Is the Utah Olympic Park Worth Visiting in the Summer? (2026)
The Utah Olympic Park offers warm-weather thrills you genuinely can’t get anywhere else — bobsleds, ski-jump tubing, and ziplines down the side of a mountain — but most of the good stuff comes at a steep price. So is the Utah Olympic Park worth visiting in the summer? Short version: yes, if you’re into the activities and not dragging along very young kids. Here’s everything we learned the day we went, plus what’s changed for 2026.
Is the Utah Olympic Park Worth Visiting in the Summer?: Quick Verdict
- Worth it? Yes, for active families with kids who are tall enough and don’t hate heights. Skip it if you’re traveling with toddlers expecting to ride along.
- What’s free: entry, parking, two museums, hiking, and watching Olympic athletes train.
- What costs money: the alpine slide, extreme tubing, ziplines, ropes courses, air bag jumps, and the bobsled — the whole reason to come.
- Best value: the all-day Summer Gold Pass, which bundles most thrill activities into one wristband.
- Biggest 2026 change: pricing is now dynamic (“Plan Ahead Pricing”) — book early and you pay less. The old fixed session prices are gone.
- Time needed: at least half a day for activities; two hours or less if you’re just walking around.
1. What is it?
2. Where is the Olympic Park?
3. When Can You Visit?
4. How Long Do You Need?
5. How Much is Utah Olympic Park?
6. You Can Find Olympic Park Discounts
7. What Can Kids Do at the Utah Olympic Park?
8. There Are Ways to Maximize Your Time
9. You Can Try an Airbag Jump
10. You Can Ride the Utah Olympic Park Alpine Slide
11. There is Extreme Tubing in Utah Olympic Park
12. You Can Use Ziplines at Utah Olympic Park
13. There Are Ropes Courses
14. You Can Ride in a Bobsled at Utah Olympic Park
15. You Can Take a Tour of the Property
16. There Are Free Museums
17. You Can Hike for Free
18. There is a Free Playground
19. You May Be Able to Watch Athletes Train
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Is the Utah Olympic Park Worth Visiting in the Summer?
1. What is Utah Olympic Park?
The 400-acre park was built for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Rather than leaving the property abandoned and ripe for haunting (I’m looking at you, Berlin), the city turned it into a seemingly profitable tourist attraction. It worked out: Park City is slated to host events here again at the 2034 Winter Olympics, so the place is very much still alive.
So what is there to do at Utah Olympic Park? The property offers free hiking trails, play areas, two museums, and the chance to watch Olympic athletes train.
It also offers a pile of paid experiences for thrill seekers, including a bobsled and several ziplines. Nearly all of them require you to be reasonably fit, most require a chairlift ride to get to, and a few require you to step on a scale (to make sure you won’t die).
2. Where is Olympic Park in Utah?
The Olympic Park address is 3419 Olympic Parkway, Park City, Utah 84098. You can reach it from Salt Lake City in under an hour, which makes it an easy day trip if you’re already in the area. There are plenty of nearby hotels to choose from.
There is no onsite dining, but you can reach several restaurants within minutes. If you’re making a Park City weekend of it, this pairs nicely with our take on whether the nearby Eccles Dinosaur Park is worth visiting.
Pro tip: There is free onsite parking, which in 2026 is practically a unicorn.
3. When Can You Visit?
The property is open year round, but the summer activities run on a seasonal schedule — roughly mid-May into the fall. In 2026, summer activities are slated to begin May 22. There are multiple sessions throughout the day, and the lineup of what’s open shifts as the season changes, so check the Utah Olympic Park schedule before you go.
Pro tip: There is almost no shelter from the sun up there. Don’t forget sunscreen. We learned this the pink, peeling way.
Bonus pro tip: Check the weather before you go. If there’s lightning or strong wind within five miles of the property, everything shuts down for at least 30 minutes. That’s a lot of dead time when you’re in the middle of a timed session — and you can’t get a refund for it.
4. How Long Do You Need?
If you plan to do the activities, give yourself at least half a day. The Summer Gold Pass effectively runs all day (sessions have run roughly 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), and you’ll want the time to get through the lines.
If you just want to walk around, see the museums, and watch the athletes, you can easily be done in two hours or less.
5. How Much is Utah Olympic Park?
The property is free to enter. Several things cost nothing — the museums, hiking, and watching Olympic athletes train. The best things to do at Utah Olympic Park, however, come at an extra charge.
