Rock Canyon Trailhead

Gateway to the Wasatch

Located at the edge of Provo, Rock Canyon Trailhead provides access to Rock Canyon and the Wasatch Mountains. Following renovations in 2024, this popular spot features improved facilities while preserving the area's natural beauty. The $3 million renovation (funded through a mix of local, county, and state grants) has addressed previous issues like graffiti and overuse, giving the area a much-needed refresh.

Trailhead Amenities That Actually Make Sense

The 2024 upgrades include a new Entry Interpretive Plaza, year-round restrooms (finally!), and improved parking that even accommodates buses. Need a spot for your group gathering? Check out the large covered pavilion with long tables that can seat about 50 people - just reserve it through Provo Customer Service.

One of the coolest additions is a bouldering wall with protective soft flooring where kids and climbing enthusiasts can practice their skills safely. There's also a new amphitheater that creates another gathering space for visitors.

Learn While You Wander

If you're looking for something educational and family-friendly, the new themed loop trails are perfect. These short paths focus on Rock, Plant, and Animal themes and are easily accessible from either the parking lot by the dumpster enclosure or near the amphitheater. Clear signage throughout helps you navigate not just these loops but also connections to the broader network, including the Bonneville Shoreline Trail that runs north and south from the trailhead.

Trails for Every Adventurer

The main Rock Canyon Trail extends deeper into the canyon through diverse landscapes. You'll start in almost desert-like terrain near the trailhead before transitioning to more alpine environments as you climb higher. The upper elevations feature streams, maple trees, and coniferous forests - creating the experience of passing through several ecosystems in one hike. Good news for those with mobility concerns: the first quarter mile is partially paved, making the initial section more accessible.

Nature's Playground

The canyon's striking walls offer climbing routes of varying difficulty that attract enthusiasts from many areas. Beyond the rocks themselves, the area hosts diverse wildlife and plant species, making it a prime spot for nature observation and photography. Keep your eyes peeled for deer and, if you're exceptionally lucky, bighorn sheep.

Y Mountain (formerly Squaw Peak) Peak), Cascade Mountain, Rock Canyon Campground, and various caves throughout the canyon. You can tailor your experience to your available time and ability - perhaps a short educational walk around the trailhead or an ambitious all-day hike with serious elevation gain.

If you're planning a longer trek, the Rock Canyon Trail to the campground is about 5.8 miles round trip with roughly 1,700 feet of elevation gain. The journey to Kyhv Peak demands more effort: approximately 7.3 miles round trip with nearly 2,800 feet of climbing.

Even winter brings its own charm, with portions of the trail becoming popular spots for sledding and snow hiking. With over 200,000 visitors annually, this canyon clearly holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and visitors to the Provo area.