You know what the locals say about mountain towns, “I came for the winter, but I stayed for the summer.” Park City’s legendary ski slopes may be what first brings adventurers, explorers and skiers from around the world to the largest mountain resort in the country. But come summer, the miles upon miles of hiking and biking trails entice, along with a bounty of culinary and cultural events and a staggering array of natural wonders to explore. For the ultimate summer in the mountains, add these events to your Park City bucket list.
SAVOR THE SUMMIT – Tonight’s the night historic Main Street becomes the site of Utah’s largest outdoor dinner party. Live music will fill the air, and tables will line the street as world-renowned restaurants display their culinary talents, serving up outstanding food and excellent spirits to more than 2,5000 participants in the ultimate al fresco setting. The open-air community celebration is an annual affair, during which each restaurant offers its own unique menu. While you don’t need tickets, you do need reservations with a participating restaurant. If you weren’t able to make this year’s event, now’s your chance to plan ahead for the 2020 Savor the Summit.
KIMBALL ARTS FESTIVAL – The Park City Kimball Arts Festival celebrates its 50th Anniversary this summer, remaining among the top-ranked art festivals in the country. The three-day event, from Friday, August 3 to Sunday, August 4, celebrates art in all forms and is the Kimball Art Center’s largest fundraiser. The outdoor event takes place along historic Main Street and features fun-filled events for the whole family, including kids’ and teens’ art stations, live musical acts all weekend long and a VIP lounge with complimentary food and beverages. This year’s event received more than 1,000 artist applications—a new festival record.
UTAH OLYMPIC PARK – Utah Olympic Park, the 2002 Olympics venue for events such as bobsled, luge and ski jumping, is a summertime playground for adventurers of all ages. The Summer Gold Pass offers unlimited day use for Extreme Tubing, Extreme Ziplining, the Alpine Slide, various ropes courses, the Drop Tower, Air Bag Jump and Scenic Chairlift rides. The highlight is the Extreme Tubing, when participants ride an innertube down the massive hill used for ski jumping, an adventure sure to get your pulse pounding. Catch the pros in action on select Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer during the Flying Ace All-Stars Freestyle Show when Olympians and National Team skiers and snowboarders perform their acrobatic feats 60 feet in the air, landing in the freestyle pool below.
PROVO RIVER TUBING – For a refreshing fun-filled day on the water (and a slightly more relaxing experience than the aforementioned Extreme Tubing), float the Provo River by tube. Tubing trips begin below Deer Creek and finish at Vivian Park, offering scenic vistas every stretch of the way. Adults and kids 12 years and older can ride solo, while adults may link their tube to children ages 8 and up. Rafts, kayaks and canoes are also available for rent.
TIMPANOGOS CAVE NATIONAL MONUMENT – One of the most unforgettable experiences takes place underground at the captivating Timpanogos Cave, located in American Fork Canyon, about an hour west of Park City. Enjoy stunning vistas as you hike the 1.5-mile paved trail, rising more than 1,000 feet to an elevation of 6,730 feet above sea level. There, the cool canyon caves feature a hidden world of twists, bends and geological mysteries. Ranger-guided tours teach the science behind the formations and the powerful effects of water, minerals and time.
