Fall in Park City, Utah: Why This Season Is Magic on the Trails

Fall in Park City, Utah: Why This Season Is Magic on the Trails

There’s something really special about autumn in Park City: crisp air, golden aspen groves, fewer crowds, and trails that transform into living canvases of color. With over 400 miles of single track trails in the Park City area, the options are endless. 

Even better? Trails in lower-elevation areas like Round Valley and Glenwild tend to dry earlier in the season, giving you prime access before the higher alpine routes let loose. 

Below are some of my favorite fall picks — for both hiking and biking — plus tips, cautions, and how to make the most of fall colors.

Top Trail Picks for Fall Hiking & Biking

Below are favorites that combine beauty, accessibility, and variety:

1. Round Valley / Glenwild Trails

If you’re looking for early-season access or gentler terrain, start here.

• Why I love it in fall: The high desert terrain and sagebrush contrast beautifully with aspen patches. Colors linger longer in lower terrain.

• Trail kinds: Mostly beginner to intermediate singletrack loops and connectors.

• Tip: Because these trails dry faster, you can often access them before the main mountain trails are rideable.

2. Mid Mountain Trail / The Park City Epic (Armstrong & Pinecone + Wasatch Crest links)

These are classic, iconic routes beloved by locals and visitors alike.

• Why I love it in fall: You get sweeping panoramas, ridge lines, and a continuous fall-color experience across altitude bands.

• Challenge level: Intermediate to advanced, depending on which segments you pick.

• Note: The season for alpine trails typically runs through early November (depending on snow & dryness).

3. Empire Canyon & Sweeney’s / Daly Canyon

If you like mixing history and terrain, this is a trail network that delivers both.

• Why I love it in fall: You get the tucked-away feel, changing light through trees, and fewer riders.

• Trail kinds: Some steeper climbs, technical sections, varied flow.

• Local tip: Check maps and local bike shops or the Mountain Trails interactive map to piece together loops. 

4. Bonanza Loop Trail (BLT) + WOW Connector

A seasonal favorite — but act fast.

• Why I love it in fall: Beautiful at peak color, and it’s on many locals’ “must-ride while colors last” list.

• Caveat: The Bonanza Loop Trail (BLT) has a wildlife seasonal closure starting October 1st. So get there early in the fall season while it’s open. 

• Work in progress: The BLT-to-WOW connector is under construction (as of latest trail reports), so always check conditions.

Trail Tips for Fall in Park City

• Check the trail report weekly.
  Mountain Trails Foundation posts regular updates on trail conditions, closures, and maintenance.

• Respect seasonal and wildlife closures.
  Some trails (like BLT) close seasonally for wildlife or trail health.

• Follow trail etiquette.

• Yielding: Bikes yield to hikers. Uphill bikes take precedence over downhill. 

• Dogs & leashes: Some trails require leashes. Always have waste bags. 

• Avoid trails when too wet: Soft, muddy trails get rutted—and that damages them for everyone. Turn around if the trail isn’t holding up.

• Dress for layers & variable weather.
  Because trails cross elevation zones (6,500′ up toward 10,000′), expect temperature swings and maybe some late afternoon rainshowers.

• Use interactive maps & guides.
  Mountain Trails has a custom route-builder map and trail guides you can use to plan loops. 

Here’s a few “fall day out” loops you might enjoy:

*For lower elevation, focus on Round Valley or Glenwild.

*Focusing on climbing? Go up toward Mid Mountain or link into Empire Canyon for elevation and changing vistas.

*For downhill cruising, head to down via Sweeney’s / Daly Canyon or explore smaller connectors.

*This time of year, conceding your timing to add a sweep through Bonanza Loop to catch peak color time, is a MUST.

And, always remember a quick cool down, stretch, and … give yourself time reflect on how the gold, crimson, and amber colors have danced in the mountains with you, how lucky are we to call this our playground!