Summer is all about soaking up the sun and enjoying the warm weather, while winter is all about fresh powder and hitting the slopes. Spring is Park City’s transitional ‘mud season’ but what about fall?

Fall is still somewhat of a transitional season, particularly because it seems to be so fleeting. But what Park City offers in the short weeks of fall is truly something special!

Unlike summer and winter, fall tends to be a little quieter around here. There are fewer tourists, but the town is still so beautiful and full of activities waiting for you to enjoy. Here are our favorite things to do in Park City during the fall.

An Epic Way to Get Your Steps In

The fall foliage and autumnal scenery in Park City are spectacular. Our rolling hills and lush meadows transform into a mosaic of reds, oranges, and yellows. Although it happens every year, we’re always astounded by the beauty of it all.

One of the best ways to take it all in is with a fall hike. Hiking in Park City is a favorite pastime, but it’s even more popular when the weather is a little cooler and the leaves are changing hue.

If you’re looking for a great hike, we would recommend both Armstrong and Sweeney’s Switchbacks, these intermediate trails are about 3-4 miles in length and provide the perfect vantage to absorb the fall colors!

Learn more about what it’s really like to live in Park City with these posts next:

• Is Park City Dog-Friendly?
• Why Park City is the Best Home Base For Recreating in Utah
• What to Know About Park City’s Open Spaces

Go For a Drive

If you’d prefer to enjoy the foliage from the comfort of your vehicle, an afternoon drive is always a good idea during fall in Park City. Take Guardsman Pass and enjoy panoramic mountain views. (Local tip: Grab breakfast on the way out at Silver Fork!)

The Alpine Loop is another popular drive for leafing. This 20-mile drive is only open until late October when it closes for snow, so make sure you go early in the season!

If you’re looking for a longer trip, the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is usually driven in about 2-3 hours. Weaving through the countryside, you’ll get the chance to see mountain peaks, beautiful fall forests, waterfalls, lakes, and more. It’s a must-see on a regular day, but even more so during the fall season.

We love Park City in the winter, but there’s a lot happening all year long! Learn more about how to enjoy year-round living in Park City right here.

Grab a Spiced Pumpkin Latte

Ok, hear us out: the reason pumpkin spice lattes are so popular isn’t because they are basic, it’s because they are actually really good! Whether you’re a fan of Atticus Tea and Coffee (aptly named after the literary character) or you prefer the small-batch brews at Pink Elephant, there are plenty of coffee shops in Park City to grab your favorite fall treat. Even if it isn’t of the pumpkin spice variety.

Take a Ride on the Chairlift

With your coffee in hand, you can catch a relaxing ride to the top of the mountain on several of the ski lifts in the area. Scenic rides are offered from Town Lift, Payday Lift, Crescent Lift, and the Gondola from Canyons Village.

The ride up is relaxing and rejuvenating, giving you the perfect opportunity to get some fresh air and take in the beautiful fall scenery. Plus, once you’ve reached the top, there are almost endless hiking trails suitable for the whole family.

How does Park City compare to other ski resort towns? Read these posts next to find out:

• Park City Vs. Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Which Mountain Town Comes Out on Top?
• Park City Vs. Vail, Colorado
• Deer Valley Vs. Park City: What Homeowners Need to Know

Get a Taste of Bavaria at Oktoberfest

Snowbird Oktoberfest typically runs from mid-August to mid-October. Featuring family-friendly activities, live music, games, traditional Bavarian food, and over 50 beer varieties, Oktoberfest is a much-loved Park City weekend tradition.

Oktoberfest is one of Utah’s largest festivals and is completely free to attend. Learn more about the schedule of events and attending the festival right here.

Earn Your Turns on the Trails

If you’re looking for something to get your blood pumping, a mountain bike ride is one of the best things to do in Park City. Unlike summer rides where you need to contend with the heat and bugs, fall riding is spectacular. The temperatures are perfect, and there’s nothing more magical than seeing the fall colors blend into a beautiful mosaic as you rip through the trails at high speed.

Whether you love cross-country or downhill riding, there’s something for every level of rider in Park City.

Our very own Jacquelyn Harris Grayson is an avid biker, check out her video about earning your turns at 9,000 feet right here.

Read all about why Park City is so great for mountain biking here.

Get Your Ski Pass

This is more of a task than an activity, but fall is the best time to get your ski passes. Rates go up as we approach ski season, so experienced locals always purchase their passes early in the fall.

You should also check out the various key dates for booking things, and if you’re planning to enroll your kids in ski school, you should do so now before they fill up!

Learn more about preparing for ski season in this post right here.

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Balloon rides in Park City are offered year-round, but fall is our favorite time to float above the town and take in the sights from above. Balloon rides are serene, beautiful, and fun. You’ll get a full view of the mountain range, rolling hills, and the town below. There are several companies that offer balloon rides in Park City. You can learn more about them and the experience here.

Farmer’s Markets Are Still Open

One of our favorite parts of summer is going to the Farmer’s Market on the weekend. There’s always something happening, and you can’t beat the products on offer from our local vendors. In Park City, our Farmer’s Market is not for summer only! It extends all the way to the end of October!

The Park Silly Sunday Market on Main Street also runs well into September on Sundays from 10am-5pm.

Are You Thinking About a Move For Fall?

Whether you are thinking about buying or selling a home in Park City, our team is happy to help! CMFH has been here for homeowners in Park City for over 30 years. We live, work, and play here all year long.

Whether you’re looking for neighborhood recommendations, buying assistance, or help selling your home, we have the skills, experience, and know-how to help you succeed.

Call us today at 435-647-8035 or email us directly at info@CFHparkcity.com to learn more.