Park City Trail Guide

Brought to you by Mountain Trails

PARK CITY TRAILS

Guidelines & Etiquette

From Park City’s trail advocacy group.

As Park City’s trail advocacy group, our aim is to optimize a safe and fun outdoor experience for all types of trail users. Here are some things to keep in mind…

INFOGRAPHICS /SIGNAGE

You may see some of these signs out and about…

Things to know before you go

Whether you are new to Park City, visiting, or a considerate local staying current on your trail etiquette, check for the latest guidelines and culture here… 

Most of the trailheads have some parking, but it is limited. Luckily, we have free transportation in Park City, and we recommend that you utilize a Park n’ Ride lot to help reduce traffic and parking issues at the trails. If you plan to drive and park, check out our live parking cams before you choose your trail area.

  • I will understand and employ the rules of the Right of Way
  • I will not disturb wildlife and will give animals adequate time and space to adjust
  • I will practice 10 seconds of kindness.
    slow down • smile • safety first
  • I will coexist – I will be respectful and understanding of different trail users and their needs.
  • I will avoid muddy conditions and be sensitive to the dirt beneath my heels or wheels #RutsSUCK
  • I will be aware of my speed and line of sight and will make my presence know (bike bell, verbal)
  • I will LEAVE NO TRACE on the environment (pack out trash and dog waste)
  • I will adhere to all trail closures for my safety and sustainability of the trails
  • I will be a responsible dog owner by keeping my dog under control at all times and picking up after it.
  • I will be a positive voice for the trails.

Please clean up after yourself and your pets. Travel on marked trails durable surfaces. Dispose of waste properly.

Speed is the biggest factor in trail incidents. Slow down, smile and give space to other users.

Skidding corners permanently damages trails. Instead, slow down earlier and coast through the turn.

Bells on trails keep everyone safe. Use and listen for them while you are on the trails. Pick up a freebie at a local shop or pick up a membership gift from Mountain Trails.

Consider using the marked winter singletrack when biking, snowshoeing or hiking. Winter singletrack is a lot more fun and using it will help preserve the groomed trails for other users.

Dark spots accelerate melting. Help reduce melting by removing debris from trails and avoid tracking mud onto the snow.

Please do not ride (fat bikes and mountain bikes) if you are leaving a rut. If snow or dirt is too wet or soft to ride a straight line, then turn around. Tires can leave ruts that ruin groomed trails for other users. Ruts lead to erosion and costly trail repairs.

Do not feed or harass wildlife. Leash dogs immediately upon wildlife encounter and keep your distance.

If you are breaking through the trail surface leaving a rut, losing traction and are unable to ride in a straight line, please reduce your air pressure.

2-5 PSI is a good range for SOFT GROOMED SURACE AND BASE.

4-8 PSI is a good range for HARD-PACKED SURFACE AND BASE.

Leash dogs immediately upon wildlife encounter and keep your distance. Do not let your pet chase or play with wildlife.

Be aware and in control of where your dog is and who they are approaching at all times. Not all dogs respond the same to other dogs.

Always place dogs on leash immediately upon arriving at trailhead parking lots. That way excited pooches never get the chance to harass others, get hit by a car or sneak in a bathroom break while owners are distracted.

Of course not! Dog waste is not part of a healthy ecosystem and dog owners are expected to remove dog waste – regardless of where it falls. If a dog goes bushwhacking and lays one down, then the owner needs to go bushwhacking and pick it up. Trash receptacles are often placed 100+ yards up trail from a trailhead, but if your dog relieves itself beyond that, do the responsible thing and pick up/carry out the waste.

Please do not leave a “doggie bag” on the side of the trail. More often than not, they are forgotten and left to rot on the side of a trail. Bring extra waste removal bags just in case.

Yes! Aside from designated trails and parks, you must leash your dog. Off-leash dogs can become confused by bikers and skiers. If a dog crosses the path of even a slow moving skier or biker, significant injury can result to person, dog or equipment. Confused animals can also do things their owners do not expect, like biting. Don’t find out the hard way that your nervous dog is a biter. Damages and injuries will likely become the liability of the person who allowed the dog to be off-leash. A dog owner found in violation of leash laws, could be sued!

Bikes should ALWAYS yield to hikers.. even if traveling uphill.
Uphill bikes have the right of way over downhill bikes.

Park City Municipal Code prohibits e-bikes on singletrack trails. HOWEVER, there are exceptions – and all riders should know! E-MTB riders 65 years and older, and those with a mobility disability are legally allowed on singletrack.  For those who qualify, the City now offers a courtesy tag to help identify qualified e-bike riders. 

Visit our interactive map, tick the “eBike allowed” option for the latest info! Keep your eyes peeled on the trails for QR codes directing e-MTB riders to e-bike friendly trails in the area. 

Park City is a very dog-friendly community, but there are enforceable leash laws in Summit County. Watershed areas do not allow dogs, some trails are off-leash and some require leashes. We also have a number of off-leash dog parks. It’s important that you clean up after your dog as well as follow the laws & signs. You know your pup best, so be sure to use a trail that sports the rules that are in you and your pup’s best interest.

Visit our dogs page for all the info.