Hiking Heaven: 7 Breathtaking Trails in Provo's Wasatch Mountains

If there's one trail that captures Provo's essence, it's the Y Mountain Trail. Named for the massive white 'Y' emblazoned on the mountainside (representing Brigham Young University), this hike offers much more than just a photo op with a giant letter.

The trail begins at a well-marked trailhead east of campus and quickly gains elevation through scrub oak and maple groves. What fascinates me as a botany student is how distinctly the vegetation changes as you climb. The lower portions feature drought-adapted sagebrush and rabbitbrush communities—keep an eye out for the silvery-blue Artemisia tridentata (Big Sagebrush), which Native Americans traditionally used for medicinal purposes.

After reaching the Y itself (about 1.2 miles in), most families turn around, satisfied with the already impressive views of Utah Valley. But for those with older children and a sense of adventure, continuing upward rewards with something special. The path narrows and steepens as you enter mountain mahogany woodlands before eventually opening to subalpine meadows near the summit. Last July, I counted seven different wildflower species in a single square meter—including the vibrant blue Wasatch Penstemon, which is endemic to these mountains.

The complete round trip to the summit is about 7 miles with 2,600 feet of elevation gain, making it challenging but doable for families with teenagers. My friend's 12-year-old made it to the top last summer, though we took plenty of water and snack breaks while I taught her to identify alpine plants along the way.

Rock Canyon holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of the rugged landscapes where I learned about subsistence living in Alaska—except with significantly more sunshine! This dramatic limestone canyon cuts deeply into the Wasatch Front and offers a perfect balance of accessibility and wilderness immersion.

The trail begins at Rock Canyon Park, where clean restrooms and a playground make it ideal for families needing pre-hike facilities. The wide, well-maintained path follows a seasonal stream through a riparian corridor that erupts with life during spring and summer. I've spent hours here documenting the relationship between native bees and the remarkable diversity of flowering plants.

About a mile in, the canyon walls begin to close in, revealing stunning geological formations that tell the story of ancient seas and massive tectonic forces. My geology-enthusiast friends point out fossils embedded in the limestone—remnants of marine creatures that lived here millions of years ago when this entire area was underwater.

What makes Rock Canyon particularly family-friendly is its choose-your-own-adventure nature. The main trail continues for miles, eventually connecting with the Great Western Trail, but there are natural turnaround points for different ages and abilities. Families with young children might enjoy the first 1-2 miles before heading back, while those with more stamina can venture deeper.

When hiking Rock Canyon in summer, I always bring my hydration pack. The canyon can become surprisingly hot as sunlight reflects off the limestone walls, and having hands-free access to water makes all the difference, especially when I'm stopping every few minutes to photograph interesting plant specimens or point out geological features to hiking companions.

When my cousins visited from Dublin last summer with their three young children (ages 4, 6, and 8), Bridal Veil Falls was the unanimous favorite among our hiking adventures. This 607-foot cascading waterfall is not only visually spectacular but also accessible via a mostly flat, paved pathway that runs along the Provo River.

The trail begins at Nunns Park and follows the Provo River Parkway for approximately one mile to reach the falls. What makes this hike particularly magical for families is the combination of easy terrain and constant natural entertainment. The river creates a soothing soundtrack while providing endless opportunities for impromptu science lessons about water ecosystems.

During our visit, we turned the hike into a botanical scavenger hunt. I created simple cards with pictures of common plants found along the trail—Box Elder Maple, Red Osier Dogwood, and Water Birch—and the kids raced to identify them. Their excitement upon discovering a patch of wild strawberries (Fragaria virginiana) was infectious, though I had to gently explain why we observe rather than harvest in protected areas.

The waterfall itself offers natural air conditioning on hot summer days, with fine mist cooling the surrounding area. There's a viewing platform perfect for family photos, and the shallow pools at the base of the falls allow for safe water play (though the water remains quite cold even in summer).

For families planning a full day out, I recommend bringing a portable picnic blanket for a riverside lunch. The one my family uses folds into a compact carrying case but expands to fit all of us comfortably on the grassy areas near the falls. It's waterproof backing has saved our sandwiches more than once when we've encountered damp ground!

I should note first that this trail's traditional name is controversial, and many locals (myself included) refer to it simply as 'Peak 7,877' or 'SP Trail' out of respect for Indigenous communities. Whatever you call it, this challenging route offers one of the most rewarding summit experiences in the Provo area for families with older children and teens.

Unlike the popular Y Mountain Trail, this path sees significantly fewer hikers, creating a more wilderness-immersive experience. The trailhead is located up Provo Canyon and Rock Canyon, with limited parking that fills quickly on weekends.

The trail immediately means business, climbing steadily through oak woodland before transitioning to aspen groves that remind me of Alaska's boreal forests. During my first hike here last autumn, I was mesmerized by the quaking aspens (Populus tremuloides) with their golden leaves shimmering against the blue sky. Did you know these trees are actually single organisms connected by their root systems? What looks like a forest of individual trees is often one massive living entity—something I love pointing out to young hikers.

As you gain elevation (approximately 2,800 feet over 4 miles), the vegetation transitions to subalpine conifers and finally to rocky alpine terrain near the summit. This ecological succession provides a perfect opportunity to discuss climate zones with curious children.

