Utah County is known for its natural beauty and what better way to enjoy the waterfalls, mountains, wildflowers, and more than to strap on your hiking boots and get outside? With so many different types of hikes you can go on in the valley we picked ten different hikes you can try right now. Just south of Salt Lake City, these day hikes are perfect short adventures to try.
10 hikes in Utah County
- Stuart Falls Trail
- Tibble Fork Loop Trail
- Silver Lake Flat Reservoir Trail
- Grotto Falls Trail
- Kyhv Peak Trail (Formerly Squaw Peak Trail)
- Bridal Veil Falls Trail
- Spring Canyon Trail
- Big East Lake
- Big Springs Hollow Trail
- Lost Creek Falls Trail
1. Stewart Falls Trail
Stewart Falls is a breathtaking waterfall with two tiers and over 200 feet tall. During this hike, you’ll experience beautiful trees and many great mountain views along the way including the east side of Mount Timpanogos. This iconic waterfall is tucked away near Sundance and is great to visit during spring, summer, and fall.
- Length: 3.5 miles out and back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gained: 646 ft
- Best time to go: May - October
- Getting there: Head east on Provo Canyon (Hwy 189) after the tunnel, take a left towards Sundance Mountain Resort (UT 92), pass the Sundance Nordic Center, and the Theater-in-the-Pines Group Campground, turn left towards Aspen Grove Parking.
2. Tibble Fork Loop Trail
Located up American Fork Canyon and features great views of Tibble Fork Reservoir, aspens, meadows, mountains, creeks, and wildflowers. There are some steep inclines throughout the trail but offers lots of tree cover. This is accessible all year round and definitely, a great one to start off your summer hiking season!
- Length: 4.6 miles loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gained: 1,115 ft
- Best time to go: May - October
- Getting there: From American Fork Canyon head towards Tibble Fork Reservoir. Pass Tibble Fork Reservoir and continue going east until you get to the Mill-Canyon Trailhead. Cross the bridge and be on your way!
3. Silver Lake Flat Reservoir Trail
Silver Lake Flat Reservoir is surrounded by a beautiful forest mixed with aspen, maple, oak, and fir trees. Also, surrounded by various peaks such as Box Elder Peak, Mill Canyon Peak, and White Baldy. But let’s not forget the lake's backdrop of Mt Timpanogos, truly breathtaking. Perfect for bikers, hikers, anglers, and paddleboarding, or canoeing.
- Length: 3.6 miles there and back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gained: 1,122 ft
- Best time to go: May - October
- Getting there: From American Fork Canyon head towards Tibble Fork Reservoir. Park at Tibble Fork Reservoir parking lot. Use the connector trail that links the Horse Transfer TH to the Silver Lake Flat Road near the dam. This will allow you to avoid mountain bikers and side-by-sides who frequent the lower section of the road.
4. Grotto Falls Trail
If you’re looking for something a little bit shorter and more family-friendly, Grotto Falls is a great option. Located along the Nebo Loop near the town of Payson this trail is wide and accompanied by log bridges along the way. The waterfall itself is surrounded by rock and is a perfect place to cool off during those hot summer days.
- Length: 0.6 miles there and back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gained: 183 ft
- Best time to go: March - October
- Getting there: Follow 600 East in Payson which becomes the Nebo Scenic Loop Road. Follow for about 7 miles, and there will be signs on where to park.
5. Kyhv Peak Trail (Formerly Squak Peak)
Kyhv Peak is probably one of the best places to see the entire valley scaling at 7,859 ft high and overlooking BYU, Utah County, and Utah Lake. Along with spectacular views, you will be greeted with wildflowers and wildlife. This isn’t necessarily an easy hike as you will gain close to 3,000 ft in 3.5 miles. Perfect hike to leave your young ones at home and see some spectacular views.
- Length: 7 miles there and back
- Difficulty: Hard
- Elevation Gained: 2,739 ft
- Best time to go: March - October
- Getting there: From I-15 take exit 269 for University Parkway, turn left on 900 east, right on Temple View Drive. Turn right on east 2300 north and head towards the parking lot.
6. Bridal Veil Falls Trail
Located up the Provo Canyon, Bridal Veil Falls is a natural waterfall and is very easily accessible. This double cataract waterfall drops 607 feet to the Provo River.
Near the trailhead, you will find a paved bike path as well as picnic areas. Perfect for the entire family! This trail is open all year round but during winter months it is often crowded by ice climbers.
- Length: 1.4 miles there and back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gained: 114 ft
- Best time to go: April - October
- Getting there: Head east on Hwy 189 (Provo Canyon), watch for signs for Bridal Veil parking. The falls and the parking area are on the right side of the road.
7. Spring Canyon Trail
Close to the city of Springville and overlooking Hobble Creek Canyon, Spring Canyon Trail is a great spring/summertime hike for views, ferns, wild roses, geraniums, and aspen trees. Be sure to have sturdy hiking boots as there are some steep inclines and rocky conditions, but the meadow at the end of the hike will be all worth it.
- Length: 5.2 miles there and back
- Difficulty: Hard
- Elevation Gained: 1,856 ft
- Best time to go: April - October
- Getting there: Head south on I-15 towards Springville, and take Exit 261. Drive east until you get to Main Street (Hwy 89). Turn south on Main Street to Center Street.
- Turn left on Center Street and drive till the road ends. The trail begins at the end of Center Street.
8. Big East Lake
One of three Payson Lakes, Big East Lake being the biggest of the three is perfect for younger kids and your casual hiker. The trail is paved and encircles the entire lake. This lake is usually less crowded than others in the valley and offers mountain views, wildflowers, picnic areas and of course a beautiful lake!
- Length: 1-mile loop
- Difficulty: easy
- Elevation Gained: 26 ft
- Best time to go: May - October
- Getting there: Coming from Nephi, head east on 100 North to Nebo Loop Road and take a left. Stay on the Nebo Loop Road for around 25 miles and turn left on Forest Road 018 to park near the campground.
9. Big Springs Hollow Trail
Perfect for all skill levels, Big Springs Hollow is located near Provo. Multiple mountain views to the west along with wildflowers and plenty of natural springs along the trail. Plenty of shade and is perfect for family outings.
- Length: 4.2 miles there and back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gained: 1,029 ft
- Best time to go: May - October
- Getting there: From Provo head east into Provo Canyon, turn right on South Fork Road. Continue for just over 3 miles to Big Springs Park. There you will find the trailhead near the far west corner of the park.
10. Lost Creek Falls Trail
A more intimate hike to a waterfall that’s best visited during spring and early summer. Great mountain views along the way as well as lots of lush, green sections of the trail. This trail isn’t as well known as Bridal Veil or Stewart Falls but still a fun one to explore.
- Length: 2.8 miles there and back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gained: 1,053
- Best time to go: April - October
- Getting there: Directly across Bridal Veil Falls from the Provo Canyon.
Whether you are driving through to visit the national parks, or a local, looking for an adventure nearby, we hope that this helps you find the best trail for you! For more hikes in Utah County, check out The Ultimate Guide to the 50 Best Hikes in Utah Valley & Lesser Known Hikes in Utah Valley.
