Most people move here for winter, but I stayed for fall.
As a North Carolina native raised on big forests of oaks and maples, I didn’t expect a Utah October to win me over the way that it has. It snuck up quietly and now I make sure to soak up as much as I can of the crisp, cool mornings, golden aspens and fiery maples. Whether you are running, hiking, or biking Park City has plenty of big fall views for you to enjoy whatever your ability level.
Here are three of my favorites, scaled from “big day” to “coffee still warm in the car.”
Armstrong to Mid Mountain (out and back) An absolute fall must. This is the one I send people on when they want to earn the view. Climb Armstrong through the aspens, about 4 miles of steady, shaded singletrack up to Mid Mountain. Make it an out and back to control the distance and enjoy the fall colors both directions. Bikes are allowed to ride up Armstrong so share the trail. Or avoid bikes at your back by going up Dawn’s Trail (hikers only) and down Armstrong.
Credit: Hannah Stoughton
Rob’s to UOP, down Moose Puddle My pick for the middle of the difficulty menu. Rob’s Trail gets you up and out of the neighborhood fast. It’s about a 2 mile climb to the Olympic Trail/Mid Mountain junction. Turn onto Olympic Trail and run along the ridge above the Hi Ute Ranch. This section of trail has spectacular fall colors and views. Enjoy the descent on Moose Puddle, cut back into Olympic Park near the bobsled start toward Legacy Loop and run or hike down the road back to the trailhead. Parking at Rob’s Trail is limited so get an early start.
RTS loop at the Olympic Park Short, rolling, and genuinely welcoming. The full RTS loop is about 2.5 miles with small climbs and big payoff. This is where I take first-time trail runners, anyone easing back in, and anyone who has thirty minutes.
Fall is short so grab a friend and head out on an adventure.
Rendezvous Run is a community running and hiking shop at Kimball Junction. Come tell us where you ran.
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