little boy in wheelchair next to sister - both are holding walking sticks and smiling at the camera. Big brother and mom stand behind the chair. All are standing on a paved trail by wetlands with the Park City Mountains in the background.
Accessible trails at Swaner Nature Preserve

Park City, Utah, is known worldwide as a ski town, having the nation’s largest ski resort, but it’s so much more than that. This charming town built around silver mining didn’t drift into a ghost town like other boom towns of the era. They shifted gears and blossomed into one of the world’s most renowned ski towns. 

Whether you’re visiting in winter for the powder or in summer for the sunshine, this mountain town offers a wealth of accessible attractions, restaurants, and accommodations that make it a fabulous destination for families like ours – any time of year.

On our most recent trip, we discovered that Park City shines year-round — with free family activities, wheelchair-friendly trails, and even Olympic-level entertainment. If you’ve been wondering whether Park City makes sense for your next accessible vacation, here’s everything you need to plan your trip.

When to Go

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Park City is truly an all-season destination. In the winter, it transforms into one of the country’s top ski towns, with adaptive skiing and other programs available through the National Ability Center. If you’re interested in skiing Park City specifically, check out my dedicated guide on adaptive skiing in Park City.

Winter also brings the Sundance Film Festival, the largest independent film festival in the U.S. Held every January, Sundance draws filmmakers, celebrities, and movie lovers from around the world — adding extra buzz and energy to Park City, with accessible screenings and events that make it easy to join the excitement. It could even be your chance for a celebrity sighting!

Don’t overlook summer in Park City — that’s when our family just visited, and it quickly became one of our favorite trips of the year. Accessible trails, interactive museums, and free events kept us busy for days, with plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the mountain air. The elevation and lack of humidity make it the perfect environment for endless outdoor play.

No matter when you go, you’ll find activities that work for every season, along with the adaptive programs at the National Ability Center that run year-round.

Why We Love Summer in Park City

  • Swaner Preserve: accessible wetlands trails + EcoCenter activities.
  • Park City Museum: hands-on history with silver mining fun.
  • Olympic Park: museums plus live athlete training!
  • Sunny mountain air, free activities, and family-friendly fun.

Navigating to and Around Park City with a Wheelchair

wheelchair ramp is unfolding from red trolley while boy in wheelchair waits with his arms on his wheels, ready to go
Using the free, accessible Park City trolley

Flying into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is the easiest way to get to Park City. From there, it’s just a 40-minute drive up the mountains. 

You can rent an accessible van from the airport, or catch an accessible shuttle, bus, or rideshare. I suggest you check with your hotel, first – many offer shuttle service from the airport.

Once you’re in Park City, you’ll find that accessibility is thoughtfully built into the transportation systems. The city bus is free, wheelchair accessible, has a variety of pick up locations, and runs year round. I wasn’t able to find an accessible Uber, but there were Wave options. You may find you don’t need to keep a vehicle with you to get around.

Things to Do in Accessible Park City

Since our last accessible trip to Park City was all about the adaptive skiing, I wasn’t sure what else they had to fill our days without any snow. Now, I’m not sure how we’ll make time for skiing when there’s so much more to do!

Accessible Nature at Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter

Tucked behind a shopping center, the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter was a delightful surprise (the woman at the front desk assured me the preserve was there, first). 

little girl and little boy in a foam bird's nest that they built. Little boy is wearing an owl costume. Both children are smiling at the camera.
Playing in the EcoCenter
Three children look through binoculars. The boy in the center, in a wheelchair, is looking towards the camera. His brother and sister are looking off to opposite sides. the wetlands are behind them, and the mountains are in the distance.
Accessible wetland views

We started inside enjoying the library and quiet nature-based activities. Then we picked up our free adventure backpacks with binoculars, books, and adventure gear to help us identify birds and critters. We took the boardwalk over the wetlands, strolled the accessible trail, and took the elevator up to the wheelchair-friendly observation tower. Back inside the EcoCenter, the kids built, created, and imagined their way through interactive exhibits. We were there on a weekend, so we were also able to take advantage of their $5 rock wall climbing. We stayed until the doors were locked, but we could’ve played longer.

