Trail Etiquette
While there are no hard and fast laws when it comes to hiking or biking on the trails, it’s safe to say the system would collapse pretty quickly if everyone disregarded the unwritten rules. Here’s a reminder of how to compose yourself when out for a hike or ride to keep things pleasant for all users.
Hikers, Trail Runners and Bikers
Generally speaking, you should be respectful of the land and other users...be nice...say HI!
Be nice and say hi.
Practice 10 Seconds of Kindness. Slow down and smile, it’s easy and it makes everyone feel good.
Know the trail system - Check the map and local signage before you go. Be aware there are designated hiking trails, downhill only bicycle trails, uphill only bicycle trails etc. If you are hiking on a designated downhill bike trail, YOU CAN GET HURT! Don’t believe it because you read it on the internet. All Trails isn’t always accurate.
Hike/bike quietly. There’s nothing more annoying than a rowdy group of hikers on a trail or someone talking loudly on their phone or playing your music on a loud speaker. Keep your voices down, turn off your cellphone, and enjoy the sounds of nature, and if you are listening to music with you ear buds, keep one ear bud out so you make sure you can hear other trail users or don't have it so loud that you can’t hear anyone coming up on you.
Practice 10 Seconds of Kindness. Slow down and smile, it’s easy and it makes everyone feel good.
Hikers going downhill should yield to those going uphill.
Technically, Cyclists should ALWAYS yield the right of away to hikers or equestrians, even when traveling uphill. Uphill traffic generally has the right away...it is much easier for a downhill hiker or runner to step aside for a cyclist going uphill.
Keep single-track, single. Bike or walk through puddles, unless you can do so without going off the trail.
Be nice and say hi.
Don’t throw trash. Even if it’s biodegradable, it doesn’t belong on the trail. No one wants to see your rotting apple core on the trail and it’s not good for wildlife. Speaking of which...
Don’t feed wildlife. It can interrupt their natural foraging habits. Many animals stay hidden, but there are some that are less shy.
Leave no trace. You pack it in, you pack it out. If you’re relieving yourself, do it 200 feet off trail and away from water sources.
Leave what you find. Photos and happy memories are the only souvenir you should take from the trail. If you need something else, visit a shop in town.
Don’t skid corners. It permanently damages trails. Slow down sooner and coast through the turn instead.
Stay off muddy trails. If it’s sticking to your wheels or heels, turn around. Wet or muddy routes are easily destroyed.
Be nice and say hi.
Bells make everyone safer. Use and listen for them when you are on the trail.
If taking a break, move aside so others can pass.
If hiking in a group, don’t take up the entire trail.
Practice 10 Seconds of Kindness. Slow down and smile, it’s easy and it makes everyone feel good.
Dogs on Trail
Pooches are almost a required hiking/biking companion in a place as dog friendly as Park City. Despite Summit County’s leash enforceable laws, the community often turns a blind eye to off-leash dogs because owners are generally responsible and courteous. That being said, leashing your dog is better for the trail system and other users, plus Park City has plenty of space specifically designated (Round Valley) for your pooch to run loose. If you’re bringing your four-legged best friend with you keep the following in mind.
Make sure dogs are allowed. While Park City is a dog lover’s mecca, you should be careful if you’re heading out a bit farther. Dogs are prohibited in Utah’s protected watersheds, including favorite hiking locations like Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Keep your dog on leash. In addition to keeping other trail users safe and comfortable, it prevents your dog from chasing wildlife and reduces the habitat damage that occurs when dogs run off the trail. It also keeps your dog safe and within reach.
If off-leash, make sure your dog is trained. Your dog should know the commands: Come, Leave it, Sit, and Stay, at the very least.
Know your dog’s needs. Brings snacks, plenty of water, and any accessories necessary to keep your dog happy, energetic, and comfortable.
DO NOT bring your dog on a hot day. Try and use your brain. Your furry friend cannot tell you they are overheating. It’s not fair to the dog to bring them on a hot dusty day.
Clean-up after your pet. Newsflash: the poop fairy doesn’t exist. Pick it up and pack it out. DO NOT leave it in a plastic bag on the side of the trail, you’ll forget it and it’ll sit in the scorching sun rotting.
Let’s repeat this one…Clean-up after your pet! It’s not that hard…clean up your dog shit!
Let’s repeat it again…CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR PET!
Don’t assume everyone likes your dog. Keep your dog under control so other users don’t feel frightened or threatened.
