St. George to Park City
Utah's premier mountain resort town offers world-class skiing at two massive resorts, the legendary Sundance Film Festival, vibrant Historic Main Street dining and shopping, Olympic venues, and exceptional summer mountain biking — all just 4.5 hours from St. George.
I-15 North → I-80 East → UT-224
310 miles
Distance
4.5 hours
Drive Time
north
Direction
Year-round
Best Time
7,000 feet (Park City) to 10,000 feet (resort peaks) elevation
Driving from St. George to Park City
Route: I-15 North → I-80 East → UT-224
Head north on I-15 through Cedar City and Beaver, continue to Salt Lake City, then exit east on I-80. The highway climbs through Parleys Canyon, a beautiful mountain pass, before descending to the Snyderville Basin and Park City. Take Exit 145 (UT-224) south into Park City. The total drive is straightforward on interstate highways with a spectacular mountain finale through Parleys Canyon.
About Park City
Park City is Utah's most celebrated resort destination and one of the great mountain towns of the American West. Perched at 7,000 feet in the Wasatch Range, the former silver mining boomtown transformed into a world-class ski destination after the 1960s and reached global fame when it hosted events for the 2002 Winter Olympics. Today, Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort together make up one of the largest and most luxurious ski areas in the United States, drawing visitors from across the world.
The Sundance Film Festival transforms Park City every January into the epicenter of independent cinema. For ten days, the town's theaters, restaurants, and streets fill with filmmakers, celebrities, and film industry professionals. It is the most prestigious independent film festival in the United States and one of the most significant in the world. Even outside festival time, Park City's Historic Main Street is one of the most charming mountain town streets in the West — a mile-long stretch of Victorian-era storefronts housing award-winning restaurants, art galleries, boutique shops, and lively bars.
Summer in Park City has become as compelling as winter. The ski resorts convert to mountain biking parks with hundreds of miles of lift-accessed trails. The Utah Olympic Park offers public experiences on the bobsled, ski jumping, and aerial acrobatics facilities. Factory stores at the Park City outlet mall draw shoppers from across the region. For St. George residents making the drive up I-15, Park City offers a completely different climate and ecosystem — cool summer temperatures, aspen forests, and mountain wildflowers that feel worlds away from the red rock desert of Southern Utah.
Gas Stops Along the Way
- Cedar City — 52 miles / 55 min (full services)
- Beaver — 110 miles / 1 hr 45 min (gas, fast food)
- Nephi — 210 miles / 3 hr (gas, restaurants)
- Salt Lake City / Midvale — 270 miles / 3 hr 50 min (full services — last affordable gas before Park City)
- Park City outlets area — 305 miles / 4 hr 20 min (limited gas options at premium prices)
Weather & Climate
Park City sits at 7,000 feet with a classic mountain climate. Summers are mild and cool (60-80°F days, 40-50°F nights). Winters are cold (15-30°F) with heavy snowfall averaging 300+ inches annually at resort elevations. The higher elevation means Park City stays cooler than the valley even in midsummer — a welcome escape from Southern Utah heat.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round
December through March for world-class skiing with reliable snow at 7,000+ feet. January for Sundance Film Festival (book everything months ahead). July and August for summer hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor festivals with comfortable temperatures of 60-80°F. September and October for fall foliage, lower crowds, and shoulder-season pricing. Spring (April-May) can be muddy but offers good deals.
Things to Do in Park City
From outdoor adventures to dining, here is everything worth experiencing when you visit Park City, Utah.
Skiing & Winter Sports
Park City Mountain Resort
$180-$260 lift ticketsThe largest ski resort in the United States with over 7,300 acres of skiable terrain across two interconnected mountains. 330 trails, 41 lifts, and a vertical drop of 3,226 feet. The resort connects to Canyons Village via the Quicksilver gondola for a truly massive ski experience.
The Tombstone Express and Iron Mountain chairs access the best powder stashes after a storm
Deer Valley Resort
$170-$250 lift ticketsAmerica's most consistently top-rated ski resort, known for impeccable grooming, exceptional service, ski-valet parking, and gourmet on-mountain dining. Skiers only (no snowboards). The newly expanded Deer Valley East Village adds hundreds of additional acres of terrain.
Buy lift tickets in advance online — prices increase significantly at the window
Utah Olympic Park
$30-$100 depending on activityThe venue built for the 2002 Winter Olympics now offers public bobsled rides, ski jumping, aerial skiing demonstrations, and a free museum. The bobsled experience is one of the most thrilling 60 seconds available to the public anywhere in the world.
Book bobsled experiences weeks in advance — they sell out on weekends
Cross-Country Skiing (Soldier Hollow)
$25-$35Site of the 2002 Olympic biathlon and cross-country events in Heber Valley, just 20 minutes from Park City. Excellent groomed trails through meadows and rolling terrain at a much lower price point than downhill resorts.
