Looking for something less predictable this summer in Park City? The season’s surprises include Olympic thrills, haunted history, hot air balloon adventures, whiskey tastings, and gravity-powered rides through mountain scenery. Here’s how to experience a different side of Utah’s favorite mountain town.
Unexpected Summer Activities Park City, Utah
Summer in Park City has a few tricks up its sleeve, and some of the most epic have little to do with the activities that first put the town on the map.
Many visitors don’t know it, but summer in Park City is also time for bobsled tracks operating at full speed, sunrise hot air balloon flights above the Wasatch Mountains, whiskey tastings inside a working distillery, ghost stories on historic Main Street, and exciting gravity-powered alpine rides amid beautiful summer scenery.
If you’re looking for something a little different during your visit, below I’ll guide you through everything you need to know about five unexpected ways to experience summer in Park City. These off-the-radar experiences offer a fresh perspective on the town’s adventurous side.
First, a little hello from us:
Voted #1 Park City Vacation Rental Company for five consecutive years, Park City Rental Properties is your go-to option for an exclusive selection of accommodations ranging from luxury homes to ski-in/ski-out condos and pet-friendly properties.
We love Park City and know the area inside out. In our destination blog, you’ll find local tips on tubing and snow activities, the best restaurants and hidden gems, where to shop, and much more.
1. Ride an Olympic Bobsled at Utah Olympic Park
Have you ever considered riding an actual Olympic bobsled track? During the summer, this unexpected experience is possible in Park City.
Located just outside Park City near Kimball Junction, Utah Olympic Park hosted bobsled, skeleton, luge, and ski jumping competitions during the 2002 Winter Olympics and will return as a venue for the 2034 Games. During summer, visitors can climb aboard the Comet Bobsled alongside a professional pilot and hurtle down the track at speeds reaching 65 mph while experiencing up to 5Gs of force. How cool is that?
Even if you decide to skip the adrenaline, Utah Olympic Park still offers plenty to see. The Flying Ace All-Stars Freestyle Show features Olympic-level athletes launching themselves 60 feet into the air before landing in a massive 1.25-million-gallon training pool. On certain mornings, you can also watch future Olympians training on the ski jumps and freestyle facilities.
There’s more! The park is also home to two excellent museums: the Alf Engen Ski Museum and the Eccles 2002 Olympic Winter Games Museum. Both are completely free and include interactive exhibits, Olympic memorabilia, medals, and even an Olympic Torch you can hold.
If you’re planning a visit
Guided tours run daily at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. Tours cost $20 for adults and $15 for youth and seniors. Reservations are highly recommended for bobsled rides and guided tours.
2. Take a Ghost Tour Through Historic Park City
Summer afternoons may be bright and cheerful, but the same streets that host shoppers and diners during the day take on a far more intriguing role after dark, especially if you join one of Park City’s legendary ghost tours.
Every evening at 8 pm, Park City Ghost Tours lead visitors through Old Town’s shadowy streets and historic buildings, sharing stories rooted in the city’s rough-and-tumble mining history. This quirky experience combines documented historical events with local paranormal legends, giving you not only spooky entertainment but also a bit of a history lesson.
Guides often arrive dressed in authentic Edwardian-era costumes and lead groups through locations connected to some of Park City’s most famous ghost stories. You’ll hear about Freddy Haglund, a miner allegedly haunting a former saloon after his killer received what many considered a lenient sentence. Other stops include the Washington School House, where visitors report hearing the voice of a child ghost, and St. Mary’s Old Town Chapel, where mysterious puddles reportedly appear in the confessional.
To make things even more interactive, guests can use digital thermometers during the tour to monitor sudden temperature drops, something paranormal investigators often associate with supernatural activity.
Good to know
Tours depart nightly from Miner’s Park at 8 pm during summer and last approximately 75 minutes. Reservations are recommended and must typically be made at least 24 hours in advance.
3. Float Above the Wasatch Mountains in a Hot Air Balloon
Want to see Park City from a whole different perspective? There’s nothing like riding in a hot air balloon and marveling at the breathtaking views from above.
Summer provides some of the year’s best ballooning conditions, thanks to stable morning air and consistently clear skies. Flights typically launch at sunrise, allowing you to start the day with jaw-dropping vistas of the Wasatch Range, Kamas Valley, ski resorts, and surrounding mountain landscapes.
Things get exciting even before you take off as the crew inflates the giant balloon envelope; it’s quite something and builds anticipation. Soon after, you’ll be floating more than 1,000 feet above the valley floor, with nothing but occasional bursts from the burner interrupting the silence.
Most excursions last around three hours in total, including setup, flight time, and transportation back to the launch area.
