Megan McIntire opened Summit Gallery at the bottom of Main Street in 2018, and the space has participated in the Park City Gallery Association’s monthly Gallery Stroll—held on the last Friday evening of every month—ever since. For years, the recurring event has served as a simple, reliable way to bring foot traffic into the Park City Gallery Association’s member galleries, offering a casual evening highlighting the hard work carried out by talented visual artists. In the last two years the event has taken on a new energy, thanks to themed strolls. The shift has helped the event attract new visitors, while remaining true to its purpose: drawing attention to the talented artists and dedicated gallery employees. 

“There have been things like the Music Stroll and the Chocolate Stroll, and we found that the community really loves them,” McIntire says. The idea emerged after McIntire, Jen Schumacher—the Park City Gallery Association’s president—and Summit Gallery director Katerina Cicalese visited other towns and noticed a “liveliness” to their art walks, which felt more dynamic, more social, and more intentionally programmed. McIntire said they returned with the idea of themed strolls. “We pitched it at the association meeting about two years ago and ran with it.”

Since then, the themed nights have become a collaborative effort among gallery owners. As members propose concepts, the association encourages them to take the lead in shaping it. Gallery Mar, for example, suggested the Valley Stroll, while others have contributed ideas like the Bouquet Stroll. “Whoever comes up with an idea, we encourage them to run with it,” McIntire explains. “I think it put a little bit more life into the stroll again.”

Past themes have ranged from whimsical to interactive. The Live Art Stroll featured on-the-spot painting sessions, artist talks, and demonstrations that allowed visitors to watch creative work unfold in real time. The Progressive Bouquet Stroll invited participants to collect flowers at each gallery, building a full bouquet as they made their way along the route. Another event, held in February 2025, showcased elaborate costumes from Ballet West. These varied themes have helped broaden the stroll’s appeal, drawing in people who might not typically attend a gallery event.

According to McIntire, the public response has been overwhelmingly positive. “We had comments, especially from long-time gallery strollers and attendees that are like, ‘Oh, we love that there’s a new life in the stroll’.” Others have mentioned that they enjoy bringing their families and out-of-town visitors to the event. 

One especially popular event is the Music Stroll, which happens twice a year. The next one is scheduled for September 30. While performers for the upcoming stroll have not yet been announced, past lineups have included well-known Utah musicians like Debra Fotheringham, Aubrie Rose, and Iron Canyon Echoes—artists who helped transform the galleries into intimate performance spaces and highlighted visual art with sonic craftsmanship.

“Now that we have these intermittent theme strolls, it just I think it put a little bit more life into the stroll again and people have been loving that,” McIntire adds.

Information about upcoming strolls is easy to find. Gallery guides, which list participating spaces and note which events are themed, are available at galleries throughout town, local coffee shops, and at the Park City Visitors Center. The information can also be found on the Park City Gallery Association’s website.

View more in the Summer 2026 Adventure Guide

The post Themed Gallery Strolls Bring New Life to Park City’s Gallery Stroll appeared first on Park Record.

Stretching between Mirror Lake Highway near Kamas and the McKee/Draw Highway just north of Vernal, the Uinta Highline Trail has grown a reputation as one of Utah’s premier backpacking routes, offering access to quiet, sprawling high alpine views and mountain solitude. Backpackers typically complete the full 100-mile trail in five to ten days, but for those who don’t have that much time, the area’s beauty can be enjoyed in as little as a day. 

We’ve handpicked these routes to be easily accessible from Park City, and they all begin at the Hayden Pass Trailhead 45 miles from Park City. Note that you will need to drive on Mirror Lake Highway, which is only open between May and November. Road status updates can be found on the Utah Department of Transportation’s website. When Mirror Lake Highway is open, it’s paved and accessible to standard vehicles. The Hayden Pass Trailhead has a large parking lot and restrooms; plus nearby campgrounds offer the opportunity to remain in the area and explore all it has to offer. Each of these trail sections are well-maintained and clearly signed. Exercise normal caution by keeping an eye out for protruding rocks, muddy sections, and other obstacles.

Bonnie Lake 

• Distance Round Trip: 3.4 miles 
• Elevation Gain: 56 feet 
• Difficulty: Easy 

Hiking to Bonnie Lake is a fantastic introduction to the Uinta Highline Trail, and its short distance and minimal elevation gain make it an easy trail for families with young children or those looking for a quick escape. After hiking the initial 0.8 miles from Hayden Pass, turn left at the trail junction, where you’ll enter the Mirror Lake Trail. After 1.8 miles, you’ll arrive at Bonnie Lake where swimming is allowed, so consider packing a bathing suit and picnic lunch to enjoy a cool afternoon dip, but be prepared for cold water conditions. 

