Home to world-class ski resorts and lust-worthy landscapes, Park City is an outdoor enthusiast’s delight. From ethereal salt flats to a resort boasting “the greatest snow on earth,” below is our pick of five fabulous day trips near Park City.
SUNDANCE MOUNTAIN RESORT – Located at the base of 12,000-foot Mt. Timpanogos, this beloved mountain resort showcases 5,000 acres of lush, protected wilderness. From skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing in the winter to hiking biking and horseback riding in the summer and fly-fishing on the Provo River year-round, there’s something for everyone. Should you choose to stay the night, charming cottages and resort homes offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The resort boasts award-winning restaurants a’plenty, but if you’ve only got time for a drink, be sure to pay a visit to The Sundance Owl Bar, which features the original 1890’s bar frequented by Butch Cassidy’s Hole-in-the-Wall gang.
BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS – Looking for your next big Instagram shot? Add this otherworldly wonder to your list. A 30,000-acre expanse of densely packed white salt on the western edge of the Great Salt Lake basin in Utah, this white wonderland features 12 miles of salt flats that look like something out of a Sci-Fi film. Every summer, professional and amateur auto racing teams compete for land-speed records, and thousands of spectators flock to the area to look on.
MIRROR LAKE – One of the most beautiful places in the state for all things outdoors, this popular fishing spot is home to three species of trout—rainbow, brook and tiger. Located in the Uinta Mountains, the highest mountain range in the state, the lake gets its name from the picture-perfect reflection of the surrounding mountains and trees on the surface. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the water, then explore one of the scenic trails that descend into the wilderness.
ANTELOPE ISLAND STATE PARK – The largest island in the Great Salt Lake, this breathtaking national park offers miles upon miles of backcountry hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails and an astonishing variety of animal life—think bison, mule deer, bighorn sheep and antelope.
SNOWBIRD SKI RESORT – Boasting “the greatest snow on earth”—and Utah’s longest ski season—this four-season resort in the Wasatch Mountains is primed for skiers and snow bunnies alike. The full-service resort features luxurious suites, outdoor heated pools and high-end spa services, 10 lifts with 169 runs, and 17 restaurants where guests can enjoy anything from tacos and margaritas to steaks and fine wines.
