One of the most amazing things about spending the summer months in Park City is the chance to get outside and encounter Utah’s vibrant fauna. When observing from a safe and respectful distance, you can discover some of the most extraordinary animals around our scenic mountain setting. Here is a guide to just a few of the special creatures you might encounter during your time here.
Elk
Rocky Mountain elk can grow to weigh about 500 pounds and stand as tall as five feet at the shoulder. During the warm summer months, elk migrate up to higher mountain elevations due to their large size and heavy coat. If you’re lucky, you can often find a herd of elk migrating at dusk from the farm by the iconic White Barn in Park City, crossing 224 and making their way to Round Valley.
Moose
Moose can be spotted year-round throughout the Park City area. The state of Utah is home to over 2,500 of them, and they are particularly common in the Wasatch Range. They are the largest members of the deer family, growing as big as 1,500 pounds and standing as tall as seven feet high.
Yellow-Bellied Marmots
These furry little fellows hibernate underground during the winter months. Once it becomes warmer out and the snow melts away, they can be seen popping out of their burrows to explore once again, so summer offers the best time frame to see them for yourself. They’re quite vocal as well, so you might hear them chirping during a hike or bike ride!
Golden Eagle
With its dark brown plumage and keen eyesight, the Golden Eagle is one of the largest and fastest birds of prey in all of North America. Growing up to three feet in length with a wingspan of six to seven feet, the Golden Eagle is so powerful that it’s been seen attacking large mammals like bears and coyotes.