Never leave your dog in a closed vehicle. Oven like temperatures will roast your dog, even on cooler days.
For an interactive map, or for more trail information, check out Mountain Trails website by clicking the logo at the bottom of the page! You can also see how great the city of Park City is and click on their link!
Mountain Biking
Park City has been a winter destination for some time now, but how about those summers?!! The saying goes "you come for the winter and stay for the summer!" There's a lot to do in the summer but mountain biking has become the main activity for many in the summer. Park City boasts over 450 miles of single track and was voted by IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association, www.imba.com ) as a gold medal town! For a full virtual trail map or to check out current trail conditions, feel free to give us a call or visit www.mountaintrails.org. If you want a map to take with you. we have them available in the shop for $10 and all the proceeds go to Mountain Trails for trail upkeep.
Road & Cruiser Biking
So you are in the mountains and not into mountain biking? That's cool too! There are a bunch of paved and road base trails around! Ask us about our group cruiser rides that we offer occasionally over the summer!
Hiking & trail Running
Mountain biking is not for everyone. Hiking is one of the easiest ways to access the trails. Throw on your shoes and hit the trails! There are a few things to consider before you go:
– Don’t forget to grab a bottle of water, Gatorade and energy bars from us at the shop! There are also ski poles complimentary next to the chair lift if you need one. Please return them when you are finished!
– Remember you are at high altitude. Silver Star base area is about 6800 feet above sea level. Bring plenty of water and if you feel dizzy or light headed, take a break.
– Uphill traffic has the right of way and most bikers will let you know they are coming. Step aside and let faster moving trail users by. If you need to take a break, step aside from the middle of the trail so others can pass. A smile and a little “thanks” goes a long way!
*See the trail etiquette above for more information.
Recommended Hikes from Silver Star:
Shorter Trail
Armstrong to Dawn’s – Approximately 3.5 – 4 miles and gains about 850 vertical feet – Go up the ski trail and Armstrong starts at about the second snow gun (the metal poles sticking out from the side of the run). Turn right and then stay on the single track passing the King Con lift, which is about a mile or so into the trail. Continue on for about another 1/4 mile or so and then Dawn’s Trail will be on your left. Continue on Dawn’s and it will loop around. You can stay on Dawn’s all the way down and it will kick you out to about the same spot you started.
Medium Trail
Armstrong to HAM to Spiro – Approximately 6 miles and gains about 1150 vertical feet – Go up the ski trail and Armstrong starts at about the second snow gun (the metal poles sticking out from the side of the run). Turn right and then stay on the single track passing the King Con lift, which is about a mile or so into the trail. Continue on for about another 1/4 mile or so and then Dawn’s Trail will be on your left. Continue on Armstrong for about another mile and half and you will see HAM on the left. There is a bench there with a great view point. Go down HAM for about a mile and then it will merge onto Spiro Trail. Take a left and Spiro will take you all the way down. When you get to the Silver Star ski trail you can opt to take Dawn’s Trail down. It will be on your left and then you will take a right once you are on the trail. This is the recommended way as Spiro has very high downhill bike traffic so use caution. If you choose to take Spiro, towards the bottom you will come up to a split with Silver Spur. Continue on Spiro and you will return to Silver Star base area.
Longer Trail
Armstrong to Mid-mountain to Spiro – Approximately 9 miles and gains about 2000 vertical feet. – Go up the ski trail and Armstrong starts at about the second snow gun (the metal poles sticking out from the side of the run). Turn right and then stay on the single track passing the King Con lift, which is about a mile or so into the trail. Continue on for about another 1/4 mile or so and then Dawn’s Trail will be on your left. Continue on Armstrong for about another mile and half and you will see HAM on the left. There is a bench there with a great view point. Continue on Armstrong for about another mile and then you will reach the Midmountain Trail. Go left for about another half mile and then you will see the Pinecone Trail start. Continue on Midmountain for another mile and half or so and you will come to the Powerline and Spiro trail merge. Go left on Spiro. Spiro leads onto the Thaynes Canyon Ski trail for about a half mile and then Sprio will go right into the trees. Continue on Spiro for about 1.5 miles and then you can opt to take Dawn’s Trail down. It will be on your left and then you will take a right once you are on the trail. This is the recommended way as Spiro has very high downhill bike traffic so use caution. If you choose to take Spiro, towards the bottom you will come up to a split with Silver Spur. Continue on Spiro and you will return to Silver Star base area.
