Anticipation for adventures in the majestic mountains of the Wasatch Back builds with each and every foot climbed up Parley’s Canyon or Provo Canyon and every mile driven on US 40 between the two. Whether staying for a day, a week or the entire season, everyone wants to know, “Are we there yet?”

Upon arrival, a sigh of relief will escape and the fun will start.

While the valleys in and around the Wasatch Mountains sweat in the sweltering summer heat, at 7,000 feet, Park City is consistently ten degrees cooler—making a mountain getaway ideal.

Cooler temperatures drive people up for mountain biking, road cycling, hiking, paddle boarding, outdoor concerts, patio dining or simply to enjoy the scenery. However, the areas in and around Park City off er much more than basic summer sports; there are too many unique activities to name, along with a wide variety of summer music and art experiences.

Farmers markets, artisan fairs, demolition derbies, gallery strolls, eclectic dining, and rodeos are all part of the scene that attract both locals and visitors to the areas in and around Park City in the summer and fall.

No trip to Park City is complete without sliding down the Alpine Coaster’s track, Utah’s largest. Elevated tracks wind through more than a mile of mountain terrain. Riders can accelerate to speeds up to 30 mph. It is a roller coaster ride of a lifetime surrounded by spectacular scenery.

Renowned for phenomenal dining experiences, both inside and out, Deer Valley serves up adventures, too. Offering lift-assisted mountain biking and hiking, the mountain is accessible to all. In addition, Pebble Beach—located at the base—is the ideal place to work on your paddle boarding skills, since motorized watercraft are prohibited.

Spend the afternoon or evening planning your escape with teamwork, creativity and problem-solving at Park City’s most intimate indoor game venue, The Escape Room. Th is is family friendly, however, it is also a fabulous team-building opportunity. With four interactive puzzle rooms, planning your escape is both fun and challenging.

The only baseball/soft ball specific training facility in the Wasatch Back, the Park City Baseball Academy is opening this summer. Featuring technology and data-driven training, they help players develop over the long term. Th is summer, they will off er multiple camps to keep skills sharp for the season.

The Park City Museum offers guided tours daily along with child-friendly activities. During the summer, docents host walking tours up and down Park City’s Historic Main Street. Th is tour teaches about the art, architecture, people, culture and notable events in Park City’s history from mining to world-class skiing.

Nestled under beautiful Mount Timpanogos sits Robert Redford’s Sundance Resort where activities include fly fishing, horseback riding, zip line adventures, hiking, mountain biking, art experiences and outdoor dining. In addition, one of the most pleasant ways to while away a warm summer evening is enjoying a musical at the Sundance Summer Theater.

Enjoy an “artful afternoon” perusing the exhibits from distinguished artists in the galleries at the Kimball Art Center. Th e Kimball Art Center also hosts yoga in the gallery. In addition, children and adults can learn drawing, painting, ceramics and photography in courses designed to capture the unique Park City experience.

Spend time exploring the Swaner Eco Center and Nature Preserve at Kimball Junction. The 10,000-square-foot Eco Center sits on 1,200 preserved acres with 10 miles of trails and is home to native wildlife. Swaner Eco Center offers nature tours, summer camps, educational seminars and wildlife viewing in the pristine wetlands.

SOURCEJulie Hooker
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