Know before you book
Flights generally cost around $200 per person. Most operators require passengers to be at least four years old, and pregnant women are not permitted to participate. Reservations are essential.
Here are some of the best hot air balloon ride providers in the Park City area:
- Skywalker Balloon Company
- Bigfoot Balloons
- Rainbow Ryders
4. Swap Mountain Trails for Whiskey Trails and Tastings at High West Distillery
What about trading hiking trails for a whiskey flight and a crash course in Utah’s distilling heritage?
Located about 15 minutes east of town in Wanship, High West was Utah’s first legal distillery since 1870 and offers guided tours of its impressive production facility. During the tour, you’ll learn about Utah’s whiskey history, see the 1,600-gallon copper still imported from Scotland, and gain insight into the distilling, blending, bottling, and labeling processes.
One of the highlights is definitely the catwalk overlooking the bottling room, where thousands of bottles are prepared every day.
After the educational portion wraps up, many visitors head to The Refectory, the distillery’s restaurant, where mountain views complement whiskey flights and locally inspired cuisine.
For those who prefer to stay closer to downtown, High West also operates its famous Saloon on Main Street, known as the world’s only ski-in gastro-distillery.
Good to know
Tours generally run Wednesday through Sunday between 10:30 am and 3 pm and last about 45 minutes to one hour. Reservations are strongly recommended.
5. Ride an Alpine Coaster or Alpine Slide Instead of a Mountain Trail
Park City’s Alpine Slide and Mountain Coaster are two must-try alternatives for enjoying the summer scenery here.
The Mountain Coaster at Park City Mountain Resort stretches for more than a mile and allows you to control your own speed as you navigate curves, loops, hills, and turns through alpine terrain.
There’s also the Alpine Slide, where you descend more than 3,000 feet on luge-style tracks featuring banked corners and long straightaways.
Want to experience both attractions? You can purchase a Double Play ticket, which includes one ride on each attraction on the same day. These rides are great for families, teenagers, and anyone looking for mountain excitement that doesn’t require hiking boots and gear.
Good to know
A Double Play ticket costs approximately $61. Drivers must be at least 54 inches tall for the Mountain Coaster and 48 inches tall for the Alpine Slide. Both attractions are weather-dependent and may temporarily close during storms.
Visiting Park City in Summer
1. Is summer a busy season in Park City?
Yes. Summer has grown into one of Park City’s most popular seasons thanks to pleasant temperatures, outdoor events, and school holidays. If you’re visiting between June and August, it’s a good idea to book accommodations, tours, and popular activities well in advance.
2. What is the weather like in Park City during summer?
Summer days are typically warm and sunny, while mornings and evenings can be cool due to the town’s elevation of roughly 7,000 feet. Packing a light jacket or extra layer is recommended, especially for sunrise balloon rides, evening ghost tours, and outdoor dining.
3. How many days should I spend in Park City during summer?
Three to four days is enough time to experience many of the area’s highlights at a comfortable pace. A longer stay allows you to combine adventure activities, scenic drives, dining experiences, shopping, and day trips to nearby mountain communities.
4. Is Park City walkable during summer?
Absolutely! Historic Main Street is highly walkable and packed with restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and entertainment venues. Many visitors spend entire afternoons exploring downtown on foot.
5. Do I need a car in Park City?
Not necessarily. Park City operates one of the country’s largest free public transportation systems, making it convenient to reach downtown, Kimball Junction, Park City Mountain Resort, and many surrounding neighborhoods if you don’t want to drive.
6. What should I pack for a summer trip to Park City?
Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, and layers are the essentials. The mountain sun is intense, and temperatures can fluctuate significantly between early morning and late evening.
7. Is Park City family-friendly in summer?
Very much so. Families can enjoy attractions ranging from alpine coasters and Olympic Park activities to museums, scenic chairlift rides, outdoor concerts, and seasonal festivals. Many restaurants and outdoor venues also cater well to children.
8. Are there special events in Park City during summer?
Yes. The summer calendar often includes outdoor concerts, art festivals, farmers markets, food events, and cultural celebrations.
9. Is altitude sickness something to worry about?
Most visitors adjust quickly, but Park City’s elevation can affect some travelers during their first day or two. Staying hydrated, limiting alcohol on arrival, and taking it easy on your first afternoon can help you acclimate comfortably.
See You in Park City This Summer!
All year round, one of the best ways to elevate your visit is by staying in a beautiful vacation rental. At Park City Rental Properties, we’re proud to offer luxury homes, cozy ski-in/ski-out condos, and charming townhouses that make your stay more comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable.
We’re looking forward to welcoming you and helping you experience Utah hospitality at its best. See you in Park City soon!