Here’s the big change since we first visited: pricing is now dynamic. The park calls it “Plan Ahead Pricing,” and the rules are simple — book early and you pay less, because prices only go up as the date approaches, never down. The all-day Summer Gold Pass (the unlimited wristband) has started as low as around $80 for early bookers, and individual activity tickets have been running about $35 each. Those are ballpark figures from 2026; the exact price depends on the date you pick, so check current pricing before you book.
Bottom line: unless you’re dead set on doing exactly one thing, the Gold Pass is the way to go. At roughly $35 a pop for single tickets, you’ll blow past the pass price after two or three activities.
6. There Are Ways to Save
Book Early (“Plan Ahead Pricing”) Is the #1 Savings Move
Because prices climb as your date nears and never drop, the single best thing you can do is book your Gold Pass as far out as you can. It costs nothing to plan ahead, and it’s the most reliable discount the park offers.
Note: The Gold Pass is the unlimited option; single-activity tickets are sold separately. If you can commit to a date, the pass almost always wins on value.
Utah Residents Get a Walk-Up Locals Discount
If you have a valid Utah ID, you can get a locals discount on the Gold Pass — reportedly in the $10 to $15 range — by buying in person at the Quinney Welcome Center. It’s walk-up only and varies by date, so don’t count on it for a specific dollar amount, but it’s free money if you live in the state.
Salt Lake Connect Attractions Pass
Visiting multiple tourist attractions? The Salt Lake Connect Pass includes your choice of one ropes adventure course (Discovery, Canyon, or Summit) at Utah Olympic Park, plus discounts at a bunch of other spots — including the Clark Planetarium and the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. If you’re hitting several attractions, it can pay for itself fast.
Third-Party Deals (Groupon, Costco, Groups)
You can sometimes find deals on passes through Groupon, and Costco has periodically offered Utah Olympic Park passes too. Group rates and advance-booking discounts may also be available — these come and go, so check current offers rather than assuming a specific deal is still live.
7. What Can Kids Do?
Is there anything for kids to do at Utah Olympic Park? That depends. How tall are they?
Young kids will be able to be bored walk through the museum, watch the athletes train, and hike — if you don’t mind that it’s a very steep drop down the side of the mountain should they fall. They will not, however, get to enjoy the best this property has to offer.
Elementary-aged kids who don’t mind heights are good to go. They can participate in the majority of the activities. If you’re traveling with little ones who’d be happier somewhere built for them, our theme park travel tips for little kids are a better starting point.
8. How Can You Maximize Your Day?
Activities are timed — you don’t get open access all day. So don’t waste a minute of it.
Before You Arrive
A little prep saves a lot of time:
- Buy your pass and sign the online waiver ahead of time so you’re not doing paperwork on the clock.
- Pull up an Olympic Park map to get your bearings.
- Wear close-toed shoes — they’re required for most activities, and it’d be a real shame to need a Target run mid-session.
- Leave the bags behind. There are no lockers, and bags aren’t allowed on any of the activities, so don’t bring anything you aren’t willing to leave in the car.
Is Utah Olympic Park dog friendly? You can bring your dog to the outdoor areas, but not inside the buildings or around the activities. Don’t bring your pet if it’ll ruin your day.
Check-in
Arrive early. Even if you bought your tickets ahead of time, you’ll still need to check in and get a wristband.
There’s a bit of a walk from the parking area to the activities. If you’re strapped for time, friendly men on golf carts will shuttle you over for free.
During the Activities
Wait times are posted at each attraction. If you see a long line, go do something else and circle back. If you’re not sure where to go, ask an employee — they’ll point you in the right direction.
The Extreme Zipline tends to build a long line right at opening, so don’t make it your first stop. And if you’re already in line for an activity when your session ends, you still get to go — they won’t kick you out.
9. You Can Try the Utah Olympic Park Airbag Jump
The Air Bag Jump (you’ll also see it styled “Air Bag Jumps”) lets you leap off a platform onto a giant bag of air — think bounce house, but with a running start. You’ll need to weigh in to participate. It’s typically a peak-season inclusion on the Gold Pass, so it may not be running every week of the season.
