Park City's lifeblood has always flowed from the surrounding peaks. More than a century ago, the mountains yielded rich veins of silver ore giving birth to one of the West's most robust mining towns. Today, Park City depends on the lure of its snow-covered slopes, which draw skiers worldwide. This spin through Park City and Deer Valley provides a good overview of the area's alpine beauty and historical roots.

The ride starts at City Park, where you can visit the Park City Library, listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. Originally built as the Miners Hospital in 1904, the structure was renovated in 1982.

Exit from the park, turning right (north) onto Park Avenue. Turn left at the traffic light and follow the route indicated on the map. You'll skirt the northeast corner of Park City Ski Area, wrap around the municipal golf course, cross Hwy 224 to Park Mead­ows, and loop around to Deer Valley Drive. Follow Deer Valley Drive to its juncture with Heber Avenue. (The longer option begins here.) Turn right onto Heber Avenue, then left onto historic Main Street where several mining-day buildings still stand. Turn around at the top of Main Street where it connects with Daly Avenue, return to Heber Avenue and locate the bike path next to The Depot, a former train station that now houses a restaurant. Follow the bike path along Poison Creek back to the library.

For a longer ride, stay on Deer Valley Drive at the junction with Heber Avenue and follow it to Deer Valley. You'll pass gingerbread houses, ancient miner shacks, luxurious homes and condominiums, and Deer Valley Resort's base facilities. Loop back to Heber Avenue as indicated on the map and continue as described above.

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