Autumn has arrived here in Park City and the Wasatch Back! Cooler evenings are returning, and our mountains are offering their annual display of splendid fall colors. We even had a dusting of snow in the mountains last week!
This is an outstanding time of year to get outside—there are endless leaf-viewing opportunities, our local lifts are still running on weekends, and there are plenty of events coming up during the next few weeks. Read on to learn more about the latest autumn happenings here in Park City and the Wasatch Back.
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Heber Valley - September 16, 2025
No local photographer captures our seasons better than Brent Haddock. Visit his Facebook page to enjoy more of his outstanding autumn photography. |
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| Lindsey was at the forefront of women’s ski jumping for many years, winning the first Women’s World Championship in 2009, and she was instrumental in leading the charge for the women’s Olympic debut in 2014. Check out the documentary Ready to Fly, available on Amazon, to learn more about Lindsey’s remarkable career in ski jumping. |
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FIRST SNOW ALERT!
Heads up – high elevations in northern Utah got their first taste of winter this past weekend. A cold front pushed temperatures down, and it dropped a little bit of snow way up high in the Uintas. There were also reports of some snowflakes in the Wasatch. The weather has returned to pleasantly warm days with cool nights for now, but the early snow is a reminder to get out and enjoy the remaining warm weather days while they're here!
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VOTE FOR PARK CITY'S BEST
It is that time of year when our friends at the Park Record ask everyone to chime in with their favorites in Park City and the Wasatch Back. This survey covers everything from local restaurants to building contractors. So if you have any favorites, we encourage you to participate in their survey, which is open through September 30th.
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SUMMER LIFTS CLOSE SOON
Hikers and bikers still have a little more time to enjoy lift-assisted uphill rides available at our local resorts, assuming that the weather remains cooperative. See below for the anticipated remaining dates for summer lift operations at Deer Valley and Park City.
Deer Valley | Sept 19-21
Park City | Sept 18-21, 25-28
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FALL FOLIAGE
How are our autumn colors shaping up this year? Due to the dry weather this summer things got started a little early in some areas, and the drought stress may result in some slightly less vibrant colors for our scrub oaks. However, the aspens will still be in full glory!
We suggest checking out the Fall Foliage Prediction Map to get an idea of when colors are expected to peak, which is usually in the next few weeks. Make sure to get out and enjoy the mild fall weather and incredible autumn foliage!
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| Looking for a few suggestions for places to enjoy the autumn season here in Park City and the Wasatch Back? Check out our Autumn Outings guide or our Fall Hikes and Drives guide. These past newsletters offer lots of great suggestions for getting out to enjoy our local landscape as the seasons change here in the Park City and the Wasatch Back. |
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MIGRATION SEASON!
Every fall and continuing into early winter, the Heber Valley and Jordanelle areas serve as an important corridor and stopover for migratory birds. According to Utah State Parks, Bald Eagles typically migrate through the Jordanelle area from late fall into midwinter, while Red-tailed Hawks are commonly seen during spring through fall. Other species observed in the region include ducks, herons, sandhill cranes, and avocets (in the wetlands).
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Between early September and October is peak migration time for many of these species. A couple of great spots for autumn bird watching include:
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The inlets and outlets of Deer Creek and Jordanelle Reservoir are especially good for seeing Bald Eagles and other large raptors.
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The Provo River corridor from Jordanelle Dam downstream offers excellent habitat for songbirds, marsh birds, and waterfowl during migration.
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SUPPORT LOCAL DURING SHOULDER SEASON
A few of our local restaurants take a break during fall as they prep for the upcoming ski season, but most remain open, albeit often with adjusted hours. We encourage you to check out the Park City Restaurant Association's website for the latest info for our local dining establishments.
Supporting local during this transition makes a real difference.
Whether it’s booking a dinner out, visiting a gallery walk, or grabbing coffee from your neighborhood café, these small choices help sustain the community businesses that make Park City and the Heber Valley vibrant year-round.
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So as the leaves change, consider making a point to explore — try a new restaurant, pop into a local shop, or attend a community event. Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy everything the area has to offer, while keeping the local economy strong.
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PLEIN AIR RENDEZVOUS
September 17 - 20 | Midway
Learn, create, and connect at this immersive Plein Air experience in Wasatch County. With guidance from top Utah instructors, you’ll explore stunning locations, watch inspiring demos, and paint a variety of scenes and subjects alongside fellow artists. Open to all skill levels, the event also offers the chance to showcase and sell your work in the local exhibition at Midway Town Hall.
