Check out some of the more popular hiking trails around the Provo area. You will find trails to accommodate everyone from beginners to hard-core hiking enthusiasts.
Easy
Battle Creek Falls 1.6 miles out and back
This trail leads to a scenic waterfall on Battle Creek. It is located a short distance up a canyon on the east side of Pleasant Grove. The water falls in two ribbons. It is easy to hike to the top of the waterfall along this well-maintained and well-marked trail.
Big Springs Hollow 4.2 miles out and back
Beautiful and kid friendly trail. This trail is fairly level the whole way to the “hollow” part, but if you go past that, it turns into the steeper Cascade Saddle trail. There is plenty of shade and little areas for getting your feet wet wading in the streams.
Devils Kitchen .5 miles out and back
The Devils Kitchen is a small section of red-rock located off the Nebo Scenic Loop. It features many unique rock formations including pillars and is a short, well-maintained trail that makes for an quick and easy hike. It runs through a beautiful forest to an observation platform on the edge of the red rock area.
Fifth Waterfalls Hot Springs Trail 5.1 miles out and backThe hot springs are very popular and draw crowds on weekends during warm weather. You can reach the springs for the Three Forks Trailhead in Diamond Fork Canyon or from the Rays Valley Trailhead (located on the Rays Valley Road north of Hwy 6).
Grotto Falls 1 mile out and back
Located above Payson on the Nebo Loop scenic drive, this hike takes travelers to a small but pretty waterfall. The trail is suitable for everyone as it is wide and easy to follow. Log bridges are in place at stream crossings
.Provo River Parkway – 15.2 miles one way (can be entered and exited at many points)
This paved trail is one of the area’s most popular. The path accommodates those who want to bike, walk, run, rollerblade, or longboard. The path provides safety from walking on roadsides and winds its way from Utah Lake State Park through the heart of downtown Provo and on up through Provo Canyon. Access is easily available at almost any point from Vivian Park on the north end to Utah Lake State Park on the south end.
Stewart Falls 3.6 miles out and back
Stewart Falls is one of the most popular hikes in Provo Canyon. The water at these falls cascades in two tiers over 200 feet, providing for beautiful views for hikers. The hike meanders through a forest on the east side of Mt. Timpanogos. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. When approaching the falls, the ridge descent is a bit steep and caution is needed, especially with children.
Moderate
Bonneville Shoreline Trail 15 miles one way
This is an excellent, well-maintained trail, perfect for trail running, biking, and walking. It sits above the skyline and provides impressive views of the valley without having to summit a mountain. It is close to town and relatively easy with short stretches of ups and downs. There are several entry and exit points along the valley.
Deer Creek-Dry Creek Trail 7.1 miles out and back
The trailhead of this hike is located in Alpine. It is a 5.1 mile steep climb to the ridge. The views of the valley are amazing along with great flora and fauna. It is available year-round.
Hensky Overlook Trail 3.2 miles out and back
This trail has nice intervals of flat meadows, hillside climbs and descents until the end when it gets steeper. It is a little known trail, so traffic is light. The destination is a ridge line with amazing views.
Rock Canyon Trail 5.6 miles out and back
This heavily trafficked trail features a river. It is accessible year-round. The trail takes you up Rock Canyon to the Rock Canyon Campground on Squaw Peak Road. The trail begins at Rock Canyon Trailhead Park (not Rock Canyon Park) at the end of North Temple Drive in Provo.
Tibble Fork Loop Trail 4.2 miles round trip
This is a combination of three trails total. Start at the Tibble Fork Dam and head up Tibble Fork Trail 041, which goes almost 2 miles. This section is rather exposed. Then go left (north) on the Mud Springs Trail 173. You will drop into a beautiful meadow and then descend an adjacent canyon back to Tibble Fork Reservoir. The last 1.2 miles is the Mill Canyon Trail. Once you complete the trail, you will need to walk a half mile back to the reservoir parking lot.
Timpanogos Cave 3.5 miles out and back
To reach the caves you must hike up a steep trail. Although there is a fee to tour Timpanogos Cave, the trail to get there is free. Tours are from mid-May through mid-October every year. Tickets are available up to 30 days in advance by calling the visitor center at (801)-756-5238.
Y Trail on Y Mountain 2.4 miles out and back
The trail to the Y is well-marked and ranked moderate due to its steep grade. From the top, hikers have a beautiful view of BYU campus, Provo, and Utah Lake. The block letter is 380 feet high and 180 feet wide, and is the largest collegiate symbol in the United States. If you haven't hiked the Y yet, it's about time you did!
Strenuous
Mount Nebo Summit 9 miles out and back
This strenuous hike is not great in distance but the elevation gain makes it challenging. The trails rises 3,800 feet to reach the summit and can be done either as a long day hike or as an overnight backpacking trip. The trail is somewhat treacherous as it is rocky and steep which makes some hikers turn back. Though the hike can be intimidating, for confident and prepared hikers it is a great experience!
Mount Timpanogos Summit via Aspen Grove Trail 14.6 miles out and back
The Aspen Grove trail is the shorter and steeper of the two trails that lead to the summit of Mount Timpanogos. It initially has many switchbacks featuring waterfalls and amazing views. The trail reaches a beautiful and open meadow area with the well-known Emerald Lake. It then proceeds towards the saddle across a boulder field where it joins with the Timpooneke trail. From there, the trail becomes a little precarious as it zigzags towards the summit. Hikers frequently spot wildlife, including a herd of mountain goats. The trail is well marked and maintained. The summit can be windy, but offers those who make it to the top a wonderful view of Utah Valley.
Mount Timpanogos Summit via Timpooneke Trail 15 miles out and back
The Timpooneke trail is the longer and less steep of the two trails that lead to the summit of Mount Timpanogos. There are beautiful wildflowers during the spring and summer. The trail is moderate for most of the way but gets steep before you arrive at the saddle. The view from the saddle is breathtaking, and is the beginning of the remaining ¾-mile hike to the top that is a little more dangerous. The hike is definitely worth the views; and that great feeling you get from knowing you have conquered the mountain. Some hikers go up the Timpooneke trail and return by way of the Aspen Grove trail. This requires arranging transportation to drop you off and pick you up.
Slate Canyon Trail 7.4 miles out and back
This trail climbs steeply and follows an old roadbed until nearly the top of the trail. There is a very steep section near the top before it breaks out into the open. It is easy to follow and great views of the surrounding mountain at the top.
Squaw Peak Trail 7.1 miles out and back
This difficult hike is uphill the whole way and the last half is quite steep. It has rewarding views and features a river. The hike is available April through October. It begins at Rock Canyon Trailhead park (not Rock Canyon Park).