Bonanza Flat | Park City

Hiking Bonanza Flat - Park City Hiking Bonanza Flat

Park City

Overview

RATING: Easy Hike
MAPS: BRIGHTON, UT

Fri

Sunny. High near 45, with temperatures falling to around 41 in the afternoon. West northwest wind around 3 mph.

45 | 31

Sat

Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

48 | 31

Sun

Sunny, with a high near 52.

52 | 34

Mon

Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.

53 | 36

Tue

Sunny, with a high near 49.

49 | 35

View Full Weather Details
SEASON: Summer Fall. (Closed Oct 1 - July 1)
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: Bring all you need.

Fri

Sunny. High near 45, with temperatures falling to around 41 in the afternoon. West northwest wind around 3 mph.

45 | 31

Sat

Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

48 | 31

Sun

Sunny, with a high near 52.

52 | 34

Mon

Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.

53 | 36

Tue

Sunny, with a high near 49.

49 | 35

View Full Weather Details
Stunning colors in September at Bonanza Flat

Stunning colors in September at Bonanza Flat

The Bonanza Flat Loop Trial Trail has a few things going against it. The trail is only open three months of the year, parking can be a nightmare, and as a hiker you have to contend with a constant stream of mountain bikers. So what makes this trail so popular? The answer was clear when I went in late September—the amazing fall colors! If you are patient and want to see some stunning aspen in all their yellow and orange, this is a hike worth doing.

Logistics
There is limited parking at Bonanza Flat and it isn’t uncommon to have several cars waiting for a spot. Fortunately, there is decent turnover in vehicles because some people just come to take photos for a half hour instead of going on a hike or bike ride. Parking cost $8 per hour in 2025. I thought 2 hours would be plenty of time to finish the loop, but I spent more time taking photos than I expected. I got a text letting me know I only had 15 minutes left and hustled to finish up the hike. I recommend taking the free shuttle up from Park City if possible to avoid the whole parking scene. Alternatively, you could check out the Park City webcam to see how crazy things are, though it might just make you discouraged.

History: In 2017 the land was under threat of development, but was saved through a coalition of city, county, state entities, nonprofits, and public contributions, including a $25 million bond from residents and $13 million more to close the funding gap. A detailed management framework - including a conservation easement and an adaptive management plan approved in 2020 - divides the land into three management zones (Headwaters, Backcountry, Frontcountry). These guide how the land is used, what’s permitted versus prohibited, and lay out monitoring and review processes to ensure the area’s natural values are preserved long‐term.
Stunning yellows along the trail in September.

Stunning yellows along the trail in September.

Getting There

From Park Ctiy, take UT-224 S/Marsac Ave heading south. This is the main road that heads south, up and over the mountain to Big Cottonwood Canyon or Wasatach State Park/Heber City. Follow this road up and over the pass. From the pass which is about 5 miles from downtown Park City, continue about a half mile. The Bonanza Flat Parking area is on the left. You are NOT allowed to park along the road here, only in the parking area.

Nice orange leaves near one of the road crossings.

Nice orange leaves near one of the road crossings.

Route

Start the loop on the east side of the parking lot, where a sign indicates that clockwise is the preferred direction for hikers. You will pretty quickly cross a road and descend into a beautiful aspen stand. After 25 or so minutes, you will come to a marked junction with the Lil Quakers Loop. Follow the sign to continue straight on the loop trail. Cross a wooden bridge a few minutes after the junction and then a second one about 15 minutes later.

The trail starts to loop back towards the main road and crosses another bridge. After this, continue to follow the trail markers to avoid any confusion with several roads and wide tracks. The last such junction will take you across a dirt road next to a locked gate. Shortly before you return to the parking lot, you will pass a junction with Bloods Lake and Lil Quakers Loop where you should continue straight. Enjoy the beautiful views as you continue up to the parking area.


Maps

Route / 5.33 miles / Elevation Range 8,670 - 9,114 ft.
Printable Maps:

Bonanza Flat Trailhead

12T 456179E 4495131N

40°36'21"N 111°31'05"W

BLT - Little Quakies Jct

12T 455450E 4494588N

40°36'03"N 111°31'36"W

Jct - Straight

12T 454878E 4495196N

40°36'23"N 111°32'00"W

Jct - Cross Dirt Road

12T 455141E 4495371N

40°36'29"N 111°31'49"W

Jct - BLT Straight

12T 455407E 4495195N

40°36'23"N 111°31'38"W

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