Minimum age: 5
Weight requirement: weigh-in required — confirm current limits at check-in
Included with the Gold Pass: Yes, during peak season
10. There is an Alpine Slide
The Alpine Slide is a long ride down the side of the mountain on a cart. You steer and control your own speed, with signs warning you to slow down before the curves. It’s possible to fly off the track, but unlikely if you aren’t acting like a clown.
Note: This is single-rider only for anyone 48″ and taller. Your tall seven-year-old cannot ride with you — he or she has to drive down the side of the mountain alone. Shorter guests ride with an adult.
Utah Olympic Park height requirement: 48″ to drive alone
Included with the Gold Pass: Yes
11. Utah Olympic Park Extreme Tubing is Not for the Faint of Heart
Utah Olympic Park tubing. Is. Crazy.
Really.
The hills are so steep you cannot fully appreciate the insanity until you’re standing in front of them.
Those hills are Nordic ski jumps in the winter. In the summer, they send people zipping down on tubes at speeds that feel like roughly 50 miles per hour. An employee told me this was one of the safer activities on the property. I do not see how that’s possible. It seems like a small miracle every time a rider does not launch off the end.
Note: You must wear a helmet for this one.
Minimum age: 10 on the lower hill, 13 on the upper one
Included with the Gold Pass: Yes
12. There Are Ziplines at Utah Olympic Park
The property offers several ziplines, and you’ll need to step on a scale to ride most of them.
Utah Olympic Park Extreme Zipline
The Extreme Zipline sends you down the side of the mountain in a chair at what feels like about 50 miles per hour.
Pro tip: This line builds early during the Gold Pass sessions. Do not start here.
Note: weigh-in required — confirm current weight limits at check-in
Included with the Gold Pass: Yes
Utah Olympic Park Freestyle Zipline
The Freestyle Zipline is a smaller version of the Extreme Zipline — a good option for lighter kids who can’t meet the bigger one’s minimum.
Note: weigh-in required — confirm current weight limits at check-in
Included with the Gold Pass: Yes
Utah Olympic Park Drop Tower
The Drop Tower (you may also see a similar “Action Tower” on the current activity list) starts with a zipline ride and ends with a 65-foot free fall when you step off the platform. Branding around the towers has shifted recently, so double-check the exact lineup when you book.
Note: This is typically a peak-season activity — availability is limited outside the park’s peak summer window, so confirm it’s running on your date.
Note: weigh-in required — confirm current weight limits at check-in
Included with the Gold Pass: Yes, during peak season
There is a Utah Olympic Park Zipline Tour
The Utah Olympic Park Zip Line Tour takes you through seven towers. It’s a separate experience from the in-and-out ziplines above.
Note: Guests under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. The tour generally allows tandem riding for lighter guests.
Note: weigh-in required — confirm current weight limits at check-in
Included with the Gold Pass: No — it’s a separate add-on
13. There Are Utah Olympic Park Ropes Courses
The ropes courses require a weigh-in. If heights aren’t your thing, these won’t be either.
Utah Olympic Park Discovery Course
The Discovery Course was clearly designed with kids in mind, but most average-sized adults can navigate it without an issue.
Pro tip: There’s a free playground in this area. You don’t need to weigh in or pay to use it.
Note: weigh-in and a minimum height to go alone apply — confirm current limits at check-in
Included with the Gold Pass: Yes
Utah Olympic Park Canyon Course
The Canyon Course is a larger ropes course. The park recommends trying the Discovery Course first.
Note: This is typically a peak-season activity, so confirm it’s running on your date.
Note: weigh-in required — confirm current weight limits at check-in
Included with the Gold Pass: Yes, during peak season
Summit Course
The Summit Course is for advanced climbers — it goes higher and throws harder obstacles at you.
Note: Kids under 13 must complete the Canyon Course before attempting this one.
Note: This is typically a peak-season activity, so confirm it’s running on your date.
Note: weigh-in required — confirm current weight limits at check-in
Included with the Gold Pass: Yes, during peak season
14. You Can Ride the Comet Bobsled at Utah Olympic Park
The park’s bobsled is now branded the Comet Bobsled. You can’t drive — because, Cool Runnings — so a professional pilot takes you around the track at 60-plus miles per hour. It’s a summer add-on on wheels, not the icy winter version, but it does not disappoint.
