Cheers!

Hikes + Brews

A guide to a trio of Park City's trail-and-ale pairings.

By Ashley Brown July 8, 2020 Published in the Summer/Fall 2020 issue of Park City Magazine

 

Tap into one of our most refreshing summertime traditions: a singletrack ramble, topped off with a locally crafted beer. Après hike, pop by the neighborhood brewery for curbside pickup (fingers crossed, in-house dining is an option, too), or grab a sixer at the store. 

Image: Shutterstock

Hike: Pine Creek Nature Trail, Wasatch Mountain State Park

($7 entrance fee)

  • Starting point: Pine Creek Campground, Midway
  • Mileage: 2 
  • Elevation gain: 300 feet
  • Suds pairing: a crisp, cold-fusion Kolsch from Heber Valley Brewing Company, 501 N Main St, Heber City

With plaques identifying aspen, sage, scrub oak, and Mormon berry trees, this mellow trail meanders along a seasonal stream. Half a mile into the gently undulating hike, a shaded bench marks the starting point of the one-mile loop. 

Of note: This trailhead is also a great launching point for longer, more challenging hikes.

Image: Shutterstock

Hike: Stealth to Glenwild

  • Starting point: Spring Creek trailhead on Glenwild Drive 
  • Mileage: 4.5
  • Elevation gain: 700 feet
  • Suds pairing: a juicy Elephino double IPA from Red Rock Brewery, 1640 W Redstone Center Dr

Look for birds as you walk west on the Stealth Trail, which runs parallel to a winding stream. Hike uphill two miles through sagebrush, and at the intersection, cut east on Glenwild Trail for a mile until it leads back to Stealth. Then, descend switchbacks for another mile back to the trailhead. 

Of note: This trail is largely exposed and can get toasty midsummer.

Image: Shutterstock

Hike: South Sweeney Switchbacks to Drift Road

  • Starting point: From Main Street, walk up the stairs to Norfolk Avenue, which dead-ends into the trailhead.
  • Mileage: 5 (out-and-back)
  • Elevation gain: 1,000 feet
  • Suds pairing: an 8% ABV Devastator double bock from Wasatch Brew Pub, 250 Main St

Start with a steep switchback ascent in shady trees. Hike for nearly 1.5 miles through alpine forest and wildflowers to Drift Road. Keep an eye out for moose, deer, and mining relics while continuing for another mile on Drift Road, then head back to Main Street.

For maps and trail updates, check with Mountain Trails Foundation, Wasatch Trails Foundation, and Basin Recreation.

 

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