New 7-mile historic mine route set to connect Park City’s mining sites

New signage will direct people on the Historic Mine Route. Photo: Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History

PARK CITY, Utah — A new 7-mile route connecting 24 historic mining sites throughout Park City is fittingly set to open on Miners Day, Sept. 7, giving hikers and bikers a new way to explore the city’s mining history.

The Park City Historic Mine Route, developed by Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History, will connect historic structures, mine sites, and cultural landmarks through a mostly existing network of public trails.

New signage is now being installed along the route ahead of the opening. The project includes 11 interpretive signs and 80 wayfinding signs, all featuring the project’s signature green logo.

“The installation of the new trail markers and wayfinding signage carries us one step closer to bringing the Park City Historic Mine Route to life for everyone from on-mountain adventurers to history buffs to enjoy,” said Wayne McKay, project manager for the Historic Mine Route. “By blending preservation, interpretation, outdoor recreation, technology, and public access, the route will create a lasting community asset that honors Park City’s mining legacy while enriching the experience of Summit County residents and visitors alike.”

The route will begin at the Park City Museum, climb Treasure Hill on Park City Mountain to the Silver King Mining Complex, continue down through Empire Canyon, and return to the museum.

Plans for the route began in spring 2025 after Friends received grants from Park City Rotary, the Central Wasatch Commission, and Utah Outdoor Recreation.

The route will highlight Park City’s silver mining history, which dates to the discovery of silver in 1868. Among the sites along the route is the Silver King Coalition Mine Headframe, a 1926 structure that underwent a multiyear preservation effort after its mine shaft collapsed.

The headframe is located within a 32-acre National Historic District and is one of the most prominent remaining structures from Park City’s mining era.

The route also will use TravelStorys, a GPS-guided audio tour app, to provide a self-guided history experience. As visitors approach designated locations, 24 audio narratives, each two to three minutes long, will automatically play on their phones. Historical photographs also will appear as part of the tour.

Most of the route follows existing trails maintained by Mountain Trails Foundation and crosses preservation easements held by Summit Land Conservancy.

Organizers describe the project as an “open-air museum” intended to connect Park City’s recreational trail system with the history of the miners, families, immigrants, entrepreneurs, and other residents who helped build the community.

The Park City Historic Mine Route will officially open to the public Sept. 7, during Park City’s annual Miners Day celebration.