Rocky Sea Pass 

• Distance Round Trip: 17.42 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,675 feet 
• Difficulty: Strenuous 

For those looking to stretch their skills on a long, strenuous trail, the hike to Rocky Sea Pass offers plenty of distance to escape the bustle of modern life. After hiking 0.8 miles away from the Hayden Pass Trailhead, turn right at the junction, continuing onto the Highline. Follow the trail for another 7.8 rugged miles to reach Rocky Sea Pass, an exposed, windscoured saddle framed by sweeping views of the Uintas’ granite basins.

Arrive at the trailhead early to take advantage of cool temperatures and empty parking lots, particularly on this route, due to the larger mileage. Packing a headlamp is advised, in case of dark morning or evening conditions. 

Naturalist Basin Overlook

• Distance Round Trip: 11.18 miles 
• Elevation Gain: 630 feet 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

Naturalist Basin offers big scenery with lower mileage than other sections of the Uinta Highline. From the Hayden Pass Trailhead, continue onto the Uinta Highline Trail, which wanders through meadows and spruce pockets for roughly 4.5 miles, ending in a dramatic perch overlooking Naturalist Basin. Consider packing a camera to capture the stunning, sweeping views of alpine lakes and the nearby Mount Agassiz-Spread Eagle ridge. 

Scudder, Wilder, Wyman, and Packard Lakes

• Distance: 8.6 miles 
• Elevation Gain: 353 Feet 
• Difficulty: Moderate 

Hikers unfamiliar with the region the Uinta Highline Trail runs through are often surprised by just how many lakes dot this high-elevation plateau, and this mellow stretch showcases four of the most picturesque. From the Hayden Pass Trailhead, follow the Highline for 1.1 miles to a short, unmaintained spur that climbs gently for 1.2 miles to Scudder Lake, a quiet, high-alpine bowl ringed by spruce and granite slabs. It’s an inviting spot for a summer swim or a long shoreline break before retracing your steps to the main trail. Back on the Highline, continue southeast for another mile, where you’ll turn left onto the Packard Lake Trail. This 1.4-mile segment provides easy access to Wilder, Wyman, and Packard Lakes, each of which offers its own character. Swimming is permitted in all of them, but be prepared for cold water, even at the height of summer. 

Blue Lake 

• Distance: 12.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,030 feet 
• Difficulty: Strenuous

Looking to enjoy the journey and an afternoon swim? Consider hiking to Blue Lake, one of the most scenic and rewarding side trips off the western Highline. The route begins similarly to the other trails on this list, but instead of turning onto the Packard Lake Trail, you’ll stay on the Uinta Highline for an additional 1.3 miles as it winds through airy meadows and low granite benches with intermittent views of the surrounding ridgelines. At the junction with the Naturalist Basin Trail, turn right and continue for roughly a mile as the forest opens and the terrain begins to feel more alpine. A second, well-marked junction leads you straight onto the Blue Lake Trail, which travels 0.8 miles past the East and West Morat Lakes—two small, jewel-toned ponds tucked beneath spruce and scattered boulders. From here, the trail climbs gently to the picturesque Blue Lake, a clear, high-elevation basin backed by rugged granite walls and broad talus slopes. It’s an ideal spot for a cold dip, a long lunch, or simply soaking in the quiet, high-country scenery.

When You Go 

As with any hiking trip, monitoring the weather conditions before and during your journey is imperative for safety. Consult Accuweather before heading out and make sure you pack plenty of easily removed layers for comfort—at a minimum, wear a moisture-wicking base layer and closed-toed shoes, and pack a protective outer shell, which should be wind and waterproof. If the skies begin to darken, or you see lightning, turn back and find shelter. Streams and lakes are present in the area, but you will need to filter the water with a 0.3-micron or smaller filter or treat it with chlorine dioxide tablets. For ensured protection against waterborne illness, bring water from home. 

Due to elevation, snow can be found in the area until mid-June, or later in big snow years. Step with caution, as muddy and snowy sections may be slippery. Trails in the area are well-signed but consider taking a paper map or downloading your chosen route(s) to your cell phone ahead of time—we’d recommend the Gaia GPS or on X Backcountry apps for usability and their wayfinding capabilities. Furthermore, switch your cell phone to airplane mode when you’ve reached the trailhead. This will prevent your device from searching for data coverage in the remote area, preserving battery life that could become valuable in an emergency. Carrying a satellite phone, like the Garmin inReach, is also recommended. 

