Established in 1961, the nearly 23,000-acre Wasatch Mountain State Park gives Wasatch a distinctive connection to nature. But there’s more to discover, from trails and water experiences to historic sites and events. Outdoor activities, local history, and culture offer different ways to explore the region. You can explore Wasatch according to your interests rather than limiting your visit to a single theme.
Experience Trails and Water
Midway has miles of well-maintained trails for walking, running, and cycling. The trail network in Wasatch County also includes scenic walking paths and challenging hiking trails through landscapes of mountain views, forests, and waterways. The options differ not only in distance but also in how you can explore: Midway’s trails are designated for several activities, while the county network explicitly includes both walks and challenging hikes.
For cycling, there’s a particularly specific guide: a 20-mile, fully paved cycling trail runs through and around downtown Midway, connecting to visitor centers at Wasatch Mountain State Park to the north and Soldier Hollow to the south. The Wasatch Trails Foundation maintains more than 175 multi-use trails in Wasatch County. This number may change as routes are added or closed. That gives you both a clearly described paved route and a larger multi-use trail network.
Water activities also offer different experiences. Hailstone Recreation Area offers camping, fishing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, canoeing, and motorboating. Water access and boat traffic may vary seasonally, so check which options will be available during your visit. At Deer Creek State Park, zipline tours are offered over Rainbow Bay. If you’re planning to take one, check booking options before your trip.
The Crater at Homestead offers a very different water experience: a natural, geothermally heated spring inside a 55-foot-tall limestone dome. The mineral-rich water is kept at about 90–96°F year-round. Since visitor operations may change, check the latest information before your visit.
History, Events, and Local Culture
The Heber Valley Historic Railroad’s history began in 1899, when its trains served the pioneers who first settled the valley. Unless otherwise specified, all train rides and adventures depart from the Heber Depot. Check departure information for your specific ride before planning your trip there.
Soldier Hollow combines a distinctive local setting with major events: its Nordic Center is located above the town of Midway in Wasatch Mountain State Park. Its Sport Discovery Center hosts events such as the U.S. Cross Country Skiing Championships and the annual Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Championships. If you’re visiting for a specific event, check its dates; event schedules may change.
The memorial at Memorial Hill honors more than 2,400 names of local residents who served in U.S. military conflicts. A bench faces a sculpture of a Fallen Soldier Battle Cross. The site brings together a large number of individual remembrances and a specific memorial ensemble.
Midway Swiss Days dates back to 1947, when the event was still called Harvest Days. It takes place every fall. This annual tradition complements the railroad’s history with another form of local heritage: a recurring event rooted in the yearly calendar.
Food can also be part of a specific experience. Kohler Creamery offers guided cheese tastings on a historic dairy farm. They include a short lesson, a blind tasting of 20 flavors, and three local pairings. Because this is a recurring experience, it’s a good idea to check the current schedule before your trip.
Plan Your Trip
Wasatch Back bus route 106 offers an option for getting to Park City. Since routes and schedules may change, check the latest information if you’re considering taking the bus. Together with the cycling trail, multi-use trails, and a variety of destinations, the region offers different ways to combine activities and discoveries.
Discover more destinations: Heber City, Midway, Timber Lakes, Wallsburg, Grand, Wayne County, Daggett County, Iron.
For the broader travel overview: Utah.
