As soon as the grass replaces the snow on the slopes, mountain biking and hiking enthusiasts know it's time to tune up their bikes, lace up their hiking boots and head for the hills surrounding Park City. With over 100 miles of public trails available to explore by bike, foot or on horseback, visitors can enjoy an endless choice of mountain excursions, ranging from mellow, scenic strolls, to the adrenaline-raising thrills our steeper terrain can provide. Either way, guests love the easy access into the bounties of nature that make Park City's landscape such a cherished summer destination for so many.

"What makes Park City so unique for mountain biking," says Troy Duffin, executive director of the town's Mountain Trails Foundation, "is that you can access most of our trails from town, without ever having to get in a car."

All three of Park City's ski resorts offer mountain biking and hiking. Deer Valley Resort regularly hosts national and international mountain bike competitions on their slopes. They apply the same white glove touch their ski product is known for to their fully developed mountain bike program. Deer Valley offers chairlift access (hang your bike from a hook on the side) to over 50 miles of single- and double-track trails for the beginner to the advanced mountain biker. Open mid-June through mid-September (conditions permitting), guests can purchase lift tickets, rent equipment and even sign up for lessons or tours at the Sterling Lift located near Silver Lake Village, mid-mountain at the resort. The lift accesses all trails and is open Wednesday through Sunday and holidays, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., weather permitting. The cost is $15 per person for an all-day pass and $8 for a single-ride pass. For mountain bikers who prefer cycling up the mountain, trails are open for the purpose at no cost. Hikers can also take the lift for $7 per ride and then either hike or ride the lift back down after taking in the majestic scenery.

View the weathered mine buildings and historic relics on Park City Mountain Resort's 27 miles of trail open to mountain biking and hiking enthusiasts. New this summer, the Resort will open their PayDay Chairlift to offer scenic rides and mountain biking and hiking access. Also new this summer is the opening of the Spiro Trail, encompassing three miles and a 1,140' elevation! Last year the resort added five new designated biking and hiking trails including: Silver King Loop, Scott's Pass Trail, Thaynes/Jupiter Loop, Walker/Webster Trails and Wasatch Crest Rail Access. A free summer trail map is available at the resort.

Park City Mountain Resort also opens the King Road to bikers and hikers each summer. A former mining route, the road is accessible from the area's southern end, just up from Park City's historic Main Street. Skilled mountain bikers will enjoy the challenge of Sweeney Switchbacks and the Shadow Lake Loop trails, both accessible from Park City's "Old Town" area.

The Canyons, Park City's newest resort, also offers mountain biking and has prepared its trails for both recreational and competitive use. Although there's no lift-served mountain biking or hiking, guests are welcome to enjoy The Canyons' gentle or challenging slopes for either biking or hiking at no charge.

If you want to span all three ski resorts in one day, try the locals' favorite: the Ridge Ride. Two new town trails will open this summer: eight miles of gentle rolling hills in the Round Valley area, located near the intersection of highways 40 and 248, and the Quarry Mountain Trail off of Highway 224, meandering by streams and through some of Park City's most picturesque pastureland.

Park City's Rail Trail bicycle route opened in the fall of 1992 with 29 miles of public trail. Rails-to-Trails is a nationwide program converting abandoned rail lines for multi-use recreational purposes. The trail is open not only for fat-tire bikes, but for horseback riding, jogging and nature walks as well. On-road cyclists will enjoy scenic rides through Park City's historic district, or on the country roads that meander through nearby farming communities.

A number of Park City sporting goods stores and bicycle shops rent bicycles and helmets, and provide mountain biking/hiking trail maps, lessons, public rides and advice. Prices for bike rentals range from $15 for one-half day to $25 for a full day. A number of local hotels also provide mountain bike rentals on site for their guests.

Mountain bike enthusiasts of all levels shouldn't miss the Park City Pedalfest on June 19, or the NORBA National Mountain Bike Races at Deer Valley, July 22-25.

A free Park City Biking/Hiking Guide, complete with descriptions of mountain bike rides and trail maps, is available at locations throughout Park City and Salt Lake City. For a copy of the map, a list of biking and hiking events, or for more information on Park City's hiking and biking, call the Park City Chamber & Visitors Bureau.