Park City Snowshoeing Adventures Suitable for Everyone

Snowshoeing is a wonderful way to enjoy the great outdoors and Park City offers trail adventures that can accommodate any age or ability level. Looking to get out and explore? Here are a few Park City snowshoeing trips I’d recommend: a lunch tour via the Mid-Mountain Trail; a hike up Rob’s trail to overlook the entire Snyderville Basin; or an evening snowshoe amidst the quiet of Deer Valley Resort.

Snowshoeing the Mid-Mountain Trail at Canyons

One of my favorites for families and guests starts at the Canyons Village base of Park City (formerly Canyons Resort). Jump on the cabriolet from the parking lot and then the gondola from the base of the mountain (Epic pass or gondola ticket required) to snowshoe an out-and-back portion of the Mid-Mountain Trail. If you are hungry you can snowshoe all the way to Lookout Cabin for lunch. At a leisurely pace you can make it to the Cabin in one hour. The trail is fairly flat with a few gentle climbs. Lunch is also available at Red Pine Lodge close to the gondola.

To get to the Mid-Mountain trailhead, exit the gondola and grab a trail map, then hit the snow to strap on your snowshoes. The trailhead can be found by walking up the hill towards the magic carpet area. Once you see where people exit the magic carpet look to your left. The trail begins at the base of the small hill under the zip line. If the trail sign is obscured ask the Park City staff, they can direct you. The trail is usually obvious as it is occasionally used for small tour groups. If you decide to venture out after a snowstorm set your bearings before you begin. You can see Lookout Cabin from the trailhead area, it sits at the far right end of the ridge above and behind the magic carpet area. The trail crosses one snowmobile path early on and requires sharing the right side of a ski trail for a short distance at the end of the snowshoe to access the Cabin. Otherwise the trail meanders through the forest.

Snowshoeing Rob’s Trail in Park City

The trailhead for Rob’s trail sits right off a city road, so accessibility is a breeze. Rob’s trail is an out and back snowshoe trail with a little more difficult terrain. Because of the panoramic valley views, the trail sees quite a bit of use and the snow is often packed and thus easy to follow. I challenge my kids to snowshoe up as far as they can and tow a sled behind for a fast trip down. As always, helmets are a good idea here! Dogs are welcome. Duration can vary from 30 minutes to over two hours, depending on how long you want to explore. To find Rob’s trailhead, go up Bear Hollow Drive 1.5 miles and the trailhead will be on your left.

Snowshoeing at Deer Valley

Snowshoeing at Deer Valley Resort at night can be spectacular. You can park by the yurt at Empire Lodge off the cul-de-sac at 9200 Marsac Avenue. Walk across the wooden bridge and strap on your snowshoes. This snowshoe is mainly on the groomed trails. You can snowshoe in any direction, use the lights from the Montague as your guide for getting back to your car. Full-moon hikes are beautiful, or go on a darker night to check out the amazing stars. Download the free SkyView app if you need help identifying what’s in the night sky. If you have not tried Fireside Dining at Empire Lodge, snowshoeing before or after your meal can add to a magical night.

For additional trail information visit the Park City Mountain Trails website.