Park City warns against roadside parking as fall crowds arrive at Bonanza Flat

PARK CITY, Utah — Fall color is peaking in the mountains, and drivers near Bonanza Flat will notice new reminders, and warnings, to only park in designated areas.

Park City Municipal recently began installing “No Parking Zone” signs along Guardsman Pass Road as part of an effort to improve safety and reduce roadside parking around the popular area.

“The mountains are popping with color and we know you’re getting out there to soak in the fall foliage, Park City!” the city said in a social media post. “A reminder to be aware of new ‘No Parking Zone’ signage along the roadway, and only park in the designated parking areas when visiting the Bonanza Flat Conservation Area.”

Clayton Scrivner, a spokesperson for Park City Municipal, said the signs began going up about a month ago. He said the city’s recently adopted fee schedule allows for penalties of up to $300 in cases involving particularly egregious violations.

The roadside restrictions are not entirely new. Park City has previously prohibited parking along the road near Bonanza Flat’s trailheads, and the city’s current guidance says vehicles parked on the roadway, shoulder, or outside designated spaces may be ticketed or towed.

The new signage comes as the Bonanza Flat area sees some of its busiest visitation of the year. The 1,534-acre conservation area, located at the top of Guardsman Pass, became significantly more accessible after Guardsman Pass Road was paved in 2014. The increased accessibility has also contributed to parking pressure.

There are three primary parking areas serving the Bonanza Flat area: the Empire Pass, Bonanza Flat, and Bloods Lake trailheads. Paid parking is currently in effect when the road is open, with rates of $5 per hour Monday through Friday and $8 per hour on weekends.

Park City residents within the city’s 84060 boundaries can apply for a Bonanza Flat Locals Parking Permit, which allows free parking in designated Bonanza Flat paid parking areas.

Visitors can also use Park City Transit’s free Purple Route to access the Bonanza Flat and Bloods Lake trailheads on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Oct. 31.

The city recommends checking parking conditions before heading up the pass, particularly on busy fall weekends, and having an alternate plan if the lots are full.