The 360-degree panorama from the top showcases Utah Valley to the west, Mount Timpanogos to the north, and on clear days, you can even spot the Uinta Mountains in the distance. My compact binoculars have become essential for summit experiences like this—lightweight enough for backpacking but powerful enough to spot wildlife and identify distant landmarks. Last time, we watched a golden eagle soaring on thermals below us—a perspective you rarely get to experience!

While challenging, this trail teaches children about perseverance and rewards effort with unparalleled views. My friend's teenagers, initially reluctant hikers, now request this trail specifically during summer visits.

Stewart Falls offers what I consider the perfect balance for family hiking—moderate difficulty with a spectacular payoff. Located near Sundance Mountain Resort, this 3.5-mile round-trip trail leads to a stunning 200-foot two-tiered waterfall that's impressive year-round but absolutely thunderous during early summer snowmelt.

The trail begins at Aspen Grove and meanders through—you guessed it—gorgeous groves of aspen trees whose white trunks create a striking contrast against their vibrant green leaves. These aspens host an incredible understory of wildflowers during summer months, including my favorite, the Fairy Slipper Orchid (Calypso bulbosa), which I've spotted here in early June. Their tiny pink blooms look like something straight from a fairytale, and finding one always feels like discovering treasure.

What makes Stewart Falls particularly suitable for families is the relatively gentle grade combined with constant visual interest. The path traverses the mountainside with periodic openings that showcase Mount Timpanogos towering above. Children naturally engage with the changing environment—from dense forest sections where we play 'spot the woodpecker holes' to open meadows where mule deer often graze in the mornings and evenings.

The waterfall itself is the perfect destination for a family picnic. Multiple viewing areas allow you to appreciate the falls from different perspectives, and the mist creates a refreshing microclimate during hot summer days. The pool at the base is typically too cold and swift for swimming, but adventurous kids enjoy carefully wading along the edges under close supervision.

For families with younger children, I recommend bringing a kids hiking carrier for the return journey. My sister used one for her 4-year-old who managed the hike to the falls but was too tired for the return trip. These carriers distribute weight comfortably and include storage for essentials, making them perfect for transitional hikers who might need occasional assistance.

Not every family hike needs to be an all-day expedition, and Buffalo Peak proves that spectacular views don't always require spectacular effort. This 1-mile (2-mile round trip) trail packs remarkable scenic punch for minimal investment, making it perfect for families with mixed hiking abilities or limited time.

The trailhead begins at the Squaw Peak Overlook (again, I prefer to call this Buffalo Peak Overlook) along the Alpine Loop scenic drive. From the parking area, the well-defined path climbs steadily but manageably through scrub oak and mountain mahogany. What fascinates me about this ecosystem is how these plants have adapted to the harsh conditions—their thick, waxy leaves conserving precious moisture during Utah's dry summers.

During my research trips here last summer, I documented how the flowering plants change throughout the season. Early summer brings balsamroot sunflowers (Balsamorhiza sagittata) whose bright yellow blooms track the sun throughout the day. By mid-summer, the slopes transform with purple lupine and red Indian paintbrush creating nature's perfect complementary color palette.

The summit itself is a small, rounded peak with 360-degree views that belie the minimal effort required to reach them. To the west lies Utah Valley and Utah Lake; to the east, the higher peaks of the Wasatch range; and on clear days, Mount Nebo dominates the southern horizon. I've found this peak to be the perfect introduction to summit hiking for children—the achievement feels significant without exhausting young legs.

For families with budding naturalists, I recommend bringing a pocket field guide to identify the diverse plant species along the trail. My own copy is dog-eared from frequent use, and I've found that children develop a deeper connection to landscapes when they can name the living things that inhabit them. The guide's color-coded sections make identification accessible even for elementary-aged children.

For families staying in Provo without transportation to more distant trailheads, Slate Canyon offers a wilderness experience surprisingly close to the city center. This accessibility makes it perfect for families who want to squeeze in a nature adventure without dedicating an entire day to driving and hiking.

The trail begins at Slate Canyon Park on the eastern edge of Provo's residential area. What immediately struck me when I first explored this trail was how quickly you transition from urban surroundings to wild canyon terrain. Within 15 minutes of hiking, the sounds of the city fade completely, replaced by birdsong and the rustle of oak leaves in the breeze.

The lower portion of the canyon features a riparian ecosystem along a seasonal stream, creating a green corridor rich with wildlife. During my morning hikes here, I've spotted mule deer, red-tailed hawks, and once even a red fox darting across the trail. These wildlife encounters create memorable moments for children and opportunities for quiet observation—I still remember the look of wonder on my young cousin's face when we watched a deer and her fawn grazing just 30 feet from the trail.

The main trail continues for several miles up the canyon with a moderate but consistent incline. What makes this route family-friendly is its flexibility—you can turn around at any point for an out-and-back adventure tailored to your family's energy level. A popular destination is the junction about 2 miles in, where a scenic overlook provides views back toward Provo.

The botanical diversity here reflects the canyon's transitional position between the valley floor and higher mountain ecosystems. The north-facing slopes support moisture-loving plants like Rocky Mountain maple and wild geranium, while the south-facing slopes host drought-adapted species including Gambel oak and serviceberry. This contrast creates a perfect natural classroom for discussing how aspect (the direction a slope faces) influences plant communities.

For families planning a longer hike, I recommend bringing a hiking daypack to comfortably carry water, snacks, and layers for everyone. The model I use has multiple compartments that help keep gear organized and accessible—crucial when hiking with children who suddenly need a snack, bandage, or extra layer at the most inconvenient moments!