Explore Outside the Box
Get away from Park City’s bustle with a trip to Kamas, 16 miles east via Highway 248. Admire the view of Jordanelle Reservoir, Deer Valley ski runs, and the majestic mountains hugging the Provo River. Life is relaxed here. Cows dot the fields, and horses are trained to rope and rodeo.
by Ani Robertson
Tucked in a high mountain setting with adventurous Par 3’s and 4’s, the Outlaw Golf Club’s 9-hole challenge course in Hideout Canyon on Highway 248 is the place to play. This Jordanelle-area public course will leave you breathless with the layout and inspiring views. Bring your clubs or rent some here; carts and tee times may be arranged. Conveniently, a sales cabin is located onsite.
Outlaw Golf Club, 10725 N. Hideout Trail, Hideout, 435-901 4227, outlawgc.com.
Weller Recreation’s impressive showroom displays the latest models of motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, and snowmobiles. Rentals can be arranged for trail riding through breathtaking nooks and crannies in the nearby Uinta Mountains. Grab a trail map at the Kamas District Ranger Office on Center Street. Paul Weller and siblings keep this family business on track and also manage to pursue trails of their own.
Weller Recreation, 946 W. SR-248, Kamas, 435-783-4718, wellerrec.com.
The best place for great gear at great prices is the Jans Kamas Outlet Store, led by longtime Jans expert Pam Sandberg and her staff . Here you’ll find top-brand Alpine, Nordic, and backcountry clothing, trendy tops, hiking shorts, sunglasses, bathing suits, and more at a healthy 50 – 75% discount. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Jans Kamas Outlet Store, 138 W. 280 S., Kamas, 435-783-6791, jans.com.
Sean Wharton’s Gateway Grille is a small-town hidden treasure where locals and travelers enjoy this former Deer Valley chef ’s fl avor sensations from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. South of the Border Eggs, the Gateway Blackened Burger, Grilled Salmon over Field Greens, Butternut Squash Soup, and Crème Brulee— a Cape May, NJ recipe — are winners here. Th e patio is open!
Gateway Grille, 215 S. Main St., Kamas, 435-783-2867, gatewaygrille.com.
Need a Stetson shirt, Miss Me Jeans, Ariat Boots, Mountain Khakis, chicken feed, a saddle and tack? Th e New West Country Store on Main Street housed in the historic Town Cultural Hall (where the Globe Trotters once played) is not to be missed. Th e New West sponsors the Oakley Rodeo each year and carries everything for cowboys, cowgirls, and spectators. In case your pets need help, vet meds are in the cooler.
New West Country Store,
95 S. Main, Kamas, 435-783-6685 thenewwestcountrystore@allwest.net.
Summit Inn Pizza has garnered the “Best of State – Pizza” award for five consecutive years. This Main Street hotspot operates in an 1892 hotel where customers clamor for specialty pies and ice cream. “It’s the Wisconsin Grande Cheese,” owner Dan Littledike claims. “Higher butterfat makes it melt perfectly, makes us unique.” Try the Chicken Pesto or Taco pizza. Open 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Summit Inn Pizza, 80 S. Main St., Kamas,
435-783 4453, summitinnpizza.com.
The Pace and Van Tassel families have served up juicy burgers, home-style fries, thick milkshakes, and soda fountain drinks at Hi-Mountain since 1968 in the old confectionary on Main Street.
An original tile mural lies just below the counter where diners are treated to old-fashioned comfort food such as fried pickles and cheese curds, accompanied by a specialty milkshake, like Black Licorice. 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday–Saturday.
Hi-Mountain, 40 N. Main St., Kamas,
435-783-4466, hmd@allwest.net
Call ahead to Michelle and her Cutting Board crew to assemble a Special Soprano Sandwich containing Italian goodies, or perhaps the Veggie Delight served on a spinach wrap with house-made hummus. Then grab an espresso to take on your journey into the Uintas. Breakfast is also available here. 7 a.m.-7 p.m. 6 days/week, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. The Cutting Board, 54 Main St,. Kamas, 435-783-6898.
If you want breakfast for dinner, stop by Gabriel Morin’s Mirror Lake Diner. Sample a Name Your Omelet or Morin’s grandmother’s biscuits and gravy recipe. Open 7 days a week from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m., 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, this “Simple Food Done Right” bistro serves sandwiches, soups, salads, and scintillating specials, like their Chicken Pappardelle, to an appreciative clientele.
Mirror Lake Diner, 35 S. Main St., Kamas
435-783-0110, mirrorlakediner.com
At Art-ique, artists of the Kamas and Park City area have united in the bright green shop at the end of Kamas’ Main Street. Here you’ll find jewelry, metalwork, fiber art, wood, stunning photos and paintings, and owner Katie Stellpfl ug’s ceramics. Th e fi rst Friday of every month, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., celebrates unique local art and artists. 11 a.m.-6 p.m Thurs-Sun.
Art-ique, 283 N. Main St., Kamas, 435-640 8048, art-ique.com.
Views of Mt. Timpanogos, Deer Valley and grazing horses wow diners at State Road Tavern just outside Kamas on SR 32. Start with a Blood & Smoke Signature Cocktail (Johnnie Black, House Bloody Mary Mix), order Pork Shoulder Nachos, and choose your entrée. Food & Beverage Director Michael Showers’ innovative menu will feed your soul. 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.
State Road Tavern, 970 N. State Road 32, Kamas, 435-783 3530, stateroadtavern.com.
Your trip to the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway should include a stop at Jen Hisey’s Samak Smoke House. Camping necessities, gourmet smoked jerky, cheese and fish, sandwiches to go, and healthy snacks enhance visitors’ Uinta Mountain experience. Enjoy a latte and get the lowdown on summer night BBQs. Rent a canoe and buy firewood here.
Samak Smoke House, 1937 E. Mirror Lake Hwy, Kamas, 435-783-4880, samaksmokehouse.com.
Hisey’s husband, Dave Witham, owns Notch Pub & Grill right down the road, if you have a hankering for a fine pub meal or craft beers on tap. Try the “Oh My Cod” fish ‘n chips or Dave’s Famous Smoke House Burger. Also available is a surprising selection of smoked meats and cheeses.
The Notch Pub & Grill, 2392 E. Mirror Lake Hwy, Kamas, 435-783-6244, thenotchpub.com.
