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Hiking Quarry Mountain: Your Guide to Exploring the Trails Near Park City, Utah

Quick Facts:

Location: Park City, Utah

Coordinates: 40.67580924624084, -111.51946084052953

Length: 2.8 Miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 700 Feet

Dog Friendly: Yes

Introduction:

Quarry Mountain, located near Park City, Utah, offers hikers a lesser-known but rewarding trail with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This hike is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds of more popular trails and enjoy a peaceful adventure in nature. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to the Park City area, hiking Quarry Mountain provides a scenic and satisfying experience for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.

How to Get There:

Quarry Mountain is conveniently located just a short drive from downtown Park City. To reach Quarry Mountain Trail in Park City, head north on State Road 224, take a left onto Meadows Drive then the parking lot for the trailhead will be on the right.

Parking Information:

Parking for the Quarry Mountain hike is limited, especially since the trailhead is near a residential area.

Description of the Landscape:

The hike to Quarry Mountain offers a scenic journey through the beautiful landscape of the Park City area. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through a mix of aspen groves and open meadows, providing immediate views of the surrounding mountains. The trail is well-marked and offers a combination of shaded sections and open areas, allowing you to enjoy both the lush vegetation and expansive views.

As you climb higher, the landscape opens up, offering panoramic vistas of the Wasatch Mountains, Park City, and the Snyderville Basin. The trail is less traveled, so you’re likely to enjoy a peaceful hike with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife such as deer and birds. The summit of Quarry Mountain offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, making it a perfect spot to rest, take photos, and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

Trail Difficulty and Length:

The hike to Quarry Mountain is moderately challenging, making it suitable for hikers with a basic level of fitness. The trail is approximately 2.8 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of about 700 feet. The trail is well-maintained but includes some steeper sections that require good footing, especially after rain or snow. 

Dog-Friendly Information:

Quarry Mountain is dog-friendly, so you can bring your canine companion along for the hike. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times to ensure their safety and the safety of other hikers and local wildlife. The trail’s moderate length and shaded sections make it a suitable hike for dogs, but be sure to bring plenty of water, especially during the warmer months. Always clean up after your dog to keep the trail clean and enjoyable for everyone.

Local Regulations:

When hiking Quarry Mountain, it’s important to follow local regulations to help preserve the natural environment and ensure a safe experience for all visitors. Stay on designated trails to minimize your impact on the fragile ecosystem, and avoid disturbing the local wildlife. As with all outdoor areas, practice “Leave No Trace” principles by carrying out all trash, respecting other hikers, and leaving the landscape as you found it. Since the trailhead is near a residential area, be particularly mindful of parking rules and neighborhood quiet hours.

Other Trails Nearby:

If you’re interested in exploring more of the Park City area after hiking Quarry Mountain, there are several other trails nearby that offer different experiences. The Round Valley Trails provide a network of easy to moderate trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is also nearby, offering numerous trails of varying difficulty, including the popular Armstrong Trail, which offers a longer hike with panoramic views of Park City and the surrounding peaks. For a more challenging adventure, the Wasatch Crest Trail offers a longer, more strenuous hike with breathtaking views along the ridgeline.

Non-Hiking Attractions Nearby:

In addition to hiking, Park City offers a variety of attractions for visitors. Main Street Park City is a must-visit for its charming shops, art galleries, and restaurants, offering a taste of the town’s unique blend of old-world charm and modern luxury. The Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort are popular destinations for skiing in the winter and offer mountain biking, and scenic chairlift rides in the summer. For those interested in history, the Park City Museum provides fascinating insights into the town’s mining past and transformation into a world-renowned ski destination.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to hike Quarry Mountain is during the late spring, summer, and early fall when the trail is free of snow and the weather is generally mild. Summer offers clear, sunny skies and lush green vegetation, while fall brings cooler temperatures and the opportunity to see the changing colors of the leaves. Winter hikes are possible but can be challenging due to snow and icy conditions on the trail. Snowshoes or microspikes may be necessary if you plan to hike in the winter.

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