Minimum age: 16 (up from 13 in earlier years; riders under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign the waiver)
Minimum weight: about 100 pounds
Cost: dynamic add-on, from around $80 if you book ahead (walk-up rates run higher) — check current pricing
Included with the Gold Pass: No — it’s a separate add-on
15. You Can Take a Park Tour
The property offers guided tours that include a shuttle ride to the top of the world’s highest Nordic ski jump. I wouldn’t do this instead of an activity pass, but it’s a decent add-on if you really want to get to the top of that mountain. Plan on roughly an hour.
Pro tip: If you want to do this, book ahead. These tours sell out.
Cost: a modest add-on (historically around $15 for adults, less for seniors and kids) — confirm current pricing when you book
Included with the Gold Pass: No
16. There Are Free Utah Olympic Park Museums
Two free museums sit inside the Joe Quinney Winter Sports Center (the building you enter to grab your wristband). The Alf Engen Ski Museum is on the first floor, and the George Eccles Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games Museum is on the second. Both are free and open daily year-round, closing only on major holidays.
This building is not the highlight of the property, but it’ll keep you entertained for a short stretch (think one hour) before or after your activities.
The Alf Engen museum’s stated mission is to preserve rich people’s ski history. Exhibits include skis through the years, medals, and some interactive areas the kids will like.
The 2002 Games museum upstairs features memorabilia from the Salt Lake Olympics. Your child will like the first floor better.
Note: I would not visit the property solely for the museums. They are not worth an extra trip. If museums are your thing, the nearby Clark Planetarium is a better standalone outing.
17. You Can Hike the Utah Olympic Park Trails for Free
Can you walk around Olympic Park? Yes — it’s open to the public.
There are hiking trails on the side of a very steep mountain that you can walk for free. When I say very steep, I mean very steep. I would not do it with young kids.
18. There is a Free Playground
There’s a small playground near the ropes course. The ropes course costs money; the playground does not.
Pro tip: Do not burn timed-session minutes on the playground. Go back after your pass time runs out.
19. You May Be Able to Watch Athletes Train
Olympic athletes train at the property throughout the year, and with the 2034 Winter Olympics on the horizon, this is an active training venue, not a museum piece. In the summer, freestyle aerial skiers practice their jumps on a ramp and land in a splash pool. These practices are free to watch and genuinely cool.
2034 Olympics: Things Are Changing — Check Before You Go
Heads up: with Salt Lake City hosting the 2034 Winter Olympics, the park is in the middle of a multi-year building push. There’s new development planned around the Quinney Welcome Center area and work tied to the competition venues over the next few years. None of it changes the verdict, but it does mean an activity or viewing area could be temporarily affected. One more reason to check the official schedule and confirm what’s open before you make the drive.
Utah Olympic Park Summer FAQ
How much does the Utah Olympic Park cost in summer?
Entry is free. The all-day Summer Gold Pass uses dynamic “Plan Ahead Pricing,” starting around $80 for early bookers, and individual activity tickets have run about $35 each in 2026. Book early for the lowest price, and check current rates before you go.
Is the Utah Olympic Park worth it in the summer?
Yes, if you’re into the activities and not traveling with very young kids. The thrill rides — tubing, ziplines, the alpine slide, and the Comet Bobsled — are the real draw, and the free museums, hiking, and athlete-watching are nice bonuses.
What is free at Utah Olympic Park?
Free items include park entry, parking, the two museums in the Joe Quinney Winter Sports Center, the hiking trails, the playground near the ropes course, and watching athletes train in the summer.
Is Utah Olympic Park good for young kids?
Not really. The best activities have height, weight, and age minimums, so toddlers and small kids can mostly just walk through the museum, hit the playground, and watch. Elementary-aged kids who don’t mind heights can do most of the activities.
Should I buy single tickets or the Gold Pass?
Get the Gold Pass unless you’re certain you only want to do one thing. At roughly $35 per single activity, the all-day unlimited pass pays for itself after two or three rides.
Final Thoughts – Is the Utah Olympic Park Worth Visiting in the Summer?
Is the Utah Olympic Park worth visiting in the summer? If you aren’t traveling with young kids and you’re into the activities, absolutely. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back. Buy the Gold Pass early to lock in the lowest price, arrive early, skip the Extreme Zipline at opening, and maximize your time. You will not regret the experience.
This seem fun and definitely worth the visit. Thank you for the pro tip that will help a lot.
Great article with many quality pictures (I especially like that). I don’t mind taking a tour during the summer. Obviously so many exciting activities in that period. And for kids too.