Wheelchair Friendly Fun at Park City Museum

Pretending to blast dynamite and drill in the mountain for silver? Easy kid-win. 

three kids with arms around each other making goofy faces in front of a red stagecoach.
Accessible museum fun
Two boys push down the handle to blow the dynamite while mom and sister hold their ears
Blasting dynamite – it’s loud!
gondola hangs from the ceiling above an old fashioned store front. Kids in the foreground are looking at the scene over the balcony.
Park City through the ages

The Park City Museum tells the story of Park City’s transformation from a silver mining town to a world-class ski destination. The interactive exhibits kept the kids engaged – they had a blast working their way through the city’s history. We were able to roll inside the old jail, complete with enthralling video stories of some of its inmates. The museum is mostly wheelchair accessible (the welcome video plays in a trolley that is up a few stairs, but you can see the video from the outside), and it’s right in the heart of downtown.

Kids are free, which makes it another budget-friendly Park City option. If you do this before roaming downtown, it will give your kids a better appreciation of the old buildings in town.

Watch the U.S. Olympic Team at Utah Olympic Park

Two boys, one in a wheelchair, and their sister hold the olympic torch.
Holding the torch
Man on skis upside down in the air over water.
Flying skiers

Utah Olympic Park was absolutely unforgettable. We got to watch members of the U.S. Olympic Team practicing their ski jumps – without a ticket to the winter games. There were a couple of accessible viewing platforms – all with equally impressive views. Admission to the park and its two museums is free. The lower level museum is dedicated to the history of skiing. The second floor museum is accessible by elevator and highlights the Olympic Winter Games that took place in Park City. Both museums were easy to navigate on wheels. There are also add-on activities available to extend your day with anything from a scenic chair ride up the mountain to zooming down in a bobsled. Activities vary in accessibility options. I would highly recommend calling ahead to confirm what you’re able to do.

Jenn and three kids smile at the camera with a street view of Park City below
Accessible Park City view from the bridge

Rolling Accessible Downtown Park City

Strolling downtown is a must. Between the boutiques, coffee shops, and galleries, there’s plenty to enjoy. About 50% of the buildings are accessible from the front, and most of the rest can be entered from Swede Alley. 

Dolly’s Bookstore has become a family favorite. Enter through the chocolate shop, cozy up with a book, and stock up for the flight home.

There are over 20 galleries along Main Street to wow you with world famous art and photography.

Main Street is famously steep, but don’t let that discourage you. We’ve done both up and down with our manual chair, but we’ve also picked up a few hacks that make it easier.

  • The trolley is both free and wheelchair accessible, making it a great way to save energy on hills. Start your journey at the top of Main Street and then catch the trolley at the bottom for a free ride back up.
  • Elevator access to the upper level of Main Street is available at 825 Main St.
  • If you encounter steps at storefronts, you can usually access the businesses from the rear via Swede Alley. Use the ramped throughways behind Dolly’s Bookstore or at the transportation circle crossover.
preteen boy and little sister on ski lift bench on the sidewalk. Boy in wheelchair hangs on the end pretending to be screaming through the air. "Ski" sign in the background.
The ski town vibes flow strong all year
boy in wheelchair absorbed in a book in the bookstore aisle. Little sister in foreground reading in armchair.
Dolly’s has become one of our favorite book stores
Boy in wheelchair with little on his left and his mom behind them. All three have ice cream cones in hand and smiles on their faces.
We enjoyed ice cream at both Java Cow and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Both are delicious. The Chocolate Factory is much easier to navigate

It’s a charming downtown with a historic feel, and an essential part of the Park City experience.

Where to Eat in Accessible Park City

The natural follow-up to Main Street is Park City’s culinary scene! There are endless options right on Main St, but the foodie delights extend to the mountain and beyond.

Here are our favorites accessible restaurants in Park City:

Yuki Yama

Boy in wheelchair orders at eye-level black counter. Sister looks on from the side. Counter is crowded with beef jerky and other snacks and three menu boards hang overhead.
Pick me ups at Atticus

Yuki Yama is in the heart of Park City’s adorable downtown. It’s won all of the awards, and with good reason. The sushi recipes are innovative and fresh. Accessible seating at the counter. You can also roll up to the table ends with a manual chair. Accessible restrooms on site.

Atticus Coffee and Tea House

Atticus is more of a coffee and treat stop, but they offer diverse, delicious, and healthy options. It’s locally owned, has a cute shop and sofas inside, and a percentage of everything they make goes back to local causes. Atticus is also right along Main St. Accessible restroom available. Outdoor dining is your best option for accessible seating.

