Hikes near Provo UT: The 14 Best
Last Updated on September 19, 2024 by Kathryn
Welcome to your family’s playground in nature: 13 awesome hikes in Provo Ut.
Provo has towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, etc., etc.,…but, let’s be real, kids are just there for the dirt and rock throwing. And maybe a some climbing.
Either way, Provo’s trails are just waiting for you and your family! I’ve spent hundreds or even thousands of hours in Provo Canyon and I feel awe every single time. I hope this guide helps enable you to experience a piece of the wonder.
From casual strolls for tiny legs and adventurous hikes for teenage thrill-seekers, the hikes in Provo, Utah can’t be beat.
There’s the popular ones (ahem, Stewart Falls), and the not-so-popular (but, dare I say, even better) ones.
As an added bonus, they are all pretty accessible from Salt Lake and Utah Counties.
If you’re like me and prefer fall hiking, I have a post all about the best trails in Utah county to see fall foliage.
Lace up your boots (or, if you’re like my toddler, throw on your princess dress) and get ready to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the hikes in Provo Utah.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
1. Cascade Springs Interpretive Trail
Location: A bit more out of the way, it’s located about 45 minutes from Provo, and an hour from Salt Lake City. The trail is located along the Alpine Loop in the Uinta National Forest. (Technically it’s in the city of Midway, but I included it here since it’s in Provo Canyon and one of the best short hikes near Provo UT.)
Mileage: 0.8 miles loop
Elevation Gain: 183 feet
Good for Ages: all ages
What You’ll See: Summer wildflowers, fall leaves, deer, otters, beavers, wild turkey, moose, gently flowing spring
Popularity Level: High
Good to Know: Partially wheelchair accessible. Dogs are allowed. $10/3 day parking fee. America the Beautiful passes are accepted.
A charming boardwalk winds around the springs with little bridges going over them.
It’s gorgeous spring – fall, with June bringing wildflowers and the fall really shining with the colorful leaves contrasted with lush, green plants along the sparkly clear water springs.
If you visit on a weekend in the summer or fall, expect a LOT of people unless you’re there early in the morning. Despite the crowds, it’s still worth visiting. Other times of the year it isn’t as crowded.
2. Buffalo Peak
Location: Located in Provo Canyon, 20 minutes from Provo and 1 hour from Salt Lake City
Mileage: 0.9 mile out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 275 feet
Good for Ages: 5+ if walking on own
What You’ll See: Red maples leaves in fall, top-of-the-world views
Popularity Level: High in the fall, medium spring and summer.
Good to Know: Free to drive and park. The last three miles of the road to the trailhead are dirt and it’s VERY bumpy (we may have had a child screaming at us not to crash). A 4WD or AWD vehicle with high clearance is recommended, but I have seen sedans and minivans parked at the trailhead.
Hike this to feel like you’re on top of the world. This is one of the shortest hikes in Provo UT that offers a lot of view for a little work.
In the fall, the vibrant reds and oranges go on for miles. It is fairly flat until that last section.
There’s a short, steep scramble to the top of a hill where you can see Utah County down below. This part is more difficult, but the views are still incredible if you choose to skip the last hill.
Bring a snack to enjoy while sitting in the shade under trees.
3. Bridal Veil Falls
Location: Located 15 minutes from Provo and 45 from Salt Lake City in Provo Canyon
Mileage: 1.4 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 134 feet
Good for Ages: 4+ if walking on own
What You’ll See: 607 ft tall waterfall, leaves
Popularity Level: high
Good to Know: You can see the falls from the parking lot. Partially wheelchair accessible. Free to park.
These falls are an iconic Provo landmark that even have a chocolate bar named after them! Bridal Veil Falls is only 4 miles up the road from the base of Provo Canyon.
It’s a fun stop along the Provo River Parkway and there is also a parking lot near the falls.
There is a designated trail, but you are able to either hop out of the parking lot and quickly view the falls, or do the “hike” along the Parkway. You can make your on the trail up to the top, but it’s a little scary with kids, so we always just view the falls from below.
The falls ice over in the winter and you may see people ice climbing!
Because the Provo River Parkway is 14 miles long, you can make your hike short or long depending on your preference.
There are also shaded picnic tables near the trail.
4. Timpanogos Lower Falls
Location: Located in Provo Canyon, 20 minutes from Provo and 1 hour from Salt Lake City.
Mileage: 2.4 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 770 feet
Good for Ages: 5+ if walking on own
What You’ll See: Waterfall, fall leaves, sweeping vistas
Popularity Level: Medium-low
Good to Know: $10/3 day parking fee. America the Beautiful passes are accepted.
One of the best hikes in Provo Canyon, offering stunning views as well as a pretty waterfall.
While this trail is fairly short, there are a few steep sections that might be hard for little kids.
Snowshoes are a must in winter, as is being aware of the avalanche danger. Snow and ice can last into summer, so check trail conditions to see if spikes are necessary. There can be ice on the trail during late fall (or even earlier), making it super slippery, so be careful!
This is one of the hikes in Provo UT that tends to be a lot less crowded than the better-known nearby Stewart Cascade Trail, so hopefully you won’t encounter many people.
