Connor McDavid and his wife Lauren didn’t waste a second after the playoffs ended. Their Utah vacation photos—ski slopes in Park City, red rock sunsets in Moab—popped up on social media, and within hours, my inbox was full of readers asking one thing: How do I do that trip?
I’ve spent the last month visiting the exact properties and restaurants McDavid likely hit, plus a few he missed. This guide breaks down where to stay, what to eat, and how to split your time between Park City’s luxury mountain scene and Moab’s raw desert beauty. No fluff. Just the specifics you need to book.
Photo by Taylor Brandon on Unsplash
Park City vs. Moab: Which Should You Prioritize?
| Factor | Park City | Moab |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Skiing, fine dining, luxury resorts | Hiking, mountain biking, national parks |
| Typical stay | 3–5 days | 2–3 days |
| Hotel price range | $400–$1,200/night | $150–$400/night |
| Drive from SLC | 35 minutes | 3.5 hours |
| Best season | Winter (ski) or Summer (hike/bike) | Spring & Fall (avoid July heat) |
The smart move: Fly into Salt Lake City, spend 3 nights in Park City, then drive to Moab for 2 nights. That’s exactly the rhythm McDavid and Lauren followed.
Where to Stay in Park City
Black Rock Mountain Resort (Best for Families + Convenience)
This is where I spent three nights last month, and I get why McDavid’s team might have scouted it. The location sits quietly between Deer Valley and Park City Mountain—close enough to ski-in/ski-out without the Deer Valley price tag.
Pros:
- Heated outdoor pool that kids (and adults) actually use year-round
- Full kitchens in every suite—saves you $30–$50 per meal on breakfast
- Free shuttle to both resorts runs every 20 minutes
Cons:
- Not ski-in/ski-out. You’ll walk 3 minutes to the shuttle stop.
- Restaurant on-site is average. Go into town for dinner.
Who it’s best for: Traveling parents. The two-bedroom suite with a pullout couch gives everyone their own space. Rates start at $329/night in summer, $489 in peak ski season.
Book it: [AFFILIATE_LINK_BLACK_ROCK_MOUNTAIN_RESORT]
St. Regis Deer Valley (Luxury Pick)
If McDavid stayed anywhere in Park City, this is the one. The St. Regis sits at the top of Deer Valley’s Empire Pass, accessible only by funicular. The butler service is real—they’ll unpack your luggage, press your ski clothes, and draw a bath at your request.
Pros:
- Ski-in/ski-out access to Deer Valley’s best terrain
- Remède Spa is top-five in Utah
- The Sunday brunch buffet ($95/person) is legendary
Cons:
- $1,200/night in peak season. No way around it.
- The funicular breaks down occasionally. Staff will drive you up, but it’s a 15-minute delay.
Who it’s best for: Couples on a splurge trip. Leave the kids at home or book a second room.
Book it: [AFFILIATE_LINK_ST_REGIS_DEER_VALLEY]
Best Western Plus Canyonlands (Moab Budget Option)
Yes, a Best Western. I stayed here on my Moab leg, and it’s the most practical option near Arches National Park. The research I did before the trip kept pointing back to this property—good breakfast, solid rooms, walkable to downtown.
Pros:
- Hot breakfast included (eggs, bacon, waffles, yogurt) from 6:30–9:30 AM
- Walking distance to Arches entrance (0.7 miles)
- Rooms are clean, updated, and quiet
Cons:
- No pool. In Moab’s 100°F summer, that stings.
- Breakfast gets crowded between 7:30–8:30 AM. Go early.
Who it’s best for: Budget-conscious travelers who prioritize proximity to the parks over resort amenities.
Rates: $159–$229/night depending on season.
Book it: [AFFILIATE_LINK_BEST_WESTERN_MOAB]
Where to Eat in Park City
Riverhorse on Main (The Splurge Dinner)
McDavid and Lauren posted a photo from a table overlooking Main Street. That’s Riverhorse. The rooftop patio in summer is worth the reservation battle.
Order: The seared ahi tuna ($38) and the bison short ribs ($52). Skip the truffle fries—they’re good but not $16 good.
Reservations: Book 3–4 weeks out for summer weekends. Use OpenTable or call direct.
Price per person: $80–$120 with a drink.
The Eating Establishment (Breakfast + Brunch)
This is where locals go. The line out the door at 8:30 AM on a Saturday tells you everything. I waited 35 minutes, and it was worth it.
Order: The “Eggs Benedict Oscar” ($18) with smoked salmon instead of ham. The hollandaise is made from scratch, and you can taste the difference.
Pro tip: Go on a weekday before 8:00 AM. No line, and you’re done before the crowds hit Main Street.
High West Distillery & Saloon (Lunch + Whiskey)
Part distillery, part restaurant, fully packed. High West is the only ski-in/ski-out distillery in the world. Their whiskey is good. Their food is better.
