Wasatch: Winter Sports, Trails and Regional History

Wasatch Mountain State Park covers nearly 23,000 acres and was established by the state in 1961. This landscape is home to some of the region’s notable winter sports and event venues. Soldier Hollow Nordic Center is located above the city of Midway, within the state park. Soldier Hollow’s Sport Discovery Center hosts events such as the U.S. Cross Country Skiing Championships and the annual Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Championships. Check event dates before your trip.

Trails and Winter Sports in Wasatch County

Trails are also an important part of the travel experience beyond individual events. Midway has miles of well-maintained routes for walking, running, and cycling. In Wasatch County, the Wasatch Trails Foundation maintains more than 175 multi-use trails. The network includes scenic walking paths as well as challenging hiking trails through landscapes of mountain views, forests, and waterways. In the Jordanelle Basin, the northern gateway to Wasatch County, there is a connected trail network for hikers and cyclists.

One route is described in particular detail for cycling plans: a 20-mile, fully paved bike path runs through and around downtown Midway. It leads to visitor centers at Wasatch Mountain State Park to the north and Soldier Hollow to the south. In addition to the paved bike route, Midway has miles of paths for walking and running.

Water, Hot Springs, and Outdoor Activities

Activities at Hailstone Recreation Area include camping, fishing, wakeboarding, water skiing, canoeing, and motorboating. Water access and boating operations may vary by season. Zipline tours over Rainbow Bay are offered at Deer Creek State Park; check current operating details and booking availability before your trip.

The Crater at Homestead offers a different kind of nature experience: the natural, geothermally heated spring lies inside a 55-foot-tall limestone dome. Its mineral-rich water is maintained at around 90–96 °F year-round.

History and Local Traditions

The history of the Heber Valley Historic Railroad began in 1899. Its trains served the pioneers who first settled the valley. Heber Valley Railroad rides and adventures depart from the Heber Depot unless otherwise noted. If you plan a ride, check departure details in advance.

Memorial Hill commemorates more than 2,400 names of local residents who served in U.S. military conflicts. On the hill is a bench overlooking a sculpture of a Fallen Soldier Battle Cross. Midway Swiss Days was founded in 1947 under its original name, Harvest Days, and takes place every fall. If you’re planning a trip around the festival, take the specific event dates into account.

At Kohler Creamery, a guided cheese tasting is paired with the historic setting of a dairy farm. The experience includes a short lesson, a blind tasting of 20 flavors, and three local pairings. Since the schedule is key to this visit, it’s a good idea to check the latest dates.

Planning Your Trip

When planning your days, you can choose different priorities: the trails around Midway, a paved cycling route, events at Soldier Hollow, water activities, or historic sites. The Wasatch Back 106 bus route connects to Park City; routes and schedules may change, so check the details before you travel. When planning your hotel stay, it may help to first decide which of these activities will be the main focus of your trip.

Explore more destinations: Heber City, Midway, Timber Lakes, Wallsburg, Uintah County, Grand, Duchesne County, Box Elder County.

For the broader travel overview: Utah.