From summer mountain adventures in Park City to upcoming off-road excursions in Richfield, Utah is preparing for a busy season of outdoor recreation and community celebrations. While Deer Valley Resort begins its summer operations this week, federal officials have also opened a window for public input regarding potential oil and gas leasing in the state.
Deer Valley Summer Operations
Deer Valley Resort announced that its summer operations officially began on June 19, 2026. The resort is offering scenic chairlift rides that provide views of the Uinta and Wasatch Mountains. Visitors can use the Silver Lake Express to reach Silver Lake Village or board the Sterling Express at mid-mountain to access the top of Bald Mountain.
Summer Promotions and Hiking
As part of its summer programming, Deer Valley is offering a promotion where children ages 12 and under receive one free scenic lift ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket. The resort also provides access to various hiking trails throughout the mountain area.
Music For the Mines Concert
In Park City, the Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History will host its second annual "Music For the Mines" dueling pianos concert on July 1. The event, featuring performers Rich Wyman and Killer Keyz, will take place at the Pendry Hotel from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Preserving Mining Heritage
Proceeds from the evening are intended to fund the preservation of the Thaynes mine complex. The event includes heavy appetizers, valet parking, and an open bar, with all proceeds benefiting the mining heritage project.
Oil and Gas Leasing Input
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has initiated a 30-day public scoping period to gather input on 44 oil and gas parcels. These parcels, totaling 74,664 acres, may be included in a lease sale scheduled for December 2026.
Leasing Details and Public Comments
The parcels under consideration are located within Uintah, Carbon, Grand, and San Juan counties. The public has until July 16, 2026, to submit comments via the BLM’s ePlanning website. If approved, the leasing process would serve as the initial step for potential development of federal energy resources in these areas.
Looking toward the fall, the Rocky MTN Jamboree is scheduled to take place in Richfield from September 14 through September 18, 2026. The event highlights Utah’s trail systems, including the Gooseberry and Paiute trails.
The jamboree schedule includes a light parade on Main Street during the evening of September 14, as well as guided rides throughout the week. A closing dinner provided by the Richfield Lions Club will conclude the festivities on September 18.
Other regional community events include a potluck in Helper, Utah, scheduled for July 5, 2026. Presented by Helper City, the America250 Potluck will take place at 134 South Main Street from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
In Hanksville, recent town council activity has focused on community development and safety. Public notices from the town indicate that residents can review meeting minutes regarding local traffic safety, development proposals, and preparations for the 2026 Hanksville Independence Day Parade.
Salt Lake County continues to manage extensive recreational infrastructure, including regional parks, trails, and the Wheeler Historic Farm. The county's Parks & Recreation department maintains various year-round programs, including indoor and outdoor pools, ice rinks, and golf courses.
