Dog Friendly Park City – Where Can Fido Run Free?

With the recent hullabaloo surrounding the possible move to restrict dogs in Round Valley – a favorite Nordic skiing spot among locals – a refresher on the places dogs are welcome is warranted. Though we’re a far cry from the days when you could find a few pooches snoozing under the feet of patrons at Main Street’s watering holes, your pup is still very welcome in dog friendly Park City, which isn’t at risk of losing its “Bark City” nickname any time soon.

Though there is a countywide leash law, dogs can frolic freely at the dog park at Quinn’s Junction. Located along Highway 248 on the road leading to the Park City Ice Arena, the park is relatively underutilized, possibly owing to the surface comprised almost entirely of wood chips. When compared to other dog parks, including the one at 700 East and 1300 South in Salt Lake City, a swath of grass would make this amenity much more appealing.

Another option is Willow Creek Park, where a trail wraps cleanly around the neighborhood and circles the park itself. Dogs should really be on-leash when near the playing fields, but you’ll often find dogs off-leash on the length of trail accessed directly across the street from the park’s parking lot. This is a connector of the scenic McLeod Creek Trail, which offers a flat, wide path from Park City to Kimball Junction, winding past the McPolin Farm on Highway 224, through wetlands and past livestock. Parking is available north of 224 at the Farm Trailhead, across from the iconic white barn.

For super social dogs, head over to the Park City Library on Park Avenue, where the hillside is often overrun by dogs of all breeds playing together, while the ponds in Lower Deer Valley offer a chance for Fido to cool off and get in a quick swim. Swimmers are also welcome at the pond located just west of Gorgoza Park along Kilby Road, while nearby in Pinebrook, the Alf Engen Trail is a fantastic place to achieve a great workout for both dog and owner. This trailhead is accessed via the parking lot that services the lower playground on Pinebrook Boulevard, but it should be noted that the area is home to many, many moose, and dogs who do not react well to
these creatures should avoid the area.

For more trail information, visit Mountain Trails Foundation’s website.