Park City sits at over 7,000 feet elevation, and that altitude makes all the difference when summer temps are climbing. While the valley swelters, we're up here enjoying cool mornings, refreshing waterways, and alpine air that actually lets you breathe. Our team has been out there living it, and we figured it was time to share how we spend summer while staying cool.
Here are our favorite ways to beat the heat in and around Park City.
Hit the Water at a Nearby Reservoir
You don't have to go far from Park City to find a great lake day. Deer Creek, Echo, Jordanelle, and Rockport Reservoirs are all within easy driving distance and offer everything from boating and waterskiing to simply floating around and soaking up the sun. Jordanelle is a local favorite for families, with sandy shores for a beach day in the mountains. Rockport tends to be quieter and is a great pick if you want to avoid the crowds.
Float or Paddle the Provo River
If you're looking for something a little more laid-back, the Provo River is a gem. Tubing, kayaking, and river rafting are all popular options, and the cool mountain water is the perfect antidote to a hot afternoon. The stretch near Heber Valley moves at a relaxed pace that's great for families, while sections closer to Provo Canyon offer more of a thrill for those who want it.
Be prepared for a little more travel if heading to the river. It's one of those experiences that never gets old. Any summer day spent at the river is a summer day well spent.
Take a Lift to Higher Altitude
One of the best kept summer secrets in Park City: the ski lifts don't stop running when the snow melts. Park City Mountain and Deer Valley both offer lift access in the summer, taking you to elevations where temps drop noticeably and the views are absolutely worth the ride up. Once you're up top, you can explore hiking trails, try mountain biking, or just sit back and enjoy the nature around you.
It's a completely different experience from the winter crowds, and is an adventure worth checking out when you find yourself in Park City for the summer.
Paddleboard at Mirror Lake or Pebble Beach
For a truly peaceful morning, Mirror Lake in the Uinta Mountains is hard to beat. The drive up the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is gorgeous on its own, and when you get there, the glassy water is perfect for paddleboarding or kayaking. Pebble Beach at Deer Valley is a closer option if you want to stay local, with calm water and a beautiful mountain backdrop.
Pebble beach offers rentals onsite, so no need to worry about hauling gear. If you opt for Mirror Lake, plan to bring or pick up rental gear on the way out!
Bonus: both spots tend to be cooler in the mornings, so getting out early means even milder temperatures and fewer people on the water.
Special note* Additionally you can paddleboard on the reservoirs listed above. Mirror Lake and Pebble Beach are highly recommended due to the restriction of motorized vehicles in the water.
Why Summer in Park City Just Works
There's a reason guests keep coming back in the summer. The air is clean, the pace is relaxed, and there's genuinely no shortage of things to do. Between the water activities, the trails, the outdoor concerts at Deer Valley, the farmers markets, and the golf courses, it's hard to run out of reasons to stay another day.
If you're thinking about booking a summer stay in Park City, we'd love to help you find the right home base. Our properties put you close to all of it, and we're always happy to share local tips to make your trip feel like less of a vacation and more like a real escape.
Reach out anytime at guestservices@pmimountaincollection.com, give us a call at 435.731.4600 or check out our rentals HERE. We know this mountain town well, and we love helping guests make the most of it.