There’s a good chance that you’ll see a moose on the trail!
I have a whole post with more in-depth info about Timpanogos Lower Falls.
5. Scout Falls
Location: Located in Provo Canyon, 40 minutes from Provo and 50 from Salt Lake City
Mileage: 2.9 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 833 feet
Good for Ages: 5+ if walking on their own
What You’ll See: leaves, views, waterfall
Popularity Level: low
Good to Know: Roads close seasonally based on weather. $10/3 day parking fee. America the Beautiful passes are accepted. The forest service requires a parking permit to park in the parking lot during peak season.
Nestled deep into the forest, this is one of my very favorite hikes in Provo Canyon. It really gets you feeling like you’ve left civilization.
The views are never-ending from the falls! The falls themselves gently cascade over rocks, giving them a similar look to Bridal Veil Falls.
See cool ice formations as the falls freeze as the weather gets colder.
While there are some steep, rocky sections, we’ve done it with kids as young as 4.
Watch out for stinging nettle. Trail will be muddy if there has been recent rain or frost. Trail is mostly shady.
Use extreme care if hiking in the winter as the trail goes through avalanche terrain. Check the avalanche danger report.
One of my favorites for kids and a good hike in Provo UT.
6. Primrose Overlook Trail
Location: Near Aspen Grove in Provo Canyon. It’s about a 1-hour drive from Salt Lake City and 20 minutes from Provo.
Mileage: 3.1 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 787 feet
Good for Ages: 5+ if walking on their own
What You’ll See: Leaves, flowers, views!!
Popularity Level: low
Good to Know: $10/3 day parking fee. America the Beautiful passes are accepted.
This is it: the best Provo, UT hike!
If I had to choose a favorite, it is this!!
You’ll see the Utah mountains at their absolute best.
The trail winds through glimmering aspens and grassy meadows, and then opens up to a ridge with jaw-dropping views all around. Catching it with fall colors is simply magical! Listen closely and you may hear coyotes howling.
If you hike it during the summer, you’ll definitely want bug spray. If you hike quickly, the bugs won’t be as annoying.
This is another one to use extreme care if hiking in the winter as the trail goes through avalanche terrain. Check the avalanche danger report.
The last .5 mile of the trail gets a bit steep, but keep pushing on for an incredible reward.
This is one I’ll do again and again!
7. Bonneville Shoreline Trail
Location: While the entire Bonneville Shoreline Trail runs 280 miles, this particular section is located in Provo. One end is at the trailhead of Y Mountain and the other end is at the trailhead of Slate Canyon.
Mileage: 3.2 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 109 feet
Good for Ages: 4+ if walking on own
What You’ll See: views, sunflowers, maybe a sunset or sunrise
Popularity Level: medium
Good to Know: Park in the free parking lot for the Y Mountain Trail. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail runs south from the parking lot along the mountain.
One of the more convenient hikes in Provo UT since there’s no need to drive up the canyon to get to it.
There’s no shade, so best to do on a cool day. If you hike it during the summer, shoot for early morning before the sun comes over the mountain. Or hike it in the evening for an incredible sunset!
This trail runs along the side of the mountain, overlooking the city of Provo.
It is fairly flat with little elevation gain. Watch little kids as there are steep drop-offs on the side.
8. Stewart Falls Lower Trail
UPDATE: AS OF SEPTEMBER 2024, THIS TRAIL IS CLOSED DUE TO CONSTRUCTION AT SUNDANCE.
Location: The Stewart Falls Lower Trail and the Stewart Falls Trail both lead to the same place: Stewart Falls! They are two different trails, though, and the Lower Trail starts at Sundance, in Provo Canyon, Ut. It’s about a 1-hour drive from Salt Lake City and 15 minutes from Provo.
Mileage: 3.2 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 830 feet
Good for Ages: 5+ if walking on own
What You’ll See: waterfall, wildflowers
Popularity Level: high
Good to Know: Park in the free Sundance Resort parking lot, walk to the first chair lift, and then up the dirt road about 50-100 yards. Look for the trail on the right side.
Waterfalls so good that there are two trails leading to them? That’s Stewart Falls for you! One of the popular hikes in Provo Canyon, so expect enjoy the hike with lots of people.
It’s a nice hike to do in the summer since there are some shady spots and you can cool off in the falls.
The trail can be quite muddy in the spring and fall.
Hiking to the top of the falls is not advised as several hikers have fallen and injured themselves.
This is another one to use extreme care if hiking in the winter as the trail goes through avalanche terrain. Check the avalanche danger report.
Stop in at The Lookout for a bite to eat on your way out.
9. Stewart Falls
Location: Near Aspen Grove in Provo Canyon. It’s about a 1-hour drive from Salt Lake City and 20 minutes from Provo.
Mileage: 3.5 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 652 feet
Good for Ages: 4+ if walking on their own
What You’ll See: Waterfall, leaves, views
Popularity Level: high!
Good to Know:
Check out this in-depth post about Stewart Falls here.
$10/3 day parking fee. America the Beautiful passes are accepted. Do not try to park without paying as you will likely be ticketed. Parking on the private road in the Brickerhaven area can result in a $1000 fine!
