Autumn Trails & Après Toasts

The Enchantment of Fall Hiking

As the first crisp notes of autumn fill the air and the leaves turn from green to fiery hues of crimson, amber, and gold, hikers can’t help but feel a rush of excitement. Fall marks a magical season in Utah; the trails shimmer, the air is cool and invigorating, and there’s no better time to discover the beauty of local mountains. The natural world seems to slow its pace, inviting you to do the same and savor both the journey and the destination.

Speaking of Savoring

As residents of a resort town, apres-ski has had a long place in our culture, time spent lingering on the mountain after a day on the snow, toasting toddies and sipping cocoa. But have you considered “après-hiking” as a slopeside experience? What better way to wrap up an afternoon ramble through the aspens than to follow the trail straight into a restaurant or bar to enjoy a cozy cocktail and share a meal? After hours spent surrounded by the gentle lull of nature, there’s nothing quite like gathering with friends to celebrate the season.

Trails to Toasts

The Wasatch Back is known not only for access to spectacular scenery, but for dining experiences to match. Park City boasts a number of welcoming spots where hikers are always greeted with cheer. Here is a list of some favorites, loops from parking lots to barstools, and trailheads to town, in order from South to North along the range.

Bald Eagle Hike

TRAILHEADS: Snowpark Base, Deer Valley. This is a moderate 2.5-mile hike that crisscrosses upward to the new Bald Eagle Loop. The trail cuts and switchbacks through quiet pines and can be done at a comfortable pace. Save your knees on the way down and ride the Silver Lake Express (no ticket required for downloading) but check in at the Snow Park Base ticket office first to confirm it is running. This face is exposed midday, making it a great afternoon hike where you’ll work up an appetite for après.

Après-Hike Destination

The Brass Tag, a short stroll down the road from Snow Park Base.
Cocktail: Mulled in the Mountains filled with warm red wine, cinnamon, star anise, clove, and citrus
Dish: Chocolate chip cookie skillet

New York State of Mine or Silver Lake Hike

TRAILHEADS: Silver Lake Base, Deer Valley. Make it easy or more challenging with two different hikes that begin at the same base. The New York State of Mine trail is a one-mile round trip family hike that offers a gentle incline through aspen. Silver Lake is four miles round trip or hike up two miles and ride the Sterling Express Chair down.

Après-Hike Destinations

The Sticky Wicket, a vintage 21+ bar is located upstairs of the Silver Lake Lodge.
Wine: Bois Moze Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley
Dish: Nashville hot chicken sandwich

Troll Hallen in Stein Eriksen Lodge with patio views that can’t be beat!
Beer: Bohemian 1842 Czech pilsener
Dish: Bavarian pretzel with stout-caraway seed mustard

Mid-Mountain Hike

TRAILHEAD: Marsac Ave., 10-minute walk uphill from Montage Deer Valley. This hike can be any length you like, as it traverses all three Park City resorts and runs 21 miles. Make this a 4.2 mile out-and-back stroll, mostly shade, to a point near the maintenance building at Park City Mountain Resort (PCMR), where you can turn around and make a beeline for top-notch on-mountain dining.

Après-Hike Destination

Montage’s Burgers & Bourbon for high-end comfort foods
Cocktail: Rye Flight featuring Sagamore, Skip Rock, and Templeton
Dish: B&B bison chili or the shareable Mid-Mountain filet mignon nachos

Treasure Hill Hike

TRAILHEAD: Park Avenue near Town Lift. Trail starts on mountain side of the grassy bridge next to High West Distillery. This popular trail is a great way to explore Park City Mountain Resort during the summer months while taking in beautiful views. Take a right when the trail hits the ski run, passing the sign for Town Lift. After a few hundred feet, turn left into the trees on the Treasure Hill trail. Turn onto Sweeney’s and follow it to the top of the ski run, where you will see a sign for John’s Trail, a series of tight switchbacks weaving through a dense aspen forest that leads to the top of Treasure Hill, home to Payday chairlift.

Après-Hike Destination

High West Saloon, Utah’s first distillery location.
Cocktail: High West Old Fashioned
Dish: Hatch Chile pozole

Armstrong to Dawn’s to Silver Star Hike

TRAILHEAD: PCMR parking lot. “Although Armstrong officially starts at Silver Star, parking is limited and trailhead parking is highly discouraged, so it’s best to start from the main PCMR base. Park in the PCMR lot and walk up the ski run under Eagle chairlift. Follow the trail into the trees on your right just after the third lift tower,” according to parkcityhikes.com, a great link for a full description to this and many hikes. Dawn’s will lead hikers back to Silver Star Cafe, and after a relaxing reprieve, take the connector trail back to the parking lot.

Après-Hike Destination

Silver Star Cafe
Cocktail: “Perfect” Lumberjack featuring Alpine Gin, vermouth, and rosemary-maple simple syrup
Dish: Hearth-fired roasted artichoke and basil pesto pizza with piquillo peppers and roasted oyster and Portobello mushrooms, plus toasted pinenuts

Colin’s Trail to Rob’s Hike

TRAILHEAD: The corner of Sun Peak and Bear Hollow Drives. Enjoy nice views of the basin as Colin’s winds its way up the hillside and connects with Rob’s after 1.8 miles. Mostly shaded and north-facing. Approximately 5 miles, though considered beginner.

Après-Hike Destination

Après Pendry
Cocktail: Seasonal Mule
Dish: Sourdough grilled cheese with tomato basil bisque

As the days grow shorter and the nights a little colder, lace up your boots, gather your friends, and set out for the woods. Afterward, let the glow of candlelight and the clink of glasses carry the spirit of autumn forward. Here in our corner of the world, every hike leads to a story, and every story deserves a toast. Perhaps this will become a new fall tradition.