Summer-Centric Fun
10 Unique Outdoor Experiences
Summer 2019
Written By: Ashley Brown | Images: Angela Howard and Deborah DeKoff
SUMMER IN AND AROUND PARK CITY IS A DELIGHT AND RIVALS THE WINTER SEASON WITH EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY, ADVENTURE, AND BUILD COMMUNITY. HERE ARE A FEW WAYS TO EXPLORE NEARBY MOUNTAINS AND STREAMS, TASTE SUMMER IN PARK CITY, AND PARTICIPATE IN SUMMER-CENTRIC EVENTS.
1. GET YOUR GROOVE ON During the summer, Mountain Town Music puts on a show almost every evening of the week. Anticipated summer shows include Wednesdays at Deer Valley’s Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater and Sundays at the Park Silly Sunday Market. All concerts are family friendly and most shows allow spectators to bring picnics, blankets, and beverages.
2. SAVOR THE TASTE OF SUMMER AT THE PARK CITY FARMERS MARKET Utah produce, freshly baked bread, wild game, and handmade treats are the core of the Park City Farmers Market. From the first Wednesday in June to the first Wednesday in October, the market runs from noon to 5 p.m. at the base of Park City Mountain Resort. Make sure to pick up some peaches from Smith Orchards, greens from Ranui Gardens, garlic from First Frost Farms, berries from Weeks Berries of Paradise, elk sausages from Epicurean Chefs, and Volker’s German-rye bread.
3. LEARN SOMETHING NEW AT SWANER The Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter is home to a multitude of activities. Browse through the exhibit center, climb the rock wall, or take a walk on the Wetland Discovery Trail. Gardeners can visit the Demonstration Garden for waterwise, native plant ideas. Find out how Swaner is reducing their carbon footprint and take a tour of the LEED-certified Platinum Building.
4. BOOK AN EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE AT BLUE SKYLocated in Wanship, a few miles east of Kimball Junction on I-80, The Lodge at Blue Sky is a vast ranch with hundreds of acres to explore. There are equestrian opportunities for riders of all levels. Activities range from meet-and-greets with the horses to riding lessons to trails rides. Complete the day with a tour of the High West Distillery.
5. TRY OUT YOUR FLY-FISHING SKILLS The Provo River is a picturesque, world-class fly-fishing destination renown for its fish and relished for its beauty. Get gear and supplies at Trout Bum 2 or learn how to fish from a guide at Park City Trout Tales or Park City On The Fly.
6. BEAT THE HEAT WITH A DAY TRIP TO THE UINTAS As you head into the High Uintas Wilderness, the last stop for replenishments on Mirror Lake Highway is the Samak Smoke House. The smokehouse is a favorite for picnic supplies, with fresh deli sandwiches, smoked fish, jerky, and the infamous Samak Stickie. Take a hike or find a spot lakeside to enjoy the provisions. Appreciate a retreat from the heat and make sure to bring a jacket for afternoon thunderstorms.
7. GET A DOSE OF ADVENTURE BY RAFTING THE WEBER RIVER Spend a hot summer day on the class II rapids of the Weber River; a quick 40-minute drive from Park City. The scenic float through canyons and rural Utah is a high-desert adventure for the whole family. Let the pros handle the details and book a trip through All Seasons Adventures or Destination Sports and Adventures.
8. ENJOY AN AFTERNOON BY THE WATER Lower Deer Valley has several ponds that are accessible to the public. First, enjoy lunch at the nearby Deer Valley Grocery Cafe where favorites include shrimp tacos, beet hummus, and house made ice cream sandwiches. Follow lunch with water play; the ponds are a favorite spot for kids of all ages with activities like fishing, duck watching, walking, and paddle board yoga.
9. TAKE A TRIP TO WASATCH MOUNTAIN STATE PARK Located just outside of Midway, Wasatch Mountain State Park is a family-oriented outdoor recreation haven. Devote a weekend to the outdoors and reserve a campsite. The vast trail system is a favorite for mountain bikers and hikers. Their event calendar includes many free activities ranging from guided hikes to activities for kids.
10. JOIN A FREE YOGA CLASS AT CITY PARK On Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m., Lululemon sponsors free yoga at City Park. The classes are open to all levels and well attended. For a full evening of fun, bring a cooler of beverages and play on the soccer fields or initiate a game of volleyball.
