In 2012, Park City became the International Mountain Biking Association made Park City the world’s first ever Gold Level Ride Center. Status like this doesn’t happen by accident. It earned it by having more trails, better access, and a strong mountain bike culture that rivals and/or surpasses anywhere else in the country. Last summer, construction for the major expansion of Deer Valley left a noticeable gap in the lineup. Now the park has returned for 2026 placing Park City right back where it belongs in the mountain biking world…at the top.
Deer Valley Bike Park: Lift-Served Terrain and Trails
Nearly 60 miles of lift served terrain is now back and better than ever, and was recently named the host of the the Fox US Open of Mountain Biking from September 11–13, 2026. Running across three lifts: Silver Lake Express, Homestake Express, and Sterling Express, Deer Valley’s lift served riding offers up to 3,000 vertical feet of descending across six mountains. With machine built flow trails, technical downhill options, and coaching and rentals on site, you simply cannot go wrong.
Having ridden with two Deer Valley guides this past week, I can honestly say they are as good as thorough as they come, no matter what your skill set is. Trail conditions, although dry for this time of the year, were enhanced by the rain the day before and exactly what you would want. Signature runs like Undertow, Tidal Wave, and Tsunami are open and in good shape. If you put Deer Valley on the back burner because of last summer’s construction disruption, the wait is over.
Slate Creek Trail: Backcountry Singletrack in Kamas
The day before Deer Valley, we rode Slate Creek Trail out in Kamas with White Pine Touring. Same trip, completely different experience. If you are looking for knowledgeable guides, top notch service, they should be your first call.
Slate Creek is backcountry singletrack at its best. Remote and raw in a way that lift served terrain never quite replicated, it was a challenging 9 mile loop with roughly 1200 m vertical feet climbed at elevation. The kind of ride that has you drained in a good way and looking for a parking lot beer that was certainly earned. If Deer Valley is the polished resort side of Park City mountain biking, Slate Creek is the reminder that the trail network here goes well beyond the bike parks.
When combined, they make the case for why Park City mountain biking belongs on your summer list right now.
The Après Situation: Where to Drink and Eat Post-Ride
While it may be summer, après still exists and should not be overlooked. Park City is as dialed in post ride as it is on the trail. The same town that serves up 500 miles of singletrack will hand you a well poured cocktail or a craft beer at the end of it. At Deer Valley, Stein Eriksen Lodge is a mere steps away from the Silver Lake mid-mountain area. There you can enjoy a beer, Bloody Mary and one of their famous burgers on the deck while you look back out and reminisce over the trails you just finished. In Kamas, Dendric Estate Winery is a short ten minute drive from the Slate Creek trail. Pack a lunch, pair it with some of their sparkling wine and take in the mountain views from the estate. And, of course, there are a plethora of options in downtown Park City. High West is just a short walk from Main Street. No Name Saloon is half way up and open for business along with many others worth visiting. You ride hard, you eat well, and you do it again the next morning. That’s the whole pitch.
Park City Summer Mountain Biking: Go Now
Deer Valley’s lift served season opened June 19. Conditions are good and the trails aren’t crowded. Slate Creek will challenge you conditioning and mettle in the best sort of way and is worth the short ride outside of town. Then, there is, of course, the plethora of food and beverage options après ride. Don’t sleep on it, this is the window and it’s worth taking advantage of.
About the Author
Rich Stoner is the founder of the après-ski lifestyle clothing and media brand, All About Après. He is also the co-host of the Après All Day Podcast. No stranger to the ski and après-ski scene, Rich has been a long time contributor for many publications on topics like skiing, travel, gear, beer and food. However, his passion is on the slopes and enjoying good times with good people. You can find him perfecting his craft carving turns and drinking beers in the Green Mountains of Vermont. @allaboutapres