You can’t get far in Park City without running into a dog, and if you live here, there is a good chance you own one. It’s no surprise Park City is a dog-friendly town, with plenty of opportunities for them to enjoy the great outdoors. Here are some off-leash areas and dog parks where your dog can run free and explore.
Park City Off-Leash Areas
Round Valley
Round Valley is a popular recreation area for both people and the dogs that love them. (This location is just across 248 from the Park City Heights neighborhood). Dogs can run freely on 1,400 square acres next to their hiking, biking, or skiing counterparts with no hindrance of leash laws.
The Park City Library Field
The Park City Library Field is also a popular dog frolicking area; half the field is open to off-leash dogs. The best part of the library location is the coffee shop situated just a few steps away. Dog owners can sip a hot caffeinated beverage while they play frisbee with their pups.
Run-a-Muck
Run-a-Muck is an excellent place to go hiking with your dog in Kimball Junction. The nearly two-mile trail has views of the Olympic Park ski jumps. The park also has 43 acres of fenced-in, open space for your dog to roam.
Willow Creek Dog Park
Willow Creek Dog Park has a pond your dog can swim in during the summer months – in the winter, it is used for ice skating. This park has everything a dog could want, including an agility course, an open area, and a short trail.
Trailside Park
Trailside Park is perfect if you have a small dog and are worried about it being off-leash around bigger dogs. The park has separate big dog and little dog areas. You can also take your dog on a one-mile, off-leash hike.
The Woods at Parley’s Lane
Though small, the Woods at Parley’s Lane has an agility course and two trails to choose from. This park has plenty of shaded benches to watch your dog from.
Know Before You Go
Designated off-leash areas are not without rules. Dogs must be under “voice and sight control” at all times, and owners must carry a leash and waste bags. Owners are responsible for picking up after their pets and not letting dogs chase other dogs, people, or wildlife. Another item to note is not all of Round Valley is open to dogs off-leash.
Off-Leash Opposition
The off-leash areas have some local opposition. The main concern is for the wildlife. Deer, elk, and moose inhabit the area, as do other animals, and a run-in with a dog could be fatal to either side, especially in the winter when large animals are searching for food. Another concern is of a different type of visitor, those from Salt Lake City and other communities that are drawn to Round Valley specifically to recreate with their dogs, perhaps overpopulating the trails and the area.
Hopefully, Parkites, Barkites, and visitors will regard the off-leash areas as a privilege for all to share. Please clean up after your pet and be respectful of all other trail users. Let’s keep the wag in everyone’s tails and have a safe and wonderful time enjoying ourselves out there.