Salt Lake County, UT Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- SLC parks closed
- §15.08.020: 11:00 PM–5:00 AM
- County parks
- Dawn to dusk (~7 AM–10 PM)
- Alcohol
- Prohibited all hours
- Dogs
- Leashed except posted off-leash areas
- Event permit
- Required for groups >50
Summary
Salt Lake City Code §15.08.020 closes all city parks to the public between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM. Salt Lake County's regional parks (Wheeler Historic Farm, Sugar House Park, Big Cottonwood Regional Park, Liberty Park is city, etc.) are open dawn to dusk, approximately 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and posted signs at each park control the exact hours. Being in a park after closing is criminal trespass, and rangers/police regularly clear lots at closing. Camping, open fires, alcohol, and unleashed dogs are prohibited at all hours. Special-event permits are required for gatherings over 50 people. Some county facilities (off-leash dog parks, ball fields with lights) have extended hours posted on entrance signage.
§ 15.08.020 Park hours; designated. All parks in Salt Lake City shall be closed to the public between the hours of eleven o'clock (11:00) P.M. and five o'clock (5:00) A.M. the following morning, except where otherwise posted by the director.
Full Breakdown
020 designates that all parks are closed to the public between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM the following morning except where otherwise posted; this includes Liberty Park, Pioneer Park, Memory Grove, Sugar House Park's east half, and all neighborhood parks. Salt Lake County parks (administered by the Division of Parks & Recreation) operate dawn to dusk, staff guidance is 'approximately 7 AM to 10 PM,' with exact hours posted at each park entrance. Big Cottonwood Regional Park, Wheeler Historic Farm, Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center grounds, Magna Park, and Kearns Olympic Oval grounds all follow this model.
Smoking, vaping, alcohol, illegal drugs, and personal fireworks are prohibited countywide at all hours per posted county rules. Dogs must be leashed except in posted off-leash areas (Tanner Park, Millrace, Parley's Historic Nature Park have off-leash zones). Vehicles may not drive on grass or sidewalks; pavilions may not be used for commercial vending or fundraising without a permit. Salt Lake County requires a special-event permit for any gathering exceeding 50 people (5K races, outdoor movies, weddings with more than 50 guests). Camping is prohibited in all parks except designated campgrounds.
Violations & Fines
Being in a Salt Lake City park after 11 PM is criminal trespass under §15.08 and Utah Code §76-6-206. Class B misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine and 6 months jail. First-time after-hours violators are typically cited with an infraction ($100-$200). Park rangers and police regularly sweep lots; vehicles left after closing may be ticketed or towed. Alcohol in parks is a Class B misdemeanor. Camping outside designated areas is also a Class B misdemeanor and a frequent enforcement target after homeless-camp ordinances. Special-event permit violations carry fines up to $500 plus restitution for damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk my dog in Liberty Park at midnight?
Do off-leash dog parks have different hours?
Can I hold a wedding or 5K in a county park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Salt Lake County
Compare Salt Lake County to another location·View the Utah curfew laws overview
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