More info here! |
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SUNDANCE RESORT HARVEST MARKET
September 27-28 | 10am-4pm
The Sundance Harvest Market is a yearly festivity honoring the bounties of the harvest season. It showcases handpicked artisans and crafters, delectable cuisine, vibrant live tunes, and engaging activities for everyone to enjoy.
More info here!
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WOODWARD MOUNTAIN BIKE FEST
September 20 | Woodward
The Woodward Mountain Bike Festival closes out the mountain bike season at Woodward with a full day of racing, challenges, and community fun. Young riders take on the pump track, seasoned competitors tackle a multi-stage downhill race, and the night finishes with the high-flying Invitational Jump Contest.
More info here!
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WORLD DOWNHILL SKATEBOARDING CHAMPIONSHIPS
September 25-28 | Utah Olympic Park
The Park City Downhill is a four-day race weekend on upper Olympic Parkway, with freeriders, qualifiers, and Championship Tour racers tackling a high-speed course of sharp hairpins, smooth pavement, and speeds over 50 mph.
More info here! |
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LIVE LIKE SAM GALA
September 27 | 5:30PM | Grand Hyatt Deer Valley
Live Like Sam honors the legacy of Sam Jackenthal by empowering youth through self-awareness, leadership, kindness, and joy. Join the foundation’s annual gala at The Grand Hyatt Deer Valley to celebrate youth well-being in Summit and Wasatch County. Enjoy a gourmet three-course dinner, craft cocktails, live and silent auctions, plus music and dancing—all while raising vital funds for impactful programs.
More info here! |
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MIDWAY VOLKSMARCH
Sept 27 | 10am-1pm | Town Square
Midway’s Volksmarch is a European-inspired community walk that brings all ages together in a fun, non-competitive way. The route passes historic homes, barns, Main Street businesses, and Memorial Hill, with festivities afterward in Town Square—live music, food trucks, games, and more. Celebrate the season and support efforts to preserve Midway’s unique character.
More info here! |
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SCHÜTZENSKI FESTIVAL
October 2-4 & 16-18 | Soldier Hollow
The Schutzenski Festival brings two weekends of competition and fun—Biathlon races October 2–4 and Cross Country plus Trail Running October 16–18. Enjoy top athletes, local food trucks, a beer garden, and hands-on biathlon experiences. Free and open to the public.
More info here! |
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SCARECROW FEST
October 4 | 2 - 4pm | McPolin Farm
Come to the McPolin Farm and build your own scarecrow, displayed for everyone to see. You can also build your scarecrow at home and install it whenever you choose. Scarecrows will be on display along the Farm Trail through mid-October.
More info here! |
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PARK CITY WINE FESTIVAL
October 2-4 | Various Venues
Raise a glass at one of Utah’s premier food and wine events. This year’s festival brings together 100+ wineries from around the world, along with expertly paired lunches, dinners, and scenic tastings throughout Park City. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just love a good pour, it’s a weekend to savor.
See the full schedule!
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FALL HOME MAINTENANCE TIPS
Now is the perfect time to take care of pre-winter home maintenance. Here is a short list of common home maintenance tasks that you should complete before the snow starts falling.
Sprinkler Blow-Out | Protect your irrigation system by having lines blown out before the first hard freeze — frozen pipes = costly repairs.
Gutter Cleaning | Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams and roof leaks once the snow piles up.
Chimney & Fireplace Check | Schedule a chimney sweep and inspect your fireplace or wood stove before cozy season kicks in.
Furnace Tune-Up | Change your filters and get a quick service check to make sure your heating system runs efficiently all winter.
Outdoor Prep | Disconnect garden hoses, store patio furniture, and cover or move grills and planters to protect them from snow and ice.
Seal Drafts (bonus!) | Check windows and doors for gaps — a little weather-stripping now can save a lot on heating bills later.
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We are entering the height of autumn here in the Wasatch Back, which means that winter is on the horizon. Look for our upcoming newsletter that will help you get prepared for the ski season, with dates and info for ski swaps, anticipated resort openings, and more.
Hope to see you out on the trails enjoying the gorgeous fall scenery and weather in the meantime!
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All data derived from statistics provided by the Park City Multiple Listing Service.
Copyright © 2025 The Utah Luxury Group, All rights reserved.
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