Stewart Falls Trail in Provo, Utah
Last Updated on September 19, 2024 by Kathryn
Stewart Falls, officially known as Stewart Cascade Trail #056 might just be THE most popular hike in Provo, Utah. The out-and-back trail includes dramatic views and a large, cascading waterfall. The shallow stream created by the falls is a great place to cool off and enjoy a picnic.
There are so many great hikes in Provo, and Stewart Falls is a must-do. Don’t let the crowds deter you; it’s a lovely trail that’s popular for many reasons.
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At a Glance
Location: The trailhead located in Provo Canyon in the Aspen Grove Parking Lot: 40.40459071952288, -111.60522451692385. Note: this is the same parking lot for the Mount Timpanogos trail and the Timpanogos Lower Falls.
Put “Aspen Grove Trailhead” into your GPS to go to the parking lot. Do NOT park on the private road in the “Brickerhaven” area – fine is $1000.
The trail to the LEFT is Stewart Falls. The trail on the right is Mount Timpanogos or Timpanogos Lower Falls.
- Mileage: 3.5 miles out and back
- Elevation Gain: 652 feet
- Hiking Time: 1 hour 41 minutes
- Good for Ages: 4+ (depending on the child!)
- What You’ll See: Panoramic mountain views, bright fall colors, summer wild flowers, and the majestic Stewart Falls!
- Popularity Level: Extremely popular! Go early to get a parking spot on weekends or go during the week or evenings.
- Parking: Parking is $10 or free with a National Parks Pass. Several popular trails share the parking lot, so get there early on weekends or holidays. Bring cash in case the ranger station is closed and you have to put it in an envelope.
- Local tip: If you’re driving out to Provo, stop at a viewpoint to see Bridal Veil Falls. Then you get a 2-4-1 waterfall excursion.
Stewart Falls is Popular for Good Reason
At over 200 feet tall, Stewart Falls is impressive. There falls are two-tiered and just lovely. You can easily hike to the bottom of them and get up close to the cascade. The falls make a nice little stream that is perfect to cool off in or sit next to and enjoy a picnic.
The views are fantastic as well, along with wildflowers in the summer and bright foliage in the fall.
Hiking Stewart Falls with Kids
At about 3.5 miles, this is too much for me to do with a toddler who is too big for a backpack and too small to hike that far. I recommend it for kids a little bit older (5+).
The elevation gain is moderate and fairly evenly spaced out throughout the hike. There is a steady incline on the way to the falls and then it peaks and goes back down, so you’ll have two climbs total out and back.
Plan on spending some time at the falls and take a change of socks in case kids get their feet wet.
Tips for Stewart Falls
- CROWDS Yes, it’s crowded and you’ll pass a lot of people on the trail. No, don’t expect a solitude. I was there on a Wednesday mid-September and I passed hundreds of people, including two school-busses full of kids. But I’ve also been there on a summer evening and only seen a couple dozen people. If you go on a weekend or holiday, expect crowds.
- SAFETY Don’t climb to the top of the falls. Several people have fallen and been injured while doing so.
- SUN There is not much shade, so take plenty of water and consider finding a shadier hike on a hot day.
- BUGS It can be buggy in the summer, so bring bug spray.
- WINTER The trail gets very icy and slippery in the winter. Micro spikes help or snowshoes help.
- AVALANCE SAFETY The trail passes through avalanche territory, so check the Utah Avalanche Center for current conditions.
How Long Does it Take to Hike Stewart Falls?
According to Alltrails, it takes an average of 1 hr 41 mins to hike. I was quite surprised that it took me and my small toddler exactly that because we were going very slowly. A quick pace would probably be closer to 1 hour. I tried to run it and it was difficult because there are many potentially ankle-twisting large rocks.
When to Hike Stewart Falls
Summer: Expect heat and sun. Partially shaded trail. Keep an eye out for moose and rattlesnakes.
Spring: May be muddy because of snow melt. Wildflowers start to come out and the falls are at their peak.
Fall: As with most fall hikes near Provo, this time of year is usually perfect! Fewer crowds, cooler temps, and the pretty leaves make for an ideal hike. The trees turn fast! In mid-September this year, they were just barely starting to turn. The peak will likely be the last week in September or first week in October.
Winter: There is likely to be ice and snow. Snowshoes or spikes are helpful. Check avalanche conditions.
Holidays: Memorial Day and Labor Day are packed!
Get Outside!
I hope you’re encouraged to get out – far and wide – with your family!
