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Fantasy Ridge

Park City and Deer Valley

Salt Lake City

Often called the best hike in Park City, Fantasy Ridge is an adventurous traverse of an exposed ridgeline that leads to the highest point in Park City.

Hiking Moderate

Distance
8.5 km
Ascent
668 m
Descent
668 m
Duration
2-3 hrs
Low Point
2.4 km
High Point
3 km
Gradient
13˚
Fantasy Ridge Map

Fantasy Ridge is a truly unique hike in Park City. It begins much like other trails, crossing ski runs and service roads, but it culminates in an exposed, steep-sided ridge in a wild place where no other trails go, and no mountain bikers can ride.

Description

Start by taking the Red Pine Gondola and hiking Tombstone Trail, which meanders alongside a creek through shady groves and makes a moderate ascent to the top of Peak 9350. This makes a good turnaround point for a casual hike, but the real Fantasy Ridge is yet to come. Continue on Fantasy Ridge Trail, which leads into more forest on the mountain’s west ridge. You’ll notice the sides of the mountain get steeper and steeper and the forest thinner as you move along.

Soon you’ll emerge on a very dramatic spine, where bouldery slopes drop precipitously on either side to talus fields 200 feet below. One section is a lateral boulder scramble on a bit of a “knife-edge” feature. A fall could cause injury here, but it’s not too difficult, and ropes are mounted in place for you to hold on to. The rest of the trail is wide enough to be quite safe, but anxiety is sure to kick in for those afraid of heights.

Press onward to the other side, which is not as far as it looks, and meet a dirt road on the gentler slope of the next mountain. This is Desolation Peak, which is the highest point in Park City Resort. Reach its summit by following the switchbacking road to where the winter lifts unload, then leave the road and climb just a bit higher on rocky terrain to stand on top. The views are incredible as you look over all the terrain of the resort and the rest of the Wasatch Range.

Sources: https://parkcitypeople.com/park-citys-best-hike-fantasy-ridge-at-canyons/ http://www.thelowellparkcity.com/blog/top-6-hiking-trails-in-park-city https://www.parkcitymag.com/articles/2017/6/13/21-iconic-hikes-in-park-city https://assets.vailresorts.com/-/media/park-city/files/18pcsummermap.ashx?la=en

Difficulty

Moderate

Hiking along trails with some uneven terrain and small hills. Small rocks and roots may be present.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between June and September

Features

  • Picturesque
  • Summit Hike
  • Wild flowers
  • Forestry or heavy vegetation

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area