Top 10 Things to Do This Fall in Park City

October 4th, 2022

A photo overlooking Midway, UT in the fall, taken by Veronica Vale

Park City is renowned for its magical, powdery winters and its glorious, warm summers, but what many non-locals may not know is just how beautiful and how fun a Park City fall can be. Fall in Park City boasts shimmering gold aspen leaves, crisp, mild weather, and colorful mountain vistas, making it a truly under-appreciated Park City season.

So if you’re looking to take a trip to Park City but want to skip the high season crowds, fall just may be the season for you, with something for everyone.

Here we’ve curated our top 10 favorite things to do during a Park City Fall, featuring autumnal work from our Gallery MAR artists. Which activity speaks to you the most?

1. Leaf Looking Hike

In Park City, every day is a great time for a hike. However, in fall, the hikes around Park City take on a fresh, new air. Without snow to encumber you or hot temperatures to slow you down, fall is one of our favorite seasons to hike Park City. Take in the fresh fall air and watch how the golden leaves of the aspen trees shimmer in the sun and wind, while looking out for wildlife and stunning mountain vistas.

Nina Tichava, “Autumn Is: That Between There and Here,” mixed media, 60″ x 60″

2. Mountain Biking

There’s no shortage of beautiful mountain bike trails around Park City, whether you’re looking for a moderate trail for the family or an adventurous course for an expert. The freshness of fall in Park City makes mountain biking a local favorite. Check out our guide with local mountain bike company Switchback Sports for some of our favorite mountain biking trails in the area.

Sarah Winkler, “Grand Mesa Wash,” acrylic, 32″ x 76″

3. Fly Fishing

Try your hand at fly fishing this Fall with a Park City Fly Fishing Guide. Fly fishing is a great excuse to spend the day outside, with the river flowing around you as the sun moves over the valley and mountains. The pristine rivers around Park City, especially the rivers in nearby Midway, Utah make a glorious backdrop for your fall day.

Ron Russon, “Got ‘Em,” oil, 48″ x 60″ – SOLD

4. HorseBack Riding

Enjoy the fall colors and a taste of the old West on a guided horseback tour around Park City. The ranches around Park City have horses for all experience levels, from novice horseback riders to more advanced riders, so enjoy the leisurely pace of nature while on horseback this Fall.

James Penfield, “Exponential,” acrylic, 40″ x 30″

5. Scenic Drive

Roll down your windows and have your camera ready on a scenic drive around Park City this Fall. We recommend riding up to Guardsman’s Pass and taking in the sights – the golden aspen trees, the roaming wildlife, and the high alpine mountain views. This road is closed most of the winter due to severe weather conditions, so it’s the perfect time of year to take advantage of this magical scenic drive.

Sarah Winkler, “Grasslands to Mountain Aspens,” acrylic, 48″ x 36″

6. Whiskey Tour

Spend the day touring and sipping delicious whiskey at High West Distillery, just outside of town in Wanship. High West was Utah’s first legal distillery since 1870 and is still a local and nationwide favorite. Explore the distillery and learn about the process of whiskey distilling with the sweet aroma of whiskey barrels and a fresh autumn chill in the air.

Aaron Memmott, “Rustler’s Rendezvous,” oil, 18″ x 16″ – SOLD

7. Park City Ghost Tour

Lean into the Halloween spirit with a Park City Ghost Tour. Their ghost tour experience offers an inside look into Park City’s unique mining history, including the fun, spooky supernatural stories of our city’s history.

Pamela Murphy, “Ontario Mine,” oil, 19″ x 35.5″ – SOLD

8. Howl-O-Ween on Main Street

In Park City, sometimes Halloween looks like a fall holiday, and in other years, it looks like a winter holiday. Regardless if the ground is covered in crisp leaves or powdery snow, Halloween on Main Street is the perfect place to celebrate the holiday. Every year for Halloween, Main Street closes to cars and opens instead to ghouls and goblins – at least costumed ones! Trick or treaters pack the street, dressed in their Halloween best, as Main Street merchants hand out candies, goodies, and more. After trick-or-treating, stick around for the cutest parade Park City offers – the Howl-O-Ween parade where the most adorable dogs show off their creative costumes for all to see.

Aaron Memmott, “Into the Trees,” oil, 24″ x 24″ – SOLD

9. Thriller at the Egyptian

Every year, the Egyptian Theater on Main Street puts on a sold out dance show of Thriller. “It’s mystifying, mesmerizing, and morbid” and sure to deliver all of the ghoulish fun you could want this Fall.

Kevin Kehoe, “‘F’ is for Film Festival,” oil, 38″ x 38″ – SOLD

10. Shop Main Street

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention our favorite thing to do in Park City in the Fall – strolling down Main Street. Browse local shops in the crisp Fall air, with one of the most scenic views of the colorful mountain sides as a backdrop. Be sure to stop in Gallery MAR to say hello and check out all the fresh, bold work from our artists this season.