Welcome to Utah
As a 2002 Winter Olympics site, Park City, Utah, is well known for its impressive terrain for winter sports. Home to both Park City Mountain and Deer Valley resort, Park City, draws in many visitors for skiing and snowboarding, but while snow sports are closed for the rest of the winter season due to the coronavirus, there are many other ways to enjoy nature while socially distancing around Park City.
Utah’s parks and the great outdoors
Over a dozen of Utah’s beautiful parks remain open at this time for you to explore, and many of the state and national parks are near Park City. Take a long drive out to Antelope Island Park, home to bison, bighorn sheep, and, of course, antelope. Bring your binoculars with you as you walk along the sandy beaches for birdwatching and catch views of some of the millions of birds who visit the island. On a warm day, go or a dip in the salty lake waters or visit a ranch. A night, visit a campsite for stargazing. Keep in mind that some of the facilities at Antelope Island Park might not be open, so before you head to the park, double-check the park’s operating status.
Head west to visit the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, which features the Timpanogos Cave National Monument. While the cave tours and some of the facilities at Timpanogos Cave National Monument are still closed for the season, there is plenty of exploring to do above ground. Enjoy spectacular views of nature through two scenic byways in the forest, the Logan Canyon, and Nebo Loop.
Just north of Park City, lies the East Canyon State Park. In addition to going boating, fishing, and camping, you can take the Mormon Pioneer Trail, the route taken by Mormons traveling more than 1,300 miles from Illinois to Utah.
Salt Lake City is Park City’s closest major metropolis area, and you won’t want to miss out on exploring the downtown area. Salt Lake City, aside from the famous lake for which it is named, is most known for being the headquarters for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Temple Square has beautiful architecture and numerous historical sites around Temple Square worth visiting.
Park City in nature and the arts
Even though Park City is under stay-at-home orders until May 1, 2020, residents can still get outside and explore in their own backyard. The city features an extensive public art program with many outdoor pieces to see along your dog walk or socially-distanced-lunch-break walk. The town displays art curated by students at the University of Utah as well as the world-famous Banksy. Rail stops, bus stops, and even the trails that weave through the city feature murals and sculptures worth viewing.
Feeling musical? Visit one of the many beautifully painted pianos in public places around the city and Summit County. The artwork on the pianos features many different scenes, from mountains and nature to fun animals and flowers, and even one with a great fire-breathing dragon! Make sure during your walks that you follow the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) safe-distance recommendations and wear a mask. No one wants you breathing fire within six feet on another person.
Remember, even if you are socially distancing in Park City, it’s still great to support local businesses. Everyone has to eat, and Park City is known for its cuisine. Thankfully, several restaurants are offering drive-thru service or service that adheres to safe-distance rules.
Planning Your Trip
Outdoorsy is here to help you plan your time outdoors. We maintain a list of which national park and state park campgrounds are closed to keep RVers in the loop of safe places to sleep. Since park statuses change frequently, it’s always best to check current park statuses before you go anywhere. You can also find information for every national park facility in Utah on the National Park Service website. If you have any concerns about the coronavirus or want to double-check the open status of a park, call the Utah Coronavirus Information Line: 1-800-456-7707.
Team Outdoorsy is here to help you along your journey. If you have questions or concerns about your upcoming RV rental, give us a call at 1-877-723-7232, send us an email, or start a chat. And for a continuously updated list of frequently asked COVID-19 questions relating to RV travel, visit our FAQ page.
