Park City is a fantastic place to visit, whether you’re hitting the slopes at world-class ski resorts or catching a flick at the Sundance Film Festival. But with all the tourists flocking to Park City, especially during peak seasons, getting around can be tough.
One of the biggest headaches? Parking. Finding parking at Park City can be tricky and often expensive if you don’t plan ahead.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate parking around Main Street, at the ski resorts, and beyond. We’ll also cover park-and-ride options and other forms of public transportation, so you can spend less time hunting for a parking spot and more time enjoying everything Park City has to offer.
Understanding the Parking Landscape in Park City
Navigating parking in Park City can be tricky, but with a little planning, you can find a spot that works for you.
Parking on Main Street: A Central Hub
Main Street is where a lot of the action is, so parking can be tough and sometimes pricey. There are more than 1,300 parking spaces in and around Main Street, but it’s good to know what your options are.
Parking here is tiered: free, value, and premium. Pay attention to the time limits and pricing, because they can vary quite a bit.
Parking at the Ski Resorts: A Different Approach
Parking at the ski resorts is a whole different ballgame. At Park City Mountain, you’ll often need a reservation, especially during peak season. Policies and fees can vary between Park City Mountain, Canyons Village, and Deer Valley, so it’s smart to do your homework before you go.
Another option is to park at your hotel or rental property, if that’s available. You can also use the park-and-ride system, which can save you some hassle.
Free Parking Options in Park City
Okay, so free parking in Park City can be a bit of a unicorn, but it does exist! You just have to know where to look.
Sandridge Avenue Parking
Sandridge Avenue offers a couple of parking areas that, combined, have just under 100 parking spaces. It’s a pretty convenient spot, but it fills up quickly, especially during peak season. So, get there early if you want a spot!
Be aware that there may be time restrictions or limitations, so always double-check the signage before you leave your car. No one wants a parking ticket ruining their Park City adventure.
City Park and Park City Library
You can also find free parking at City Park and the Park City Library. These are great options if you’re planning to spend some time enjoying the park or browsing the library’s collection. Plus, they’re usually a bit less crowded than the spots right in the heart of Main Street.
Again, keep an eye out for specific rules and regulations. There might be restrictions on overnight parking or designated areas for library patrons only. A little vigilance goes a long way!
Value parking options: Saving money with a short walk
If you’re willing to hoof it a little, there are options that’ll save you some money on parking in Park City.
Flagpole Lot
The Flagpole Lot has a couple dozen parking spots and is located near the Park City Library. Check posted signs for hourly rates and information on any time-based discounts that may be available.
Bob Wells Plaza Lot
The Bob Wells Plaza Lot is another option for saving a few bucks. While it may be a little further from the action than premium parking spots, the cost savings can be worth the extra steps.
City Hall Lot
The City Hall Lot is another possible parking spot. Keep in mind that parking availability here can be limited, especially during peak hours or when there are events at the nearby City Park. Be sure to check posted signs for any restrictions or special event parking rules.
Premium Parking: Convenience at a Price
If you’re willing to pay for the ultimate convenience, you can find parking spots right on Main Street. Keep in mind, though, that these spots come with the highest hourly rates.
On-Main Street Parking
Parking on Main Street puts you right in the heart of the action. You’ll be steps away from the shops, restaurants, and attractions that make Park City so special. But be prepared to pay a premium for this prime location. Rates can be significantly higher than at other parking options.
China Bridge Parking Garage
Another option for those seeking convenience is the China Bridge Parking Garage. Located just off Main Street, this garage offers easy access to the town’s central hub. The China Bridge Garage has a decent capacity, but it can still fill up during peak times, especially during ski season and special events. It’s worth checking availability in advance, or being prepared to circle a bit to find a spot.
Parking at Park City Mountain Resort: Reservations and Fees
Park City Mountain has more than 2,000 parking spaces in the lots surrounding the resort, but keep in mind that parking reservations are now required during peak times. It’s a good idea to plan ahead and book your parking spot in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the busy season.
The Reservation System
Park City Mountain uses a parking reservation system to manage traffic flow and ensure that skiers and snowboarders have a place to park. You can make a reservation online through the Park City Mountain website or the Epic Pass app. Reservations are released in blocks throughout the season, so check back often if your desired date isn’t yet available.
Free Parking Options
If you’re willing to arrive later in the day, free parking becomes available after 1:00 PM. Also, Park City Mountain offers free parking reservations for cars with four or more occupants as a carpool incentive. This is a great way to save money and help reduce traffic congestion.
Paid Parking Options
If you prefer to park closer to the slopes or want to guarantee a parking spot, you can opt for paid parking reservations. During the peak season (December 12 to April 2), paid parking at Park City Mountain costs $25 per vehicle per day. The advantage of paying for parking is the convenience of knowing you’ll have a spot and the closer proximity to the lifts. The disadvantage, of course, is the cost.
Parking at Canyons Village: Options and Accessibility
Canyons Village offers a couple of parking options, each with its own set of pros and cons.
Upper Lots
The upper parking lots are located a bit further from the slopes, but they generally offer more available spaces, especially during peak times. You can access the lifts via a short walk or by hopping on one of the free shuttle buses that circulate throughout the village. Be sure to check for any posted regulations, such as time limits or permit requirements, before you leave your car.
Lower Lots
The lower lots are closer to the action, which can be a real bonus when you’re lugging your gear around. Spaces in the lower lots tend to fill up quickly, so it’s best to arrive early if you’re hoping to snag a spot. While the upper lots might mean a slightly longer commute to the lifts, the lower lots offer unparalleled convenience, assuming you can find an open space.
Parking at Deer Valley Resort: Streamlined Access
Deer Valley is known for its impeccable service, and that extends to the slopeside parking options.
Base Area Parking
There are five parking lots right in front of Snow Park Lodge, so you’re just steps from the lifts. The base area is designed to be easily navigable, so it’s simple to get from your car to the snow.
Ski Shuttle Service
Deer Valley also offers a ski shuttle service. The shuttle connects the parking lots to the ski lifts, so you don’t have to walk in your ski boots. Just hop on the shuttle, and you’ll be at the base of the mountain in minutes.
Deer Valley’s slopeside parking and shuttle service make it easy to get on the mountain quickly and without hassle.
Skip parking altogether: public transportation and Park & Ride
Why drive around looking for parking when there are so many other options?
Public transportation in Park City
Park City and Summit County offer a comprehensive free bus and shuttle system that can get you just about anywhere you need to go. The city also has a trolley service in the historic downtown area. Public transportation is a great way to avoid the parking hassles and expense.
Park and Ride system
If you prefer to drive part of the way, Park City’s Park and Ride system might be just the ticket. You can park your car for free at one of the Park and Ride lots and then hop on a bus or shuttle to your final destination. The four Park and Ride lots are:
- Kimball Junction
- Ecker Hill
- Jeremy Ranch
- Richardson Flat
PC-SLC Connect
If you’re flying into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), you can take the PC-SLC Connect bus service directly to Park City. This is a super convenient option for visitors, especially since you can relax and enjoy the scenery instead of having to navigate the roads yourself.
The Bottom Line
Let’s face it: Parking in Park City, Utah, can be tough, especially during peak ski season and major events. It pays to have a strategy before you arrive.
The best ways to make sure you don’t spend your vacation circling the block are to plan ahead, take advantage of Park City’s free public transportation, consider using a park-and-ride lot, and learn the parking regulations before you go.
Numerous online resources and parking reservation systems can help you locate available spots and even reserve parking in advance. By using these tools, you can minimize the stress of parking and maximize your enjoyment of everything Park City has to offer, from world-class skiing to vibrant nightlife.