About Willow Creek Open Space
Located in the heart of Park City, the Willow Creek Open Space, adjacent to Willow Creek Park, is a natural gem protected forever by a conservation easement held by Utah Open Lands.
This land offers a blend of open meadows and wetlands that invites visitors to enjoy the outdoors from our trail system. With stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a network of trails, it’s a perfect spot for a peaceful walk, birdwatching, or simply enjoying nature.
Amenities
Protected Open Space
Accessible All Year
Parking
Restroom
E-bikes
Hiking
Nordic Skiing
Dog On-Leash
Discover Willow Creek Open Space
In 2003, Basin Recreation acquired Willow Creek Open Space to limit further development, protect vital habitats, and provide natural open space for the community to enjoy. That same year, a Conservation Easement was placed on this property, held and enforced by Utah Open Lands, protecting the land forever.
Environmental Importance
Willow Creek Open Space’s 66 acres, which include 64 acres of grasslands and 2 acres of wetlands, serve as a critical habitat for numerous species year-round.
Wildlife
Willow Creek Open Space plays a vital role in sustaining the local wildlife population, offering diverse habitats that support species throughout the changing seasons. The willows provide shelter to a variety of bird species, including Yellow Warblers, while the grasslands support species such as Sandhill Cranes during the summer months. In the winter, the area becomes an essential stopover for elk who migrate down to find food and water as they adjust to lower elevations.
Willow
Genus Salix
Tall Western Groundsel Senecio integerrimus
Wavyleaf Thistle
Cirsium undulatum
Musk Thistle
Carduus nutans
Garlic Mustard
Alliaria petiolata
Scotch Thistle
Onopordum acanthium
Rocky Mountain Elk
Cervus canadensis
Sandhill Crane
Grus canadensis
Wandering Garter Snake
Thamnophis elegans
ssp. vagrans
For information on what you should do when you encounter wildlife, please visit:
Managing Open Spaces
Property Monitoring
The Open Space Team monitors Willow Creek Open Space, documenting noxious weed populations, changes in the property’s habitat, and encroachments throughout the year.
Weed Mitigation
Every year, weeds like Dyer’s Woad, Thistle, and Garlic Mustard invade Willow Creek Open Space. With the help of volunteers and partner organizations, Basin limits the spread of noxious weeds by hand-pulling and spraying weeds before they produce seeds.
Restoration
Areas that are disturbed or could use some extra help are the Open Space Team’s target locations when planning restoration events. In 2022, trees were planted along a seasonal stream bed on Willow Creek Open Space to enhance the wildlife habitat.
Goat Grazing
Goat grazing is a natural alternative weed and fire mitigation strategy. Basin Recreation used this approach in 2020 and 2022, which proved to be effective in removing noxious weed species in Willow Creek Open Space.
Nearby Open Spaces
Rules & Regulations
No Overnight Parking
No Motorized Vehicles
No Camping
No Fires
No Hunting
No Firearms
