10 of the Best Hikes in Utah County
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10 of the Best Utah County Hiking Trails
Located in Utah (oddly enough), Utah County has a population of over 515,000, and is made up of around 2,150 square miles of combined land and water. While Utah County receives a bulk of its fame from being the home of Brigham Young University and the Geneva Steel Plant, it offers more than meets the eye. “Hidden” within the borders of Utah County, nature lovers will find scenic Utah Valley, which is home to some of the most incredible hikes in the west. Due to its location, it’s easy to see why it plays host to some of the best hikes in Utah County.
Utah Valley Information
At the center of the valley you’ll find Utah Lake, which is fairly shallow and comprised of fresh water. Every river within the valley region flows into this lake, which then eventually runs north, emptying into the Jordan River. It truly is a sight to behold, and I strongly suggest any potential hikers drop by to partake in the picturesque views. If you’re into water, this is most certainly something you don’t want to pass up!
Top 10 List of the Best Hikes in Utah County
1. Tibble Fork Loop Trail
Starting off our list of Utah County hikes, we have the Tibble Fork Loop Trail located near Alpine, Utah. Coming in at 4.6 miles long, hikers will find an elevation gain of around 1,115 feet throughout the duration of the trip. As a result, this is considered to be more of a moderate intensity hike. Many visitors will also be pleased to know this hike features a gorgeous lake, too.
On a different note, horses as well as dogs are allowed to make use of this trail as well. Paired with the fact that it also plays host to many activities, the Tibble Fork Loop Trail always seems to have a different experience to offer each time you visit. Many visitors claim the trail is best suited for the months between May and October.
2. Lost Creek Falls Trail
Next up, Lost Creek Falls Trail is an enjoyable 2.8 mile out and back jaunt. Situated near Provo, Utah, the Lost Creek Falls Trail features a beautiful waterfall, but with an elevation gain of 1,053 feet, this trail also falls under the moderate category. This hike is known for having some fairly heavy traffic at times, so keep that in mind and plan accordingly.
Also there have been numerous cases where hikers seeking the waterfall turn around early thinking they’ve passed it along the way. Please be aware that the falls are beyond an ATV trail at the top. A very breathtaking view that nobody should miss if tackling this trail!
3. Grotto Falls Trail
Moving on, this time we have quite a short little out and back. Grotto Falls Trail, located near Santaquin, Utah, comes in at just over half a mile (0.6 to be exact). Like Lost Creek Falls, this trail also features a spectacular waterfall attraction. Better yet, with an elevation gain of only 183 feet, this hike is suitable for every skill level from beginner to expert.
You can also find a myriad of activities here such as bird watching and nature trips. Furthermore, Grotto Falls Trail is also dog friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend and see what nature has to offer. Ideal months for visiting land somewhere in the early March to late October to mid November range.
4. Big East Lake
Following close on the heels of Grotto Falls, at number 4 we have Big East Lake. At 1 mile on the nose, this trail another short romp like the previous entry, but this time as a loop hike. Conveniently enough, it too is located near Santaquin, making for a nice 2-in-1 experience when paired with Grotto Falls, if you’re interested. Another commonality is that Big East Lake is dog friendly as well, but must be kept on a leash. Also, with an elevation gain of only 26 feet, hikers of all skill levels can enjoy the sights and sounds without breaking a sweat.
5. Provo River Parkway
Breaking the chain of short hikes, next up we have Provo River Parkway. As its name suggests, this trail is located near Provo, Utah. At a challenging 15.2 miles in length, this point to point hike has an elevation gain of 839 feet, making it land squarely into the moderate category. This trail is accessible year round as well as being dog friendly, though they must be leashed. Hikers will also find a lake along their way, making for a lovely spot to stop and take in the views or have a picnic. Finally, towards the northern tip of the trail, it goes by the edge of Bridal Veil Falls, making it one of the more memorable Utah County hiking trails.
6. Squaw Peak Overlook Trail
Next up we have something a little better suited for the veteran hiker. Squaw Peak Trail is a 7.2 mile journey with a staggering elevation gain of 2,742 feet, pushing it into the difficult category. This is an out and back type of trail, with plenty of amazing sights (such as a river) along its challenging length. The ideal time frame to partake of this hike normally lands between the months of March and October. We should also note that Squaw Peak Overlook Trail is dog (with leash) friendly as well, but please don’t push your 4-legged best friend too hard! Trekking poles are a perfect addition to difficult elevation climbs like this one!
7. Island Meadow Trail
After cranking up the difficulty scale, let’s tone it down some, shall we? At 2.6 miles in length, the Island Meadow Trail is an out and back beauty with an elevation gain of 475 feet. Falling into the moderate category, this hike located near Pleasant Grove, Utah, is known well for its gorgeous wild flowers and is lightly trafficked. Ideal visiting months range from late May to early November depending on the weather that season. It should be noted, however, that this hike passes through what some may deem as terrain with the potential for avalanches. If you’re looking to take this trail on, we recommend contacting the Utah Avalanche Center ahead of time just in case.
8. Slate Canyon Loop Trail
Well, we toned it down, but now it’s time to crank up the dial again. Found near Provo, Utah, the Slate Canyon Loop Trail climbs 3,349 feet in elevation within its 8.5 mile length. While this does classify it at difficult, it should be noted that this is a loop hike, so by the end you’re back where you started! Accessible to both dogs and horses, this trail is recommended to be tackled between April and October. It is noted that the Slate Canyon Loop Trail hosts moderate traffic, so don’t fear being caught alone mid hike. Bonus points for the river that runs alongside as a nice spot to catch a breather!
9. Mount Timpanogos
Now it’s time for something a little different. Located near Pleasant Grove, Utah, Mount Timpanogos offers a few different out and back connections. First from Aspen Grove, at 15.6 miles long with a gain of 5,383 feet. Secondly, via the Timpooneke Trail coming in at a distance of 15.6 miles and a slightly more forgiving gain of 4,425 feet. No matter which route you choose, both seem to carry a fairly heavy amount of traffic, rank as difficult, and are leashed dog friendly. With multiple connections, the brilliance of this trail is the ability to pick and choose where you start and finish!
10. Bridal Veil Falls Trail
Finishing off this list at number 10 we have something a bit more friendly and awe-inspiring. Mentioned above, the Bridal Veil Falls Trail brushes right up against Provo River Parkway. At 1.4 miles in length and with an elevation gain of 114 feet, this fully paved out and back hike is perfect for people of all ages and skill levels (dogs included). As the name suggestions, Bridal Veil plays host to a double cataract waterfall that stands a whopping 607 feet tall! I don’t know about you, but this seems like the perfect way to cap off a list of some of the best hikes in Utah County!
Best Hikes in Utah County - Conclusion
Please note that these are only a handful of the options available. When making a list of the “best hikes in Utah County”, liberties and personal opinions have to weigh heavily, or else the article would become so long that no one would bother reading it. With that said, we at BackpackingNut mutually agreed to the hikes on this list for their varied lengths and spectacular views. If you decide to tackle any of these trails, chances are you’ll eventually find your way onto another without much effort at all. We feel that no matter your experience level, these Utah Valley hikes offer something for everyone. If you’re looking for more hikes in the west, consider checking out our article “Hardest Hikes in Southern California”. Safe adventures and happy traveling!
