Open Space and Trails
Near Kimball Junction in Park City, Utah, the Swaner Preserve permanently protects 1,200 acres of open space. Its 850-acre wetland area provides important habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. At the Swaner EcoCenter, visitors can walk 400 feet out into the preserve along a boardwalk and look for wildlife from the four-story tower. If you plan to visit this area, check the latest access information beforehand.
In the northern part of the preserve, 10 miles of trails are available for hiking, biking, and snowshoeing. The Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail State Park offers a different scale: it is almost 30 miles long and follows an abandoned railway line. It was opened as a non-motorized recreational trail in 1992. Visitors can bike, hike, ride horses, walk, or cross-country ski in winter. The two trail systems differ in both length and the activities mentioned.
Olympic Legacy
In February 2002, the Utah Olympic Park hosted 14 events for Olympic gold medals. The park includes the Joe Quinney Winter Sports Center, which houses the Alf Engen Ski Museum. A bobsled ride on the track offers another perspective on winter sports. Visitors can ride a bobsled down the track; operations may vary seasonally, so it is a good idea to check current visitor offerings before planning.
The Utah Olympic Park is accessible from I-80 via Exit 145 at Kimball Junction. Because road conditions can change, check them before you drive.
History Around Echo
The Echo Church and School is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building was constructed in 1876 in the Late Gothic Revival style. Its listing on the register and its construction date give the site a clearly identifiable historical dimension. The route through Echo Canyon is also part of the region’s history: it was one of the most important routes of westward expansion.
Echo State Park is one of Summit County’s destinations and offers easy access to Echo Reservoir for water sports and recreation. This part of the region offers activities on the water as well as historical attractions.
Cultural and Regional Orientation
The Park City Museum is located in the Old Town on Historic Main Street. The free public transportation system is also useful for getting around Park City, the host community: every area or neighborhood has a free bus route. Transit services and routes may change; check the latest information for your journeys as needed.
In the wider Summit County region, a route to the Bald Mountain Trailhead from Kamas follows Highway 150 about 29 miles east to Bald Mountain Pass. Road access may vary seasonally, so check current conditions before you drive.
Discover more destinations: Park City, Kamas, Summit Park, Coalville, Tooele, Hanover County, Uintah County, Carbon.
For the main travel overview: Utah.