Salt Box

two biscuits, scrambled eggs, pancake with red jelly on top and syrup beside, sliced avocado, two slices of bacon, and a hash brown cake
Breakfast at Salt Box
cappuccino with cocoa on top. Cactus in the background on the cafe table

Salt Box takes you off of Main St, but it’s right behind our hotel of choice, making it a super easy option. Their local, sustainable, organic ingredients are paired with over the top welcoming customer service, making it an overall unforgettable dining experience. Salt Box is the perfect brunch destination, so you can try a bit of everything. Spacious, accessible restroom.

Vessel Kitchen

Vessel Kitchen is at the top of my list in all categories. The restaurant is wheelchair-friendly with spacious access and accessible restrooms. Meals are scratch-made with fresh, local ingredients, offering both creative dishes for adults and kid-friendly favorites. Allergy-conscious diners will also find plenty of safe options. Conveniently located near the mountain, it delivers great taste without the usual resort prices.

Baja Cantina

Plate of shredded beef, french fries, coleslaw, and salad. Boy and girl eating nachos in background.
Deliciousness at Baja Cantina, right on the mountain

Baja Cantina was so good we ate here twice on one trip. It’s right on the mountain, so easy to hit for a quick lunch or before heading back at the end of the day. They don’t have accessible restrooms, but there are other restroom options on the mountain, and the NAC building is close by. Gluten free menu options.

 Quick Guide: Accessible Dining in Park City

  • Vessel Kitchen – fresh, allergy-friendly, easy to navigate.
  • Baja Cantina – casual Mexican, mountain-side convenience.
  • Yuki Yama – award-winning sushi, fully accessible.
  • Atticus Coffee & Tea House – coffee, treats, and a cause.
  • The Saltbox – hearty, fresh, and wheelchair friendly.

Where to Stay in Accessible Park City

Roll in shower with bench, grab bars, and moveable handle.
Shower chair folds down in easy reach from controls, shower head, and dispensers
roll under sink, shelf, and toilet in corner with grab bars on both sides
Spacious layout for easy rolling
three kids and mom laughing in steam room. wheelchair parked on the side.
We may or may not have had karaoke in the steam room

We stayed at The Sheraton Park City, and it was a fantastic choice for accessibility and family comfort. The Sheraton Park City Hotel is perfectly located in Prospector Square – just minutes from the ski lifts or Historic Main Street. We especially appreciated the:

  • Accessible Rooms: Grab bars both beside and behind the toilet, a roll-under sink, spacious layout, and a roll-in shower with a built-in bench.
  • Amenities: A fabulous pool area with chair lifts (though the pool lift wasn’t working during our stay, the hot tub lift was). There’s also an accessible steam room — something you don’t often find.
  • Family Fun: The on-site game room was a hit with our crew. It had foosball, Xbox, arcade games, and shuffleboard. This was a great space for sibling fun while we took care of medical routines in the room.
  • Dining: An accessible on-site restaurant makes meals easy if you want to relax in the evening or get an early start to your day. It’s also an easy stroll to multiple off-site restaurants.
Boy in wheelchair with arm around brother, whose other arm is around sister. All three smile at camera with a ski lift heading up the green mountain behind them. Sun on their faces.
The Park City lift operates year round, but you’ll want the Red Pine Gondola for bringing your chair up to accessible trails

Final Thoughts: Accessible Park City for Families

Our family has fallen in love with Park City for its mix of natural beauty, family-friendly attractions, thoughtful accessibility, and outdoor adventure opportunities. I’m grateful we’ve been able to experience it in both winter and summer to see all it has to offer for everyone, anytime.

The accessible fun built into Park City, the Swaner Preserve, and Olympic Park, combined with the adaptive options through the National Ability Center, make Park City the perfect accessible vacation destination.

Top Accessible Travel Tips for Park City

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  • Start at the top of Main Street and ride the free, wheelchair-accessible trolley back up.
  • Use the 825 Main St. elevator for easy upper-level access.
  • For shops with stairs, look for ramped entries via Swede Alley.
  • Plan a stop at Utah Olympic Park — watching Olympians train is free and fully accessible!
  • Don’t miss the Sheraton’s accessible steam room — a rare find in hotels.