Stewart Falls is a popular one, but for good reason. Many consider it one of the best hikes near Provo UT, so expect crowds. (For less popular, but just as beautiful waterfall hikes, try Timpanogos Falls or Scout Falls.)
This is a fairly flat hike to a towering, two-tiered 200-foot waterfall at the end.
On a hot day, go close to the falls and cool off on the mist.
Hiking to the top of the falls is not advised as several hikers have fallen and injured themselves.
The partially shaded hike itself offers picturesque views of the surrounding mountains.
This is another one to use extreme care if hiking in the winter as the trail goes through avalanche terrain. Check the avalanche danger report.
10. Big Springs Hollow Trail
Location: Located in Provo Canyon, 20 minutes from Provo and 1 hour from Salt Lake City.
Mileage: 3.9 loop
Elevation Gain: 892 feet
Good for Ages: 5+ if walking on own
What You’ll See: views, leaves, grassy meadows, stream
Popularity Level: low
Good to Know: There are picnic tables and bathrooms at the park at the trailhead. Free to park.
The road leading to Big Springs Park from Vivian Park is one of my favorite close hikes in Provo UT.
The first mile is mostly flat, but then gets steep after that.
Bring bug spray in the summer and a GPS as the trail is not well-marked in places.
This is one of the lesser-known hikes near Provo UT and it has lots of places for kids to step off the trail and explore. The stream is fun to play in on a hot day and there are many spots where it is shallow enough for kids.
11. Rock Canyon Trail
Location: The trailhead is located in Provo, Ut and 45 minutes from Salt Lake City.
Mileage: 5.7 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 1,722 feet
Good for Ages: 7+ if walking on own
What You’ll See: views, rocks
Popularity Level: high
Good to Know: Wear sturdy shoes since you’ll be walking on unstable rock. Free parking.
One of the more easily accessed hikes in Provo UT for nearby residents since the trailhead starts at the base of the mountain in Provo and you don’t have to drive up a canyon to get to it.
There’s a steady incline to the top, and the trail itself is mostly composed of rocks.
The trail runs along a river and there are several little bridges to cross.
Watch your step so you don’t twist an ankle!
This gets VERY icy when there’s snow. I once climbed up the trail without spikes, and then had to slide back down the whole way.
I like this one because of its convenience, but it isn’t my favorite in terms of the views (many disagree with me though!).
12. Mt. Timpanogos Trail
Location: The trailhead is located near Aspen Grove up Provo Canyon. It’s about a 1-hour drive from Salt Lake City and 20 minutes from Provo.
Mileage: 13.9 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 4,901 feet
Good for Ages: 10+
What You’ll See: Fall leaves, mountain goats(!), VIEWS
Popularity Level: High
Good to Know: Fall can be a perfect time to hike this, as long as there isn’t snow on the ground yet. $10/3 day parking fee. America the Beautiful passes are accepted.
I had to throw one in here for older kids looking for a challenge!
This is one of the best hikes in Provo Canyon if you’re looking for an experience that will push you. Only experienced, well-prepared hikers should attempt this.
We did this one last October before any snowfall, and it was perfect.
It was a bit chilly when we started early in the morning, but warmed up as the day went on. Take all the hiking essentials and check the weather. If snow has already fallen for the season then it may be difficult to summit.
You can also access this trail from the Mount Timpanogos Trail via Timpooneke Trail. It’s about the same distance and mileage. This trailhead is closer if you’re coming from the north. The forest service requires a parking permit to park in the parking lot during peak season.
13. Provo River Parkway Trail
Location: Runs from Utah Lake in South Provo to Vivian Park in Provo Canyon.
Mileage: 15.2 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 839 feet
Good for Ages: all ages
What You’ll See: river, leaves
Popularity Level: Low near Utah Lake, high in Provo Canyon
Good to Know: Paved, wheelchair accessible trail. Great for walking, running, biking, or scooting. The river runs fast and cold in the spring and summer, so watch kids closely.
There are different access points and parking lots around the trail. Check Google Maps.
This Provo walking trail is so long that it is fun to do in sections.
The first couple of miles from Utah Lake are beautiful in the fall, with bright leaves shading the path along the river below. This section doesn’t get as much snow as the more northern sections.
This part is flat and you’ll pass by horses and goats, making it super fun for little kids.
The section of the trail from the base of Provo Canyon to Vivian Park is great too, but gets very busy with bikers, runners, and walkers.
There’s also a gradual incline as it goes up the canyon. I love biking this section, but kids need to understand the rules of the path to stay safe and not get run over by other bikers.
Voltage Rental at the mouth of the canyon is a good place to rent e-bikes. A stroll or bike ride is fun to do on this Provo walking trail.
14. The Y
Without a doubt, The Y trail is the most popular hike in Provo and deserved its own post. Check out this in-depth guide on hiking the Y.
Get Outside, Far and Wide!
I’ve got you covered with comprehensive guides on visiting Utah’s Mighty 5! Check out these awesome Arches Hikes and read all about Where to Stay in Arches.
Get out there, far and wide! Hope you get to enjoy at least one of these stunning hikes in Provo UT!
