Best hikes in Utah County: waterfalls, canyons, big summits and the Y

Our top picks for hiking in Utah County, from short climbs right above Provo to waterfall trails, the canyons, and big summits like Provo Peak and Cascade Mountain.

Updated October 21, 2026

• Hiking in Utah County
• Short hikes right above town
• Waterfall hikes
• Canyons worth a whole day
• Big summits for experienced hikers

Hiking in Utah County

Looking for a great hike close to home? You have come to the right place! Utah County sits right at the foot of the Wasatch, so from Provo, Orem, Lehi or Springville you're never far from a trailhead. In one county you can climb to the Y in time for lunch, find a waterfall up a shady canyon, or spend a whole day reaching a summit.

We gather the trails, trailheads, canyons and wilderness areas from across the county into one list, and each pick below links to its own page on Go Do with a map to the trailhead and even the weather forecast, so you can see what the mountain will be like before you leave the house.

This guide starts with the short hikes right above town, then the waterfalls, the canyons and, for experienced hikers, the big summits. Here's a few of the top options to consider, so find your next great day outside and get planning with your family and friends in our App too!

Short hikes right above town

Some of the best hiking in Utah County starts on the edge of a neighborhood. These trails climb the foothills right above Provo and Lindon, so they're a great way to fit a hike into a busy day, a weekday evening or a Saturday morning before everything else.

Short doesn't always mean easy, since foothill trails tend to climb steeply from the start. Bring water even for a quick one, wear shoes with good grip, and turn around early if anyone in your group is struggling. The views are the reward either way.

Photo: Explore Utah Valley

Y Trail

Provo

The Y Trail is the hike everyone in Provo knows: the route up to the Y on the mountain above town. It's a great first hike for visitors and anyone new to the area. Go early in the day and take your time at the top to enjoy the view.

Photo: Explore Utah Valley

Rock Canyon

Provo

Rock Canyon is a canyon route in Provo, a great choice when you want a real canyon hike without a long drive. Go as far as you like and turn back whenever you're ready, and bring water even for a short outing.

Waterfall hikes

A waterfall at the end of the trail is one of the best ways to keep kids (and grown-ups) moving, and Utah County has several up its canyons, from Sundance down to Payson. They're a great choice for a family outing or for showing visiting friends a side of Utah they might not expect.

The rocks around falls stay wet and slick, so watch your footing and keep little ones close near the water. In late fall, check the weather before you head up, since the canyons get cold quickly once the sun drops behind the ridges.

Canyons worth a whole day

When you have a full day, head up one of Utah County's canyons. American Fork Canyon and the Wasatch side canyons are full of trails, lakes, campgrounds and scenic drives, so a car full of people with different ideas of a good hike can all find something.

Go early, especially on weekends, since the most popular trailheads have small parking areas that fill up fast. Pack lunch, plenty of water and a warm layer, and check the listing for each place before you go.

Photo: Explore Utah Valley

American Fork Canyon

Cedar Hills

American Fork Canyon is known for rock climbing, camping, fishing, hiking and biking. The Alpine Loop Scenic Backway, Cascade Springs and Timpanogos Cave are all inside it, and the Alpine Loop connects it to Provo Canyon. To get there, take the Hwy 92 exit in Highland.

Photo: National Park Service

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Cedar Hills

Timpanogos Cave National Monument protects a cave system in the cliffs of American Fork Canyon, managed by the National Park Service. It's a wonderful way to add a little history and geology to a day of hiking. Check the listing for the park's own page before you go.

Big summits for experienced hikers

For experienced hikers, Utah County has some of the biggest peaks on the Wasatch Front, and standing on top of one is a day you'll remember. These are long, steep days at high elevation, so they're best for hikers who already have a few big hikes behind them.

Start at first light, carry more water and food than you think you'll need, and know when to turn around. Weather changes quickly up high, and by late fall the summits can already have snow, so check the forecast on the listing the night before.

Photo: Lunkwill at English Wikipedia · Public domain

Y Mountain

Provo

Y Mountain is a summit hike to 8,566 ft, the next step up for anyone who has done the Y Trail and wants more. Plan for a long day and an early start.

Photo: Epachamo at English Wikipedia · Public domain

Provo Peak

Provo

Provo Peak is a summit hike to 11,007 ft above Provo. It's a big day best for experienced hikers who are comfortable at high elevation.

Photo: An Errant Knight · CC BY-SA 4.0

Cascade Mountain

Provo Canyon

Cascade Mountain is a summit hike to 10,827 ft above Provo Canyon. It's a serious climb, so save it for a clear day and a full tank of energy.

Photo: Eric Ward from Provo, UT, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0

Mount Timpanogos Wilderness

Sundance

The Mount Timpanogos Wilderness protects 10,518 acres around Mount Timpanogos, between American Fork Canyon on the north and Provo Canyon on the south, in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. It's a great place to spend a big day on the mountain.

Common questions

What are some short hikes in Utah County?

The Y Trail goes up to the Y above Provo, Rock Canyon is a canyon route in Provo, and the Bonneville Shoreline Trail lets you make a walk as short as you like. Each listing gives the route's length where it's known.

Where can I hike to a waterfall in Utah County?

Stewart Falls near Sundance, Battle Creek Water Falls in Pleasant Grove and Horse Tail Falls in Alpine are waterfall hikes, and Grotto Falls is near Payson.

What are the biggest summit hikes in Utah County?

Provo Peak and Cascade Mountain are the highest summits in this guide, and Y Mountain is a good first summit for experienced hikers. Each listing gives the summit's elevation.

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