Located in Summit County, Park City is one of Utah's most famous cities. It's only a small city, located a short drive away from Salt Lake City and covering an area of 17.567 square miles, but it plays a huge part in Utah's economy and brings in over half a billion dollars to the state through tourism each and every year. The population of Park City is just over 8,300 people, but countless more visitors descend on the little resort city each and every year for various reasons, including one of the biggest independent film festivals in the world: the Sundance Film Festival.


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1. Park City History and Elevation

Park City History and Elevation


  • What makes Park City unique?
    • Movies have been shot in Park City, Olympic athletes train here often, and various companies are headquartered in this little Utah town too.
  • Who first discovered Park City?
    • The area that would one day become Park City was first spotted by Mormon Pioneers on the way to founding Salt Lake City. One of the Mormon leaders, Parley P. Pratt, liked the look of the area and helped to construct a road through it.
  • What was the original name of Park City?
    • Families start to settle there and their little settlement was given the name Parley's Park City, after Pratt.
  • When did the town change its name?
    • The town's name changed to simply Park City in the early 20th century.
  • Why did Park City become popular?
    • Over the years, as people saw the beautiful scenery and good skiing potential of the area, Park City began to surge in popularity.
  • What ski resorts helped Park City's popularity?
    • Major ski resorts like Deer Valley and Park City Mountain opened up, giving the town a huge boost and cementing its status as a key resort location.
  • What role did the Winter Olympics play in Park City's growth?
    • The 2002 Winter Olympics also held several events at Park City, thrusting this location further into the spotlight.
  • When did the Sundance Film Festival start in Park City?
    • The Sundance Film Festival started to base itself in Park City from 1981 onwards.

2. Elevation of Park City

Elevation of Park City


  • What is the elevation of Park City?
    • Park City has an elevation of 7,000 feet (2,000 m), which is very high compared to many other major cities all around the United States.
  • How does Park City's elevation compare to other major U.S. cities?
    • The three biggest cities in the United States have elevations of:
      • New York City: 33 feet (10 m)
      • Los Angeles: 285 feet (87 m)
      • Chicago: 594 feet (181 m)
    • Many American citizens live at elevations of 500 feet (152 m) or less, as many cities and major metropolitan areas are located near the coasts of the country.
  • What is Utah's average elevation?
    • Utah has a mean elevation of 6,100 feet (1,860 m), making it the third highest state in the U.S. behind Colorado and Wyoming.
  • How does Park City's elevation compare to Utah's average?
    • The elevation of Park City is almost a full thousand feet higher than the state’s average of 6,100 feet.
  • What is the highest point in Utah?
    • The highest point in the state of Utah is Kings Peak, with an elevation of 13,534 feet (4,125 m).
  • What is the lowest point in Utah?
    • The lowest point in the state is the Beaver Dam Wash, with an elevation of 2,180 feet (664 m).
  • What is the highest town in Utah?
    • The highest town in Utah is Brian Head, located in Iron County, with an elevation of 9,800 feet (2,987 m).
  • What are the elevations of other major Utah cities?
    • Salt Lake City: 4,226 feet (1,288 m)
    • West Valley City: 4,304 feet (1,312 m)
    • Provo: 4,551 feet (1,387 m)
    • West Jordan: 4,373 feet (1,333 m)
  • How does Park City's elevation compare to other Utah cities?
    • Compared to all of these Utah cities, Park City has a much higher elevation of 7,000 feet (2,000 m).

3. Park City Elevation, Climate and More

Park City Elevation, Climate and More


  • What is the climate like in Park City?
    • The climate in Park City is a humid continental climate, resulting in four distinct seasons with very cold and snowy winters and warm summers.
  • What are the temperature extremes in Park City?
    • Temperatures can reach highs of 82°F (28°C) in July, which is the hottest month of the year, and drop to as low as 12°F (-11°C) in January, which tends to be the coldest month of the year.
  • When does snow fall in Park City?
    • Snow falls heavily in Park City for several months of the year, typically from November through to April.
  • What activities and events can visitors enjoy in Park City?
    • As a resort town, Park City has a lot of different activities and events for visitors to enjoy. The Sundance Film Festival is a big draw for the city each year, attracting countless celebrities and stars from around the world.
  • Is skiing popular in Park City?
    • Skiing is very popular in this area, with two major ski resorts right nearby.
  • What other snow-based activities are available in Park City?
    • Other snow-based activities like snowboarding can also be enjoyed at Park City.
  • What other outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Park City?
    • Along with skiing and snowboarding, visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, golf, and more.

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