Lakes, loops, and leaf-peeping: Ten scenic fall hikes around Park City

Fall foliage over town, Main Street Park City, PCMR. Photo: Town Lift // Randi Sidman-Moore

PARK CITY, Utah — Fall in the Wasatch is brief but dazzling. Golden aspens, fiery maples, and crisp mountain air turn Park City’s trails into some of the best places to soak in the season before winter arrives. From easy strolls to steep climbs, these ten hikes highlight autumn at its brightest.

Bloods Lake Trail

A 2.8-mile round trip with about 460 feet of gain, this Guardsman Pass favorite leads to an alpine lake ringed by aspens. Note: Guardsman Pass is seasonal, parking at Bonanza Flat trailheads is paid, and dogs are not permitted at the lake.

Silver Lake to Bald Mountain (Deer Valley)

Starting at Deer Valley’s Silver Lake Village, this 4.7-mile out-and-back gains 1,433 feet on the way to Bald Mountain. It’s a hiking-only trail with sweeping views of Heber Valley and fewer crowds.

Mid-Mountain Trail (Silver Lake to Montage segment)

For a gentle option, the shaded 1.7-mile out-and-back between Silver Lake Lodge and the Montage Hotel has minimal elevation gain. The trail is accessible by free Park City Transit.

Armstrong to Dawn’s Loop

A classic 3.3-mile loop climbing about 750–850 feet, this route winds through oak, pine, and aspen before opening to panoramic views of town. Bikes ascend Armstrong; hikers are bidirectional.

Freemason and Lost Prospector Trail Loop

This 3.3-mile hillside loop above Old Town offers bursts of Gambel oak, maple, and aspen, along with views of Park City and Deer Valley. Easy to extend with nearby connectors.

Iron Mountain Trail

Short and steep, the Iron Mountain Trail delivers. A 2.6- to 5.6-mile out-and-back depending on turnaround, it climbs 900–1,900 feet to aspen groves and a bench with panoramic overlooks.

McLeod Creek Trail

Flat and family-friendly, McLeod Creek is a 6-mile out-and-back following a creek lined with aspens. The packed surface is accessible, and leashed dogs are welcome.

Charlie’s 9,ooo Trail

High-elevation hiking with big-sky views, this 5.5-mile contour trail follows the ridgeline near Empire Pass. Cooler temps and early color make it a prime September pick.

Silver Lake Loop (Brighton)

Just over Guardsman Pass in Big Cottonwood Canyon, this 0.9-mile boardwalk loop circles Silver Lake. It’s ADA-friendly and perfect for a quick walk. Dogs are not allowed due to watershed rules.

Donut Falls (Big Cottonwood)

A short side trip from Park City, the 1.5-mile trail leads to a waterfall tumbling through a rock arch. Like other Big Cottonwood hikes, no dogs are permitted.

Planning Ahead

Colors peak in late September into early October, but timing shifts with elevation and weather. Hikers should prepare for cooler temperatures, changing weather at higher elevations, and trailhead parking rules.