Do you love hiking, want to learn more about Park City, or just go on a hike to meet new people? Whether you're a long time local or a visitor, here are a three wonderful guided hiking experiences you can join this summer.

Guided Historical Hikes at Deer Valley

Some of Park City's most interesting history took place during the mining era and you can learn all about it on one of Deer Valley Resort's Guided Historical Hikes. The hikes get off to an early start (leaving promptly at 8:30 a.m.) from the Sterling Express chair lift (located by the Silver Lake Lodge), usually last three to four hours, and cover moderately strenuous terrain. Participants should be in good shape, wear sturdy footwear, bring proper sun protection and carry plenty of water and snacks. Please leave your dog at home. Reservations are required. All proceeds from Deer Valley's Guided Historical Hikes' $10 fee is donated to the Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History. 

Hops Hunters Hikes

Local non-profit group Summit Land Conservancy and Wasatch Brew Pub team up for the annual tradition of hunting for hops on trails preserved by the the conservation group. Join them for one of the two-hour Hops Hunters Hikes scheduled in the upcoming weeks for a chance to learn about local fauna, edible plants, history, and, of course, hops. Once the summer draws to a close, the two groups will host a community harvest day, the hops bounty from which the brew master at Wasatch Brew Pub will use to make a special-edition beer for an end of season party (date TBD). 

• June 10: Empire Canyon
• June 24: McPolin Farmlands
• July 8: Virginia Mining Claims
• July 22: Rail Trail
• August 12: Prospect Ridge and Harvest Assessment
• Harvest Date: TBD

The hikes are free and open to the public; just make sure you sign-up ahead of time before all the slots fill up! Hikes start at 9:30 a.m. and participants should wear a solid pair of shoes and plenty of sunscreen. Dogs are also welcome, but must be on a leash. 

Nature Walks at Swaner Preserve

Alpine landscapes are probably what pop into your head when you think of Park City, but our town is also home to an extensive wetland area. As part of their community education efforts, the Swaner EcoCenter offers weekly Nature Walks on its Kimball Junction-area preserve to share their knowledge of wetlands science. Find out about the plants,  animals, particularly the many birds, that call this environment home and about Swaner's preservation efforts. These hikes are particularly well suited to families with children. Hikes are $5 to the general public (free for Swaner members) and take place every Saturday from 8:30 to 10 a.m. until Sept. 30. 

Happy trails everyone, see you next week!