.

The trail’s multi-use designation welcomes families, runners, and even leashed dogs.

Consider combining your ride with nearby McPolin Farm or extending through Kimball Junction’s paved Millennium Trail for a longer adventure without breaking the bank.

Drive Guardsman Pass for High-Alpine Mountain Views

If you’re craving dramatic mountain vistas without the cost of a scenic helicopter tour, Guardsman Pass delivers some of Utah’s most spectacular high-alpine views for the price of gas. This 24-mile mountain route connects Park City to Big Cottonwood Canyon, climbing to nearly 10,000 feet elevation.

You’ll drive largely paved roads with a maintained gravel section through the middle—perfect for standard cars in good weather. Budget 45-60 minutes for the full route, with extra time for photo stops at panoramic viewpoints near the summit. The route offers access to the Bonanza Flat conservation area, a 1,500-acre preserved landscape featuring pristine alpine lakes and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Check road conditions before heading out, as the pass closes November through May. Visit during late spring for wildflowers or early fall for golden aspen displays. The steep, winding sections require careful driving, especially on gravel stretches.

The Sum Up

You’ll find Park City offers something for every budget and season. Don’t miss the free Rail Trail for stunning mountain views, and time your visit during shoulder seasons for better lodging deals. Pack layers since mountain weather changes quickly, and book popular attractions like the Homestead Crater in advance. Whether you’re chasing powder, exploring history, or just soaking up that crisp mountain air, you’ll discover why locals never want to leave this alpine paradise.