Summer Activities
Park City Mountain Bike Park
$35-$50 lift accessOver 100 miles of lift-accessed mountain bike trails ranging from beginner green runs to expert black diamonds. The Payday lift carries riders to the top and the views of the Wasatch Range are spectacular. Bike rentals available at the base.
The Iron Horse trail is the classic intermediate run with the best sustained flow
Alpine Slide at Park City Mountain
$20-$25 per rideA classic summer mountain attraction — a winding fiberglass slide descending 3,000 feet from the top of the Payday lift. Riders control their own speed. A perennial favorite for families visiting in summer.
Hiking the Wasatch Trail Network
FreePark City sits within an extensive trail network covering thousands of acres. The Mid-Mountain Trail is a classic intermediate 10-mile traverse of the mountains. The Spiro Trail and Sweeney Switchbacks are popular for all fitness levels. Wildflowers peak in July.
Jordanelle Reservoir
$20 per vehicleA beautiful reservoir just 10 minutes from Park City offering boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming. The Jordanelle State Park has boat ramps, a marina, and camping.
Deer Valley Gondola (Summer)
$25 for scenic rideDeer Valley operates its gondola for summer sightseeing, hiking access, and mountain biking. The views from the top of Bald Mountain over the Park City basin are exceptional on clear days.
Historic Main Street Dining & Shopping
Riverhorse on Main
$$$$Park City's most celebrated fine dining restaurant, housed in the historic Masonic Hall building. Creative American cuisine with an exceptional wine list. A landmark special-occasion destination since 1996.
Reservations essential — book weeks in advance during ski season and festival week
Handle
$$$Modern American small plates in a stunning converted warehouse space. One of the most innovative menus in Park City with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The cocktail program is among the best in Utah.
Shabu
$$Pan-Asian restaurant that has become a Park City institution. The hand rolls, ramen bowls, and Thai curry are exceptional. The lively bar scene makes it a favorite après-ski spot.
Park City Outlet Stores
Free to browseThe Park City Outlets feature 60+ brand-name stores including Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, Under Armour, Nike, and Levi's. Located at the I-80 Exit 145 interchange, easy to access on the drive in or out.
The outlet stores are busiest on Saturday afternoons — visit weekday mornings for the best experience
Main Street Art Galleries
Free to browsePark City's booming arts scene is anchored by a dozen galleries along Historic Main Street, many focusing on Western and contemporary American art. First Saturday Art Strolls bring the galleries to life once per month.
Sundance Film Festival
Sundance Film Festival (January)
$25-$35 per film screeningThe most important independent film festival in America runs for 10 days in late January. Hundreds of screenings, Q&As with directors, star sightings, and industry parties fill the town. Tickets for individual films can be purchased by the public, though popular screenings sell out fast.
Buy film tickets the moment they go on sale in November — popular premieres sell out within minutes
Egyptian Theatre
Varies by eventPark City's historic 1926 theater on Main Street is a primary Sundance screening venue and hosts year-round performances, comedy shows, and film screenings. One of the most beautiful small theaters in the Mountain West.
Park City Museum
FreeLocated in the historic 1885 Territorial Jail, this free museum traces Park City's silver mining history, its boom-and-bust past, and its transformation into a resort town. Excellent context for a Main Street stroll.
Family Activities
Utah Olympic Park (Year-Round)
Museum free, activities $15-$100Beyond the bobsled, the Olympic Park has a free museum, a beginner zip line, a freestyle aerial show viewing area, and a climbing wall. The Alf Engen Ski Museum covers Utah's deep skiing history and is outstanding for families interested in winter sports history.
Swaner Nature Preserve
FreeA 1,200-acre protected wetland preserve adjacent to the Canyons Village area with gentle nature trails, wildlife viewing platforms, and an eco-center. Great for spotting migratory birds, deer, and moose in the marshy areas.
Travel Tips for the St. George to Park City Drive
Park City is the most expensive destination in Utah — hotel rates on ski weekends and during Sundance can top $500-$1,000/night; book months in advance or stay in Salt Lake City and drive the 30-minute commute
During peak ski weekends, Parley's Canyon (I-80 East of SLC) can back up significantly — leave SLC early on Saturday morning
The Park City Transit bus system is free, frequent, and covers all of Main Street and the resort areas — park once and use the bus
Sundance Film Festival week is the most expensive and crowded week of the year — plan and book at least 6 months ahead
Ski season runs roughly Thanksgiving through mid-April — March and April offer the deepest snowpack and lower prices
The SLC airport is 40 minutes from Park City — many visitors fly in rather than drive from Southern Utah for ski trips
Fill up gas in SLC or on I-80 before exiting to Park City — gas prices in town are among the highest in Utah
Summer temperatures in Park City are 20-30 degrees cooler than St. George — bring a light jacket even in July
Frequently Asked Questions: St. George to Park City
How far is St. George from Park City?
