The best walks and hikes around East Basin

The Stealth to Glenwild Loop offers a dynamic hiking experience through Park City's rolling hills and diverse ecosystems. You'll navigate a mix of well-maintained singletrack, switchbacks, and some technical, rocky descents, all while enjoying expansive views toward Kimball Junction and the Park City ski areas. In spring, the meadows burst with wildflowers like lupine and sticky geranium, and you might even spot wildlife near the East Canyon Creek within the Swaner Preserve.

This moderate 4.9-mile (7.9 km) route, with 541 feet (165 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 13 minutes. It's an excellent choice for an early-season outing, as its southern exposure helps it dry out quickly. Parking is available at the trailhead, but it's wise to arrive early, especially on sunny days, as this is one of the more popular trails in the area.

What makes the Stealth to Glenwild Loop stand out is its accessibility and varied terrain, making it suitable for hikers, runners, and even cyclists. It's a key part of the larger Glenwild Trail System, connecting to other popular routes, and offers a unique opportunity to explore a portion of the 1,200-acre Swaner Nature Preserve. The trail's distinct ecosystems, from sagebrush to alpine transition zones, provide a constantly changing backdrop.

If you're looking for a relaxed hike in Park City, The Big Easy Loop delivers a pleasant experience through sagebrush meadows and Gambel oak groves. The trail is predominantly smooth, machine-cut singletrack, making it easy underfoot and suitable for a wide range of abilities. You'll enjoy the open, sun-exposed terrain, which dries quickly after any rain, and might even catch glimpses of the Uinta mountains from certain points.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is accessible year-round and dogs are welcome, with some designated off-leash areas. This moderate 8.6-mile (13.8 km) loop involves 806 feet (246 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 3 hours and 47 minutes to complete. While the route can be hiked in either direction, it's wise to have a mapping app handy, as some intersections can be a bit confusing.

Part of the extensive 2,100-acre Round Valley open space, The Big Easy Loop is notable for its design catering to inexperienced users and families. It's a fantastic entry-level trail that offers a less strenuous option compared to other routes in the area, providing a gentle introduction to hiking in Park City. In winter, the trail is even groomed for fat biking, highlighting its versatility and year-round appeal.

The Happy Gilmore and Tin Man Loop offers a delightful journey through Park City's Round Valley, winding past scenic aspen groves and open sagebrush fields. The terrain is mostly smooth, often described as 'flowing brown powder,' though you'll encounter a few small rocky patches and some paved or loose gravel sections. It's a pleasant and accessible hike, perfect for enjoying Utah's natural beauty.

This moderate 4.6-mile (7.4 km) loop, with 460 feet (140 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 2 hours and 3 minutes. As part of the popular Round Valley trail system, it's easily accessible from Park City; plan to arrive early during peak times to secure parking. Dogs are welcome on the trail, making it a great option for a family outing.

This trail is a fantastic way to experience the extensive Round Valley network, known for its well-maintained paths and diverse scenery. It serves as an excellent connector to other routes within the system, allowing for longer adventures if you choose. The 'Happy Gilmore' segment, in particular, is noted for being pretty easy for most of its length, making it suitable for a wide range of hikers.

The Park City IMBA Epic Loop is a true test of endurance, guiding you through a stunning high-alpine journey across diverse terrain. You'll navigate singletrack through deep forests, open meadows, and along ridgelines, with the highlight being the extraordinary panoramic views of the Wasatch Range and Park City valleys from the Wasatch Crest. Expect to encounter aspen groves, pine trees, and periodic rocky sections as you climb towards the range's crest.

This difficult 28.5-mile (45.9 km) hiking route demands a full day, with an estimated duration of 14 hours and 1 minute and a substantial 4160 feet (1268 metres) of elevation gain. Be prepared for steady climbs, especially on sections like Armstrong and Pinecone Ridge, and ensure you carry ample water and food. The high altitude, often around 8,000 feet, means you should be well-acclimated before tackling this epic loop.

This trail is a cornerstone of Park City's renowned trail system, contributing to its status as the world's only gold-level Ride Center by IMBA. It combines several iconic trails, including Armstrong, Pinecone, Mid Mountain, and the Wasatch Crest Trail, offering a comprehensive experience of the area's best singletrack. The extensive network provides many options for extended loops, making it a celebrated challenge for those seeking an immersive mountain experience.

The Spring Creek - Flying Dog Trail offers a truly epic hiking experience through the Park City area, renowned for its diverse terrain and rewarding descents. You'll traverse smooth singletrack, rocky oakbrush foothills, and wind through dense aspen groves, all while enjoying sweeping valley views. This difficult 29.6-mile (47.7 km) route involves a significant 3672 feet (1119 metres) of elevation gain, making it a substantial undertaking that typically requires around 13 hours and 37 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit means preparing for a long day; an early start is highly recommended, especially if you're tackling it on a weekend, as the trail can get busy. While the trail is dog-friendly, remember to keep your dog on a leash at all times. Be sure to pack ample water and sun protection, as parts of the ascent can be exposed, and the overall duration demands careful hydration.

This trail is celebrated for its exceptional planning and construction, particularly its enjoyable and fast downhill sections through aspen forests after the strenuous climb. It's recognized as an IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association) Epic Ride, highlighting its quality and appeal for various trail users. While challenging, the Spring Creek - Flying Dog Trail offers a fulfilling adventure for experienced hikers seeking a memorable journey.