drewj1946 image; www.flickr.com

Utah has a rich railroading history. The final tracks of North America’s First Transcontinental Railroad were laid at Promontory Point, near modern-day Tremonton, on May 10, 1869. The booming railroad business that followed allowed nearby Ogden to grow rapidly – and to earn a reputation as the wildest town in the Wild West. Even Al Capone famously said that Ogden was too wild for his tastes.

Originally part of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad, the Heber Valley Railroad served to connect Provo to Heber City. This 16-mile stretch of track was used nearly seven decades, with trains running on it and alongside the Provo River from 1899 to 1967 – when the line was officially abandoned.

Just three years later, the line was reopened as a tourist attraction. The railroad has been (more or less) in continuous operation since that time, operating as the Heber Valley Historic Railroad for the past two decades.

Today the Heber Valley Historic Railroad has a fleet of two, 1907-era Baldwin steam locomotives: the Great Western No. 75 and the Union Pacific No. 618. In addition to standard sightseeing trips, the railroad offers several themed outings designed to accommodate different ages and interests. Murder mystery dinners, North Pole Express rides, and even train-ride-slash-innertubing trips are available. For a full schedule, check the railroad’s website. 

Strawberry Reservoir (LJWhitmire image; www.flickr.com)

Park City is famous around the nation – and even world – for its incredible ski resorts. Many also know of this town because of its fantastic mountain biking. However, you don’t have to be a skier or a mountain biker to enjoy Park City’s fantastic outdoors. You could be a fisherman, a hiker, a trail runner, or none of the above. Whatever your story, you’ll enjoy a trip to one of Park City’s nearby state parks or reservoirs to fish, swim, boat, hike, or picnic. Not summer? No problem. These reservoirs serve as scenic backdrops for winter hikes and show shoe excursions, as well as a popular places for ice fishing.

Park City to Jordanelle State Park: 10 miles/ 19 minutes

Jordanelle State Park is centered around a two-lobed, L-shaped reservoir. The nearest lake to Park City, Jordanelle offers fishing, boating, and swimming, as well as hiking and camping along its shores. The state park’s nearness to Park City and Salt Lake City makes it one of the state’s most popular playgrounds. Jordanelle State Park has two main recreation areas: Hailstone (the main park area, located off US 40, Exit 8) and Rock Cliff (off UT 32, 7.5 miles east of US 40). Be advised: the Rock Cliff Nature Center is closed indefinitely due to budget cuts.

Park City to Wasatch Mountain State Park: 20 miles/ 35 minutes

Wasatch Mountain State Park is one of the state’s biggest, full-facility state parks. Offering hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, golf, mountain bike and horseback riding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, this 22,000-acre state park enjoys an extremely scenic location in the Heber Valley.

Park City to Deer Creek State Park and Deer Creek Reservoir: 23 miles/ 33 minutes

Deer Creek State Park is centered around the Deer Creek Reservoir, a roughly 8-mile long, 3,000-acre reservoir located along the Provo River. The state park features an 8-mile trail that follows the foothills rising above the western shores of this lake. Dogs are not allowed on the Deer Creek Trail, as the namesake creek is a vital source for drinking water.

Park City to Strawberry Reservoir: 50 miles/ 75 minutes

Strawberry Reservoir is the farthest of all the “local” reservoirs, sitting a long hour southeast of Park City. It is also one of the biggest, at 12,000 acres in size – and one of the best summer locations, with a surface elevation of roughly 7,600 feet. A hotspot for fishing cutthroat and rainbow trout, as well as kokanee salmon, the lake gives up 24-inch fish on a fairly regular basis. 

Deer Creek Reservoir (a4gpa image; www.flickr.com)

Park City is famous around the nation – and even world – for its incredible ski resorts. Many also know of this town because of its fantastic mountain biking. However, you don’t have to be a skier or a mountain biker to enjoy Park City’s fantastic outdoors. You could be a fisherman, a hiker, a trail runner, or none of the above. Whatever your story, you’ll enjoy a trip to one of Park City’s nearby state parks or reservoirs to fish, swim, boat, hike, or picnic. Not summer? No problem. These reservoirs serve as scenic backdrops for winter hikes and show shoe excursions, as well as a popular places for ice fishing.

Park City to Jordanelle State Park: 10 miles/ 19 minutes

Jordanelle State Park is centered around a two-lobed, L-shaped reservoir. The nearest lake to Park City, Jordanelle offers fishing, boating, and swimming, as well as hiking and camping along its shores. The state park’s nearness to Park City and Salt Lake City makes it one of the state’s most popular playgrounds. Jordanelle State Park has two main recreation areas: Hailstone (the main park area, located off US 40, Exit 8) and Rock Cliff (off UT 32, 7.5 miles east of US 40). Be advised: the Rock Cliff Nature Center is closed indefinitely due to budget cuts.

Park City to Wasatch Mountain State Park: 20 miles/ 35 minutes

Wasatch Mountain State Park is one of the state’s biggest, full-facility state parks. Offering hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, golf, mountain bike and horseback riding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, this 22,000-acre state park enjoys an extremely scenic location in the Heber Valley.

Park City to Deer Creek State Park and Deer Creek Reservoir: 23 miles/ 33 minutes

Deer Creek State Park is centered around the Deer Creek Reservoir, a roughly 8-mile long, 3,000-acre reservoir located along the Provo River. The state park features an 8-mile trail that follows the foothills rising above the western shores of this lake. Dogs are not allowed on the Deer Creek Trail, as the namesake creek is a vital source for drinking water.