Finally, there’s some good news for dog owners—your fluffy companions are permitted in the area. Along with your own hiking supplies, ensure you pack ample water for your pup, as well as bags to pack out their waste. We’d recommend keeping them on a leash at all times, as rattlesnakes are present (although uncommon) in the area. Ensure your entire party remains on the trail to avoid disturbing wildlife and preserve the area for future generations of hikers. 

View more in the Summer 2026 Adventure Guide

The post The Uinta Highline’s Greatest Hits  appeared first on Park Record.

Miners Day is an autumn tradition in Park City, celebrating the town’s mining history through a parade, fundraising, breakfast, and a 5K. This year, local organizations are adding new festivities to what the rest of the country refers to as Labor Day. 

Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History to Introduce Park City Historic Mine Route

The Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History, an all-volunteer committee that’s part of the Park City Historical Society and Museum, has been hard at work developing a seven-mile hike that will highlight one of the world’s largest collections of silver mining structures. 

Colleen Logan, the public relations and marketing director for the committee, explained that the route is opening on Miners Day. “The Park City Historic Mine Route combines outdoor adventure with historic discovery on a route that begins on historic Main Street,” she says. The route is family-friendly with a mix of paved and dirt terrain and gains 1,200 feet of elevation.

After departing the Park City Museum, hikers can see and learn about several Park City mining structures, including the Silver King Mine Building, which was one of the area’s most profitable silver mines in the late 1800s. Skiers may recognize it as the large building at the base of Park City Mountain Resort’s Bonanza chairlift. Along the way, hikers can learn more about Park City’s history from over 100 signs, which are set to be installed with the help of the Mountain Trails Foundation. There will even be an option to listen to an audio guide, which the committee has been developing with TravelStorys. “The stories are triggered by GPS. You just open up the app, put it in your pocket, and as you walk or ride, the stories will start playing,” Logan says. 

This new hike opens after the Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History’s project to restore the Silver King Mine, which began in 2021 and was completed last fall. “Our group just spent the last four years restoring the building after time and weather took their toll,” Logan explains. “The mine shut down in 1953 and that building had been left untouched.” Alongside Silver King, the committee has helped restore 14 historic mining structures around town.

The loop will be unveiled on Miners Day, September 7. “That’s the thing to do after the parade, is go and take a great hike,” Logan says. 

Want to Support a Good Cause? Join Park City Rotary’s ‘Big Ballers Club’

One of Miners Day’s favorite traditions has always been the Running of the Balls, and this year the event is getting a new participation tier, complete with a cheeky name: the Big Ballers Club. The longrunning fundraiser lets participants purchase golf balls that are then released down Main Street in a fast-moving, lottery-style roll. “At the very end, there’s a funnel and one single ball makes it first. That ball wins a prize,” explains Kristin Wright, the Park City Rotary Club’s event chair. “There are several dozen winners in the end.” Prizes include high-ticket items, for example, a season pass to Deer Valley. 

Joining the Big Ballers Club costs $375 per person (or $550 for a couple) and provides one Silver Strike Ball (which is valued at $100 and offers a higher chance of winning a prize), 20 regular balls, VIP entry into the Big Baller Lounge (hosted by The Cabin bar), food and drink tickets, a souvenir hat and glass, and prime seating at the Miners Day Parade. Wright says that they’re hoping to increase the amount of money raised at the event. Last year, the rotary club raised around $100,000, and every dollar went back into the community for grants. “Nobody’s making any money, all of it goes right back into community grants,” she explained.

Your Miners Day Schedule

Mark your calendar for Miners Day on September 7 and then get into the spirit with these community-focused activities. 

8 a.m. — Attend the Bark City 5K with your furry running buddy, in support of Park City animal organizations. Costumes and entry donations are encouraged! Not a runner? Cheer on your fellow Parkites. 

10:30 a.m. — Running of the Balls commences on Main Street. Big Baller Club members can enjoy the lounge at The Cabin from 10 a.m. to noon. 

11 a.m. — The Miners Day Parade begins with a flyover by the Utah Wing of the Commemorative Air Force. Enjoy a coffee and pastry from Pink Elephant Coffee Roasters or Atticus Coffee. 

12:30 p.m. — Mucking & Drilling Competitions at City Park, featuring a rock hand selected by Park City Rotary Club donated by Mountain Valley Stone. After the event, it will be auctioned off to raise money for community grants. 

Looking for more? Rise and shine for a festive breakfast at City Park, hosted by Saint Mary’s Catholic Church (7:30-9:30 a.m.). Other options include visiting the historic Miners Hospital for a history presentation (noon to 4 p.m.) or heading to City Park to indulge in live music (11:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.), food trucks, a beer garden, and vendor booths (11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.). 

View more in the Summer 2026 Adventure Guide

The post Strike Fun at These New Miners Day Events appeared first on Park Record.