Most people classify Park City Utah as a cold weather destination for skiing and snowboarding at one of the three world-class ski resorts in town. What many don’t realize is that summers in Park City are often more highly anticipated than winters by locals and visitors alike. The summer to-do list in Park City is comprised of a plethora of activities and events that will make your stay a memorable one.
One of the most obvious reasons for the appeal of Park City during the summer months is the combination of beautiful weather and moderate temperatures. Though Salt Lake City often reaches the upper nineties, Park City sits at an elevation of 7,500 feet, more than 3,000 feet above the Salt Lake valley, and temperatures generally range from the mid-70s to mid-80s. Additionally, the dry desert climate allows for a cool breeze with minimal precipitation, making Park City an outdoor-lover’s paradise.

Speaking of the outdoors, there are endless ways to pass the day out under the sun from May to September. Although the resorts lack snow, they sport a variety of family-friendly activities to keep kids (and adults) of all ages entertained. Park City Mountain Resort offers mini-golf, horseback riding, and a climbing wall. Test out the alpine slide, or race a friend down the alpine coaster. If you long for feeling of racing down the hill, try the zip line at the Olympic Park, located a few miles down the highway towards Kimball Junction.

The resorts are also a great place to commence a hike or mountain bike ride on one of the hundreds of trails encompassing Park City. Pick up a trail map at various local establishments and start planning the trek that’s perfect for you and your family. Local outfitters like Cole Sports or Jans will happily rent you a bike and offer you some insider advice as to what spots offer the right level of challenge, whether it’s rugged terrain, seclusion, or even flat, consistent topography for the less adventurous. Many of the hiking trails overlap the bike paths, but you can find places designated only for hikers at all mountain resorts and even in the surrounding canyons.

Avid golfers can revel in the fact that there are seven golf courses in Park City and an additional six courses in the surrounding Heber Valley. A combination of public and private options offers opportunities for golfers of all budgets and ability levels. Walk the Wasatch course for under $20, or tee off at the Park City course under a gorgeous mountain backdrop. In fact, if relaxing scenery is part of the reason you hit the course, you won’t be disappointed at any of the local golfing establishments. From Soldier Hollow to Promontory, be prepared to be impressed with the ambience, service, and quality of your golf outing.

Another great advantage of spending a warm-weather vacation in Park City is the outstanding free summer concert series offered by an assortment of sponsors throughout the summer. Deer Valley Resort boasts a free Community Deer Valley Concert Series every Wednesday from June to August. Musicians from all walks of life perform while concertgoers lounge on blankets and sip on cold beverages. The Canyons Resort also features a free weekly concert on Saturday evenings, with ample space for a blanket and a picnic basket. Additional events include the Park City Arts Festival, held annually in early August, and the Park City Food and Wine Classic, which marked its fifth consecutive year this past March.

Whether your idea of the perfect summer getaway involves lounging around the pool and sampling delectable food and wine or nonstop outdoor action, Park City has what you’re looking for.