Hiking in Wasatch Range with Park City

The Wasatch mountains surrounding Park City offer hundreds of miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy, meandering meadow strolls to strenuous climbs up wind-blown peaks. With 350 miles of trails, getting away from civilization and into the aspens is easy, and lucky hikers might spy fox, coyotes, moose, elk, deer, and red-tailed hawks. Many of the trails take off from the resort areas, but some of the trailheads are right near Main Street. For beginners, or for those acclimating to the elevation, the Rail Trail is a good place to start. Another alternative is to take the McLeod Creek Trail from behind Park City Market all the way to the Redstone Center. Round Valley and Lost Prospector Trails are still mellow but slightly more challenging. To really get the blood pumping, head up Spiro or Iron Canyon.

For up-to-date information about trail conditions and answers to your trails questions, contact Mountain Trails Foundation (Box 754, Park City, 84060. 435/649-6839. www.mountaintrails.org), whose mission is to promote, preserve, advocate for, and maintain Park City's local trail system. Maps detailing trail locations are available at most local gear shops.