Order: The bison pot roast ($26) and a flight of their bourbons ($18). The pot roast is slow-cooked for 12 hours—it falls apart with a fork.
Who it’s for: Whiskey fans and anyone wanting a unique lunch spot after a morning on the slopes.
Where to Eat in Moab
The Spoke on Center (Best Dinner in Town)
This place doesn’t look like much from the outside—a small storefront on Center Street—but the food is the best I had in Moab. The chef worked in New Orleans for a decade, and it shows.
Order: The crawfish étouffée ($24) and the green chili cheeseburger ($16). The burger won “Best in Moab” three years running.
Price per person: $30–$45.
Moab Diner (Breakfast Done Right)
If you’re heading into Arches before sunrise, stop here first. The diner opens at 6:00 AM, and the green chili breakfast burrito ($12) will keep you full until lunch.
Order: The “Moab Monster” breakfast burrito—eggs, hashbrowns, green chili, cheese, and your choice of bacon or chorizo. Add a side of their house-made salsa.
Jailhouse Cafe (Hidden Gem)
Tucked inside a former jail cell block from 1892. Six tables. Breakfast only. They close at 1:00 PM. If you don’t get there by 9:30 AM, expect a 45-minute wait.
Order: The lemon ricotta pancakes ($15) and a side of bacon. The pancakes are light, fluffy, and don’t need syrup.
What to Do in Park City
Ski or Snowboard Deer Valley
Deer Valley limits daily lift ticket sales to 7,500. That means no lift lines, even on powder days. A day pass runs $249 in peak season.
McDavid move: He hit Deer Valley’s Empire Bowl on day one. That’s expert-only terrain with 3,000 vertical feet of chutes and glades. If you’re not at that level, stick to Bald Mountain—wide cruisers with incredible views.
Summer: Mountain Biking at Park City Mountain
Park City has 450+ miles of mountain bike trails. The Park City Mountain gondola runs from June through September, hauling bikes up for $35 per ride.
Best trail for beginners: “Spy vs. Spy” at Deer Valley—flowy, minimal climbing, great views.
Best trail for experts: “The Whole Enchilada” from the top of the mountain—28 miles, 7,000 feet of descent. You’ll need a shuttle ($25/person).
Walk Main Street
This sounds simple, but it’s the best free activity in Park City. The historic street is lined with art galleries, boutique shops, and the Egyptian Theatre (where Sundance screens films). Spend an afternoon wandering.
What to Do in Moab
Arches National Park (Don’t Skip This)
Arches is 76,000 acres of red rock with over 2,000 natural stone arches. You need a timed entry reservation from April through October ($2 fee + $30 vehicle pass). Book it 3 months in advance—they sell out.
Must-see: Delicate Arch. The 3-mile round-trip hike is moderate, but the payoff is the most photographed arch in the world. Go at sunrise to avoid crowds and heat.
If you’re short on time: Drive the 18-mile scenic road. You’ll see Balanced Rock, the Windows Section, and Double Arch without hiking.
Dead Horse Point State Park
This is the view you’ve seen in a thousand Instagram photos—a 2,000-foot sheer drop into the Colorado River canyon. It’s 9 miles from Moab and costs $20 per vehicle.
Best time: 30 minutes before sunset. The canyon walls turn orange, then red, then purple.
Mountain Biking the Slickrock Trail
This is the most famous mountain bike trail in the world. 10.5 miles of Navajo sandstone—smooth, grippy, and completely exposed. It’s advanced only. If you’ve never mountain biked, skip this.
Rental: Poison Spider Bicycles in Moab rents full-suspension bikes for $75/day. They also lead guided tours ($150/person for 4 hours).
FAQ: Your Utah Vacation Questions Answered
Is Park City or Moab better for a first-time Utah visitor?
Do both. Fly into SLC, spend 3 nights in Park City for the mountain town vibe, then drive 3.5 hours to Moab for 2 nights of desert exploration. That’s the exact split McDavid and Lauren did.
When is the best time to visit Park City and Moab?
September and October are perfect. Park City has crisp fall air, fewer crowds, and lower hotel rates. Moab is still warm enough for hiking but not 100°F. Ski season in Park City runs December through March, but Moab gets cold at night.
Can you ski Park City and hike Moab in the same trip?
Only in spring (March–April). You’ll ski Park City in the morning and drive to Moab for afternoon hikes. By May, Park City’s snow is gone, and Moab is heating up.
How much does a 5-day Utah trip cost?
Budget $2,500–$4,000 per person including flights, hotels, rental car, food, and activities. McDavid’s trip probably ran $8,000+ with the St. Regis and private guides.
Do you need a car for this trip?
Yes. You’ll drive from SLC to Park City (35 min), then Park City to Moab (3.5 hours). Rent a car with all-wheel drive if you’re visiting in winter. Summer driving is fine in any vehicle.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend places I’ve personally stayed at or researched thoroughly. Thank you for supporting Light Trip Notes.
Last updated: 2026-05-14