Park City is approximately 310 miles (4.5 hours) from St. George. Drive north on I-15 through Cedar City and Salt Lake City, then east on I-80 through Parleys Canyon and exit at UT-224 south into Park City.
Which is better — Park City Mountain or Deer Valley?
Both are exceptional but serve different audiences. Park City Mountain is larger (7,300 acres), allows snowboarders, and has a more diverse price range. Deer Valley is skiers-only, known for the best grooming, service, and on-mountain dining in the US, with a more refined atmosphere. Many visitors do both in the same trip since they are interconnected.
How much does a ski trip to Park City cost from St. George?
Budget $600-$1,200+ for a 2-night trip depending on season and lodging. Lift tickets are $170-$260/day. Lodging in Park City runs $150-$500+/night (much less if staying in SLC). Budget an additional $100-$150/day for food and rentals if needed. Holiday weekends are significantly more expensive.
When is the Sundance Film Festival?
Sundance runs for 10 days in late January, typically starting the Thursday after Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Individual film tickets go on sale in November through the Sundance website. Popular screenings and premieres sell out within minutes of going on sale.
Is Park City worth visiting in the summer?
Absolutely. Summer Park City offers mountain biking on lift-accessed trails, hiking through wildflower meadows, the alpine slide, Jordanelle Reservoir recreation, and the full Main Street dining and shopping experience — all at 20-30 degrees cooler than Southern Utah. Summer lodging is significantly cheaper than ski season.
Can I do Park City as a day trip from St. George?
Technically yes but it makes for a very long day — 9 hours of driving round-trip leaves limited time to enjoy the destination. Most visitors stay 1-3 nights. Splitting the drive with a Salt Lake City overnight and visiting Park City the next day makes the trip much more enjoyable.
Nearby Destinations from Park City
Salt Lake City
Utah's capital city offers world-class skiing, a thriving food scene, professional sports, and the international airport that connects Southern Utah to the world. The I-15 corridor is the most-traveled route for St. George residents.
Brian Head Resort
The closest ski resort to St. George offers affordable skiing, world-class mountain biking, and summer temperatures 30-40 degrees cooler. At 9,600 feet, Brian Head is Southern Utah's mountain escape.
Moab
The adventure capital of Utah, home to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, legendary mountain biking, world-class rock climbing, and Colorado River rafting. Moab delivers adrenaline-pumping outdoor experiences in a jaw-dropping desert landscape.
Complete Guide: Driving from St. George to Park City
St. George to Park City — 310 miles, 4.5 hours Drive
Park City is Utah's most celebrated resort destination and one of the great mountain towns of the American West. Perched at 7,000 feet in the Wasatch Range, the former silver mining boomtown transformed into a world-class ski destination after the 1960s and reached global fame when it hosted events for the 2002 Winter Olympics. Today, Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort together make up one of the largest and most luxurious ski areas in the United States, drawing visitors from across the world.
The route from St. George, Utah to Park City, Utah covers 310 miles and takes approximately 4.5 hours via I-15 North → I-80 East → UT-224. Head north on I-15 through Cedar City and Beaver, continue to Salt Lake City, then exit east on I-80. The highway climbs through Parleys Canyon, a beautiful mountain pass, before descending to the Snyderville Basin and Park City. Take Exit 145 (UT-224) south into Park City. The total drive is straightforward on interstate highways with a spectacular mountain finale through Parleys Canyon.
Things to Do in Park City
Skiing & Winter Sports: Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort, Utah Olympic Park. Summer Activities: Park City Mountain Bike Park, Alpine Slide at Park City Mountain, Hiking the Wasatch Trail Network. Historic Main Street Dining & Shopping: Riverhorse on Main, Handle, Shabu. Sundance Film Festival: Sundance Film Festival (January), Egyptian Theatre, Park City Museum. Family Activities: Utah Olympic Park (Year-Round), Swaner Nature Preserve.
Best Time to Visit Park City
December through March for world-class skiing with reliable snow at 7,000+ feet. January for Sundance Film Festival (book everything months ahead). July and August for summer hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor festivals with comfortable temperatures of 60-80°F. September and October for fall foliage, lower crowds, and shoulder-season pricing. Spring (April-May) can be muddy but offers good deals.
Travel Tips
Park City is the most expensive destination in Utah — hotel rates on ski weekends and during Sundance can top $500-$1,000/night; book months in advance or stay in Salt Lake City and drive the 30-minute commute. During peak ski weekends, Parley's Canyon (I-80 East of SLC) can back up significantly — leave SLC early on Saturday morning. The Park City Transit bus system is free, frequent, and covers all of Main Street and the resort areas — park once and use the bus. Sundance Film Festival week is the most expensive and crowded week of the year — plan and book at least 6 months ahead.
For more things to do near St. George, explore our Things to Do guide, browse the Events Calendar, or discover local businesses in the St. George Business Directory. Check out all road trip destinations from St. George including Salt Lake City, Brian Head Resort, Moab.