Park City to Strawberry Reservoir: 50 miles/ 75 minutes

Strawberry Reservoir is the farthest of all the “local” reservoirs, sitting a long hour southeast of Park City. It is also one of the biggest, at 12,000 acres in size – and one of the best summer locations, with a surface elevation of roughly 7,600 feet. A hotspot for fishing cutthroat and rainbow trout, as well as kokanee salmon, the lake gives up 24-inch fish on a fairly regular basis. 

rhodes image; www.flirckr.com

There is an infinite number of reasons for going from Salt Lake City to Park City, and back. However, many times you simply can’t – or don’t want to – drive your own car. You might have flown into town for a ski vacation, and haven’t rented a car – precisely because Park City has its very own, comprehensive Free Transit Bus System. Or you might want to head up to Park City for just one night of partying; in that case, you certainly don’t want to drive home under the influence.

Enter: The Park City Connect shuttle bus service, a system of express buses running between Salt Lake City and its uphill neighbor. Operated by Utah Transit Authority, the same company that oversees Salt Lake Valley’s public transportation, these buses cost just $5.50 to ride in either direction. During the work week, the buses make seven trips in each direction every day. On the weekends, the the buses make three morning trips in each direction. The route contains limited stops within Salt Lake City and Park City, with buses picking up and depositing passengers at major transportation hubs within their respective cities. Those who expect to make several trips can purchase a three- or even 30-day pass.

Midway's Town Hall (Edgar Zuniga Jr. image; www.flickr.com)

Park City offers much more than most people could hope to experience on a single vacation: three major ski resorts, a flourishing restaurant and shopping scene, and more art galleries than you can count on all your fingers and toes. However, one thing Park City lacks – particularly in the busy winter season – is solitude. If you find yourself needing a break from Park City’s bustle, or simply want to see a little more of Utah’s countryside, take a short trip south to Midway and see what this charming, Swiss-themed town has to offer.

Soldier Hollow

Soldier Hollow is Utah’s finest Nordic skiing, biathlon, and innertubing center. A major host of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, this has a 31-kilometer, groomed trail system (with trails fit for everyone), 1,200-foot tubing lanes with lift service, and full-service rental and lodge facilities.

Homestead Resort Crater

The Homestead Resort Crater is a 55-foot-tall, natural, beehive-shaped hole in the ground filled with geothermically-heated water. There you can swim, soak – even snorkel and scuba dive – all year long. If you want to stop by the Crater, you must have reservations.

Heber Valley Creamery

If you have any room in your diet for handmade farm cheese, fresh or aged, stop by this artisan creamery. All products are made with milk from the 200-head heard of Holstein-Friesian cows owned by the farm itself.

View from the Ski Trails at Soldier Hollow (a4gpa image; www.flickr.com)

The Egyptian Theater Serves Park City all Year (rasdourian image; www.flickr.com)

January in Park City means one thing: The Sundance Film Festival – the world’s most famous independent film festival. But what does February mean? March, April, or September? Though Park City is tiny town with fewer than 8,000 residents, it has a large spot in its heart for culture and the fine arts, all year long. During any month of the year, you can experience this lively scene at its various museums, art centers, and theaters.

Kimball Art Center

This non-profit fine arts center has been a staple of Park City culture since 1976. Free and open to the public, Kimball Art Center strives to provide Park City‘s residents and visitors with access to the visual arts. Whether you wish to view its current exhibits, or sign up for a children’s or adults’ art class, you’ll find the schedule here rich and full of opportunities.

Egyptian Theater

This center for the performing arts has been around since the town’s earliest mining days – the times when it was surrounded by saloons, and frequented by prospectors. Originally built in the late 1880s, this theater burned to the ground (along with the rest of Park City) in the pandemic fire of 1898. Since its 1920s rebirth, it has served as a constant purveyor of the performing arts – both of the dramatic and musical variety.

Eccles Center

Operating as home base for The Park City Performing Arts Foundation, the Eccles Center has been a stage for musicians and artists since 1998. Organizing performances by acts from around the world and Utah alike, the Park City Performing Arts Foundation offers some of the area’s most high-profile and large-scale concerts. If you happen to be around during summer, check out their outdoor concerts at Deer Valley Resort.

Park City Gallery Stroll

Organized by the Park City Art Gallery Association, this monthly event takes place on the last Friday of each month, all year long. On these evenings, the members of this association open their doors 6–9pm, giving participants a chance to check out exhibits with an accompaniment of “light refreshments.” The association includes roughly two dozen galleries – meaning you’ll have more than enough to see during those three hours.

Sundance Resort

Though the Sundance Festival itself only shows its head but a few days each year, the Sundance Resort – also spearheaded by Robert Redford – is operational all year long. Located about 50 minutes due south of Park City, Sundance Resort is a unique retreat. A ski and summer resort, this is also an active arts center and a home for artists-in-residence. Come to enjoy regionally accented cuisine, visit artist workshops, peruse galleries, or even catch a film screening or artist lecture. The short drive will transport you to a completely different, soul-soothing environment.

Mt Timpanogos Towers Above the Sundance Resort (El Frito image; www.flickr.com)