Explore the elevation of Park City—perched at 7,000 feet in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, this high-altitude resort town combines world-class skiing, mountain scenery, and film festivals into a beloved year-round destination known for its stunning elevation and alpine charm.
Table of Contents
Where is Park City?
- Location: Park City is located in Summit County, Utah, just a short drive east of Salt Lake City.
City Profile
- Nickname: Known as Utah's premier resort town and host of the Sundance Film Festival.
- Fame: Famous for skiing, film, and Olympic history.
- Population: Just over 8,300 residents live in the city year-round.
- Size rank: Small in area (17.5 sq mi), but huge in cultural and economic impact.
Elevation Basics
- City elevation: Park City is located at 7,000 feet (2,000 m) above sea level.
- State comparison: Utah’s average elevation is 6,100 feet (1,860 m), making Park City significantly higher.
- Early name: Originally called Parley’s Park City, after Mormon pioneer Parley P. Pratt.
- Name change: Shortened to just Park City in the early 20th century.
- Tourism boost: Popularity surged due to its scenic setting and skiing potential.
- Major resorts: Home to Park City Mountain and Deer Valley.
- Olympic spotlight: Hosted events during the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Must-Know Elevation Facts
- How high is Park City? Park City is at 7,000 feet (2,000 m), much higher than most U.S. cities.
- U.S. city comparison:
- New York City: 33 feet (10 m)
- Los Angeles: 285 feet (87 m)
- Chicago: 594 feet (181 m)
- Utah average elevation: 6,100 feet (1,860 m), third highest state behind Colorado and Wyoming.
- Park City vs. state average: About 900 feet higher than the Utah average.
- Highest point in Utah: Kings Peak at 13,534 feet (4,125 m).
- Lowest point in Utah: Beaver Dam Wash at 2,180 feet (664 m).
- Highest town in Utah: Brian Head, at 9,800 feet (2,987 m).
- Other 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)
- Comparison: Park City is significantly higher than other major cities in the state.
Climate and Tourism
- Climate type: Park City has a humid continental climate.
- Summer temperatures: Average highs of 82°F (28°C) in July.
- Winter lows: Average lows of 12°F (-11°C) in January.
- Snowfall: Heavy snowfall from November through April.
- Biggest event: The Sundance Film Festival, drawing global film industry attention annually.
- Skiing & Snowboarding: Major winter sports hub with top-tier slopes.
- Year-round activities: Also offers hiking, cycling, golf, and summer festivals.
Plan Your Trip