Trail Guidelines and Etiquette
Local Culture
These are all supremely important concepts to keep at the forefront of consciousness while out on the trails. Remember, trails in Park City are open to all members of the public. This is nobody’s private playground. As Park City’s trail advocacy group, our aim is to optimize a safe and fun outdoor experience for all types of trail users. Here are some things to keep in mind…
In this guide
Dogs on Trails
Park City has a reputation for being a dog-friendly community, but there are enforceable leash laws in Summit County. In off-leash areas such as Round Valley, the privilege is being threatened because of incidents involving poor judgment – or outright disrespect – on the part of just a few dog owners.
Dogs on Trails
Off-leash dogs can become confused by bikers and skiers. If a dog crosses the path of even a slow moving skier or biker, significant injury can result to person, dog or equipment. Confused animals can also do things their owners do not expect, like biting. Don’t find out the hard way that your nervous dog is a biter. Damages and injuries will likely become the liability of the person who allowed the dog to be off-leash. A dog owner found in violation of leash laws, could be sued!
There is no Poop Fairy
Dog waste is not part of a healthy ecosystem and dog owners are expected to remove dog waste – regardless of where it falls. If a dog goes bushwhacking and lays one down, then the owner needs to go bushwhacking and pick it up. Trash receptacles are often placed 100+ yards up trail from a trailhead, but if your dog relieves itself beyond that, do the responsible thing and pick up/carry out the waste. Do not leave a “doggie bag” on the side of the trail. More often than not, they are forgotten and left to rot on the side of a trail. Bring extra waste removal bags just in case.
Common Sense Leashing
Always place dogs on leash immediately upon arriving at trailhead parking lots. That way excited pooches never get the chance to harass others, get hit by a car or sneak in a bathroom break while owners are distracted.
Stay Clear of Wildlife
Leash dogs immediately upon wildlife encounter and keep your distance. Do not let your pet chase or play with wildlife.
eBikes
Park City Municipal Code prohibits e-bikes on singletrack trails. HOWEVER, there are exceptions – and all riders should know! E-MTB riders 65 years and older, and those with a mobility disability are legally allowed on singletrack. For those who qualify, the City now offers a courtesy tag to help identify qualified e-bike riders. Please note that this exemption only applies to trails in Park City proper (zip code 84060).
Trails in Snyderville Basin (zip code 84098) are operated by Basin Recreation and have different regulations. E-bikes are prohibited on all natural surface trails in the Basin and the exemption above does not apply.
Check our interactive map to see what trails are e-bikeable in your neck of the woods by selecting the “E-Bike allowed” check box.
Fat Bikes
If you are breaking through the trail surface leaving a rut, losing traction and are unable to ride in a straight line, please reduce your air pressure.
Have fun, be respectful and enjoy your ride!
Know Before You Go
Wildlife
Do not feed or harass wildlife. Leash dogs immediately upon wildlife encounter and keep your distance.
10 Seconds of Kindness
10 seconds of kindness matters! Be the change you want to see on the trails
Soft Ground? Turn around.
Please do not ride (fat bikes and mountain bikes) if you are leaving a rut. If snow or dirt is too wet or soft to ride a straight line, then turn around. Tires can leave ruts that ruin groomed trails for other users. Ruts lead to erosion and costly trail repairs.
Dark Spots
Dark spots accelerate melting. Help reduce melting by removing debris from trails and avoid tracking mud onto the snow.
Singletrack
Consider using the marked winter singletrack when biking, snowshoeing or hiking. Winter singletrack is a lot more fun and using it will help preserve the groomed trails for other users.
Bells on Trails
Bells on trails keep everyone safe. Use and listen for them while you are on the trails. Pick up a freebie at a local shop or pick up a membership gift from Mountain Trails.
Be Cautious
Speed is the biggest factor in trail incidents. Slow down, smile and give space to other users.
Skidding corners permanently damages trails. Instead, slow down earlier and coast through the turn.
Right of Way
Bikes should ALWAYS yield to hikers.. even if traveling uphill.
Uphill bikes have the right of way over downhill bikes.
Leave no trace
Clean up after yourself and your pets. Travel on marked trails durable surfaces. Dispose of waste properly.
Park City Trail Culture
Trail User Pledge
