Things to Do in the Fall in Park City

The end of summer is quickly approaching, which means fall fun is just around the corner. As the temperatures drop, the mountains of Utah burst with the colors of changing leaves, and you get your final chances to enjoy activities that aren’t possible when snow arrives. At SkyRun Park City, we’ve been providing guests with opportunities to explore the stunning autumn landscapes for 10 years, offering top-notch accommodations in cozy vacation homes. 

In honor of those 10 years, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best fall activities for you to enjoy during a stay with us. With long-term and short-term stay options, you can choose a few of the activities from this list or stay long enough to enjoy them all – it’s your choice. You can never overstay your welcome at a SkyRun rental. Explore our recommendations and start planning your trip today.

One: Go Leaf Peeping to Experience the Fall Colors

From mid-September to early October, the mountains around Park City become one of the best places to see a stunning display of fall colors. The area’s many native trees shift to a range of bright yellow, orange, and red hues, making for a beautiful experience. Take a scenic drive on Guardsman Pass, which takes you on a breathtaking journey from Park City to Big Cottonwood Canyon. Once here, you can get out on foot to explore the leaves up close on the Silver Lake trail. For even more fall colors, you can also take a drive to Provo Canyon, where there are additional trails to explore if you wish to.

Two: Enjoy Cooler Temperatures on a Hike

Fall is a great time to get out in Mother Nature and explore Park City’s hiking trails. If you prefer to fully immerse yourself in the fall colors, hiking is one of the best ways to do it, and the cooler temps make it even more enjoyable. We recommend you explore these trails based on the difficulty level you’re looking for:

• Easy: If you have kids or are looking for a more leisurely trail closer to town, Willow Creek Trail is a great option. At just under 2 miles, this dog-friendly trail takes you around a loop, offering views of the surrounding peaks along the way.
• Moderate: For a bit more of a challenge, you can try Bloods Lake Trail. It’s a little under three miles and portions are a bit steep and rocky, but at the end you’ll be rewarded by the beauty of a high alpine lake.
• Challenging: For experienced hikers, more challenging routes can also be found in the area. Though it’s a bit further from Park City, Lake Blanche Trail is a great option for those looking to break a sweat. This 7 mile trail is steep, gaining about 2800 feet of elevation before bringing you to Lake Blanche.
  

Three: Hit the Trails on a Bike Before Winter Arrives

Autumn is the last chance to bring out your mountain bike before snow blankets the peaks, so pack up your gear and get out on the trails one last time. Both Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort offer mountain biking through the end of September, depending on conditions. These parks offer options for all skill levels, and the trails can be accessed by each resort’s chair lifts or gondolas.

Four: Experience Nature in a New Way with a Guided Horseback Tour

Try something new and explore Park City’s alpine terrain on horseback. There are numerous stables that offer guided tours, taking you along some of the most popular trails in the area. Even with limited riding experience, these tours are a fun and exciting way to see nature from another perspective.

Five: Enjoy the Thrills of a Ghost Tour in Downtown Park City

Founded in 1869, Park City is rich in history, and the town’s Main Street is at the center of it all. Many of the homes and buildings on this street are said to be haunted by the spirits of past residents who met unfortunate ends. As you embark on a guided tour of this part of town, you’ll learn about who these spirits were in life and how their stories weave into the town’s mining past. These tours take place at night, providing a spooky backdrop for the supernatural tales. This is a great activity year-round but is especially entertaining in the fall around Halloween.

Six: Attend the City’s Howl-o-Ween Celebration

If you happen to be in Park City at the end of October, the city’s Howl-o-Ween celebration is a perfect event for the whole family, even the pups! Dress your dog in costume, have the kids bring their trick-or-treat bags, and enjoy this fun celebration that takes place every Halloween on Main Street. Participating merchants hand out candy, and it’s a great way to experience the community feeling of Park City.

Seven: Enjoy a Date Night at One of the City’s Fine Dining Establishments

If you’re coming to Park City for a romantic getaway, there are plenty of great date night spots to enjoy an upscale meal. Riverhorse on Main is the city’s top-rated restaurant and a popular destination for both travelers and locals. This eatery serves up award-winning dishes with a side of live music, featuring a lineup of local musicians each month. You can also find plenty of other options on Main Street and beyond – try Grappa for classic Italian fare or Chimayo for creative Southwest-inspired entrees. 

Eight: Catch Some Trout at Local Fly-Fishing Hotspots

The bodies of water around Park City offer excellent conditions for anglers looking to cast their lines. Both the Provo and Weber Rivers as well as the Jordanelle Reservoir are all excellent locations to fly fish. Plus, the fall provides a quieter experience when visiting these local fishing hotspots, as the summer crowds have waned.

Nine: Play a Round of Golf Surrounded by Mountain Scenery

Golfers will revel in the amount of courses they have to choose from in Park City. There are seven public courses in the areas surrounding the city, which means you can pick one to try or visit them all on your trip. The best part – you can enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery at every course. The crisp fall air makes for an enjoyable time, and you may even find that our mountain location adds some extra distance to your shot.

Ten: Take a Hot Air Balloon Excursion

You can get some of the best views of the fall foliage from the air. A ride in a hot air balloon is sure to be something you’ll never forget. These excursions take place year-round, but are especially beautiful when the fall colors are on full display. You’ll gently ascend over the city, getting stunning 360 degree views of the trees, city, and surrounding mountains.

Plan Your Fall Getaway to Park City

Are you ready to experience the vibrant colors of a Park City autumn? Now’s the time to plan your getaway. Our luxury vacation rentals provide a great home base for all your fall adventures, and are a great option for remote workers looking for a change of scenery. Our long-term stay options allow you to join us for the entire season. Plan your arrival for mid-September and stay as long as your heart desires, experiencing the full range of fall colors from start to finish.