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Utah Valley is packed with trails, from a five-minute waterfall stroll to a lung-burning summit. Here are the best hikes near Provo across Utah County, loosely ranked and sorted so you can pick the right one for your group.
A roaring double waterfall that drops hundreds of feet down the canyon wall, and you barely have to walk to see it. A flat paved path runs right off the Provo River Parkway to the base, so strollers and wheelchairs make it with no trouble. It is the easiest big payoff in the whole valley and looks great in every season.
This is the hike everyone in Provo does at least once. You grind up a steep series of switchbacks to the giant white Y painted on the mountain, and the view over the whole valley and Utah Lake at the top is worth every step. It is short but it does not let up, so it makes a great morning burner.
A mostly gentle forest trail near Sundance winds through aspens to a tall two-tier waterfall on the back side of Mount Timpanogos. It feels like a true mountain adventure without crushing your legs, which is why locals send first-timers here. The round trip runs a few miles and rewards you with one of the prettiest waterfalls around.
A short, shady walk up a canyon leads to a 50-foot waterfall you can scramble right behind. It is the go-to family waterfall hike on the north end of the valley, easy enough for little kids but still exciting once you are standing in the spray. The trailhead sits minutes from neighborhoods, so it is an easy evening outing.
Right at the edge of Provo, this canyon trail follows a creek past dramatic rock walls that draw climbers from all over. You can do an easy out-and-back along the shaded bottom or keep climbing for bigger views, so it scales to whatever your group has in the tank. It is one of the few close trails that stays cool longer into the morning.
A steady climb on the bench above Pleasant Grove that follows Grove Creek up to a waterfall and a bench with a long look back down the canyon. Sections of the path cling to the mountainside, so it feels more like a workout than nearby Battle Creek. Locals love it as a slightly harder alternative when Battle Creek is packed.
A rocky, steep climb up through Rock Canyon to a summit that looks straight down over BYU, the valley, and Utah Lake. It is one of the most popular smaller peaks in the area and gorgeous in spring when the slopes fill with wildflowers. The official name changed to Kyhv Peak in 2022, but plenty of locals still call it by the old one.
A short trail off the high road near the Kyhv Peak overlook that climbs through wildflower fields to a safe, view-packed summit. The hike up is rocky toward the top but quick, and the peak has no scary drop-offs, so even small kids can make the final scramble. It is the rare summit that delivers a big payoff for a tiny effort.
A cool, forested loop in the South Fork of Provo Canyon that winds through maple and aspen and crosses the creek on little wooden bridges. It stays shadier and greener than the foothill trails, which makes it a favorite on warm days. The loop runs a few miles at an easy grade, so it suits families and trail runners alike.
A creekside trail that ends at natural hot spring pools tucked below a waterfall. Soaking in warm water in the middle of a canyon is a one-of-a-kind Utah Valley experience, and the milky-blue pools make it one of the most photographed spots around. The walk in runs a few miles each way along the water.
The big one. A long, hard, all-day climb to one of the tallest peaks in the Wasatch, with wildflower meadows, a glacier basin, and mountain goats along the way. Finishing Timp is a rite of passage around here, and the view from the top stretches across the entire region. Treat it as a serious effort, not a casual day hike.
The best hikes in Utah Valley match the trail to your group and the season. The valley floor sits around 4,500 feet and the peaks climb past 11,000, so a trail that is clear and warm down low can still be buried in snow up top. Start by deciding how much climbing you want. Paved waterfall paths like Bridal Veil work for strollers and grandparents, the Y and Rock Canyon give you a real workout close to town, and Timpanogos is an all-day commitment.
Think about timing too. Lower foothill trails open first in spring and bake in the afternoon sun, so go early or near sunset. Canyon and forest hikes like Stewart Falls stay cooler and peak in fall when the aspens turn gold. High routes in American Fork Canyon and Diamond Fork often charge a fee and hold snow into summer. Pack more water than you think you need, wear real shoes, and check the trailhead lot, since the popular spots fill by mid-morning on weekends.
Keep exploring Utah Valley: Best Waterfalls in Utah Valley: Bridal Veil, Stewart Falls & More · Hot Springs Near Utah Valley: Soaking Spots Within Driving Distance · Best Scenic Drives in Utah Valley: Alpine Loop, Provo Canyon & More. Need a local pro? Browse Valley Approved businesses. Planning the weekend? See the Events Hub.
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