Park City will officially open a new seven-mile historic mine route on Sept. 7 during the annual Miners Day celebration, a project designed to connect hikers, bikers, and chairlift riders to 24 historic mining sites. The initiative, a multi-year effort by the Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History, aims to preserve the region's distinct silver mining heritage through an interactive, GPS-guided experience.
A Loop Through Mining History
The new trail serves as an open-air museum, connecting Park City's recreational trail system with the history of the miners, families, immigrants, and entrepreneurs who built the community. The route begins at the Park City Museum, climbs Treasure Hill on Park City Mountain to the Silver King Mining Complex, continues down through Empire Canyon, and returns to the museum via Main Street.
Interactive Audio Experience
The project includes an interactive component via the TravelStorys app, a GPS-guided audio tour. As visitors approach designated locations, 24 audio narratives—each lasting two to three minutes—will automatically play on their phones. These narratives, which feature a professional narrator, are informed by a group of experts including mining engineers, geologists, paleontologists, and local history experts.
Preserving Landmark Structures
The Silver King Mining Complex is featured as one of the primary sites along the route. The route also includes the Silver King Coalition Mine Headframe, a 1926 structure that underwent a multiyear preservation effort following a mine shaft collapse. This headframe is located within a 32-acre National Historic District and remains one of the most prominent surviving structures from Park City's mining era.
Collaborative Funding Efforts
The development of the route was a collaborative, multi-year initiative. According to KPCW, the project cost approximately $220,000, with over 90% of the funding provided by state, federal, county, and local grants. The project began planning in spring 2025 after the Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History received grants from the Park City Rotary, the Central Wasatch Commission, and Utah Outdoor Recreation.
Accessibility and Route Options
The trail offers different levels of accessibility for various visitors. While the primary route is seven miles long, a ten-mile variation is available for bikers. For those seeking a less strenuous excursion, visitors can take the Town Lift or the Payday Express chairlift directly to the Silver King Mine Complex.
Infrastructure and Land Use
The installation of the route's infrastructure is nearly complete, with 11 interpretive signs and 80 wayfinding signs featuring the project's signature green logo being installed along the path. The route utilizes a mostly existing network of public trails maintained by the Mountain Trails Foundation and crosses preservation easements held by the Summit Land Conservancy.
Preserving Community Identity
Colleen Logan, co-chair of the Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History, stated that the organization's foundation is to preserve the area's silver mining heritage so the city does not become "just another resort town." She noted that the heritage is what makes the community distinct.
