Wildflowers are still in full swing on these Park City-area hikes

Wildflowers bloom along a Park City-area trail in late July, offering hikers a brief window to catch the Wasatch Back’s summer color. Photo: TownLift

From Bonanza Flat’s alpine meadows to trails overlooking Jordanelle Reservoir, late July is offering hikers a chance to catch the season’s color

PARK CITY, Utah — Wildflowers are still blooming across the Park City trail system, but the window to see them may be beginning to narrow.

Mountain Trails Foundation reported in its latest trail update that local wildflowers were “still in full swing.” The organization also described many trails as dry and dusty, despite scattered summer showers.

Park City’s trail system spans elevations from about 6,500 feet to nearly 10,000 feet, moving through sagebrush, aspen forests and high-alpine terrain. That range gives hikers several options for finding summer color at different elevations.

Here are several local hikes to explore while the blooms remain.

Armstrong and Dawn’s trails

Armstrong Trail begins near Park City Mountain and climbs toward the Mid Mountain Trail through forested and open terrain.

The trail is uphill-only for mountain bikes, though hikers may travel in either direction. That directional bike rule can make Armstrong a more comfortable option for people traveling on foot than trails with downhill bike traffic.

Hikers can connect with Dawn’s Trail for a shorter outing near the resort or continue climbing toward Mid Mountain. Park City lists Dawn’s as a hiking trail accessible from the Park City Mountain trailhead by way of Silver Spur.

Bloods Lake and Bonanza Flat

Bonanza Flat is one of the area’s best-known destinations for alpine scenery. The 1,534-acre conservation area sits high in the Wasatch Mountains and includes meadows, lakes and undeveloped backcountry terrain.

The Bloods Lake Trail offers a relatively short route into that landscape. Dogs are restricted within 100 yards of Bloods Lake, and visitors should check posted signs for additional leash and trail rules.

Parking is limited and is prohibited along the roadway near Bonanza Flat trailheads. Park City recommends using the Bonanza Flat lot when the Bloods Lake lot is full. Trailheads can fill by 8 a.m. on busy days, and the city recommends arriving early, visiting later in the afternoon or having an alternate hike planned.

Paid parking is in effect at Bonanza Flat trailheads. Park City residents who live within municipal boundaries may register for a local parking permit.

Mid Mountain from Empire Pass

The Mid Mountain Trail stretches across Park City’s mountain terrain at roughly 8,000 feet and passes through forested slopes, ski runs and aspen groves.

Hikers can access the area from the Mid Mountain trailhead near Empire Pass and treat the route as an out-and-back, turning around whenever they choose.

Because the trail is shared with mountain bikers, hikers should remain aware of approaching riders and allow faster trail users to pass. When parking is full, Park City lists the Ontario Mine and Bonanza Flat trailheads as alternatives.

Skyridge Peak

Skyridge Peak offers a more exposed hike above the northwestern side of Jordanelle Reservoir.

Mountain Trails Foundation describes the Skyridge and Jordanelle trail system as approximately 12 miles of hiking and biking trails. The Skyridge Peak Trail leads to a summit with 360-degree views.

The open terrain provides little protection from heat or approaching storms, making an early start advisable.

Ontario Mine and Red Cloud

The Ontario Mine trailhead near Empire Pass provides access to the Ontario Bypass and Red Cloud hiking trail.

Park City recommends the trailhead as an alternative when other popular mountain access points, including Mid Mountain and Iron Mountain, are crowded.

The higher-elevation route passes through forested mountain terrain and can be shortened or extended using connecting trails.

Protect the blooms and watch the weather

Visitors should stay on established trails rather than walking into meadows for photographs. They should also leave flowers in place and follow posted dog restrictions.

Mountain weather can change quickly. According to Mountain Trails Foundation, summer storms can bring heavy rain, hail, lightning, and temperature drops of more than 25 degrees. The organization recommends leaving exposed mountain terrain when thunderheads begin developing.

Hikers should also avoid muddy trails. Park City advises turning around when mud begins sticking to shoes because traveling on saturated trails can cause lasting damage.

For now, Mountain Trails Foundation’s report offers good reason to head outside: Park City’s wildflowers are still putting on their midsummer show.