Y Mountain Trail
A steep, iconic hike in Provo offering panoramic views of the valley and Utah Lake. A local favorite for a quick, rewarding workout.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Y Mountain Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A steep, iconic hike in Provo offering panoramic views of the valley and Utah Lake. A local favorite for a quick, rewarding workout.
"Never fails to take my breath away (by the views, not because I'm out of shape lol)."
Wear sturdy shoes
The trail is steep and can be rocky in places. Good traction is key! :athletic_shoe:
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Especially important due to the altitude. Bring plenty of water. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic 'Y'
Mid-trail
The massive concrete 'Y' is the trail's namesake and a classic photo op. It's a symbol of Provo and Brigham Young University.
Panoramic Valley Views
Summit
Reach the top for breathtaking vistas of Provo, Utah Lake, and the surrounding Wasatch Mountains.
Henry Miles' Daily Hike
Throughout the trail
Spot local legend Henry Miles, who has hiked the Y over 4,000 times. A true inspiration!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Altitude Awareness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear sturdy shoes
The trail is steep and can be rocky in places. Good traction is key! :athletic_shoe:
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Especially important due to the altitude. Bring plenty of water. :droplet:
hiking mt timpanogos!!!!!
Layer your clothing
Temperatures can change quickly. You might start cool and warm up fast. :shirt:
Pace yourself
It's a challenging climb, but well-maintained. Enjoy the journey! :hiking_boot:
I am going to Provo next week for work. Is there anything that you would recommend as a must see while I am in the area? Of course we plan to see Salt Lake and maybe one of the Hot Springs.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear sturdy shoes
The trail is steep and can be rocky in places. Good traction is key! :athletic_shoe:
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Especially important due to the altitude. Bring plenty of water. :droplet:
Layer your clothing
Temperatures can change quickly. You might start cool and warm up fast. :shirt:
Pace yourself
It's a challenging climb, but well-maintained. Enjoy the journey! :hiking_boot:
Capture the views
The summit offers incredible photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera! :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Y Mountain Trail for its breathtaking views and rewarding challenge. Many appreciate the well-maintained path and the iconic 'Y' landmark. Some note the steepness can be demanding, especially at altitude, and suggest proper preparation.
"Loved hiking the Y with my son! We hadn't been in Utah since 2008! So getting to hike the Y was a must! He was captivated by the mountains throughout the trip! I loved seeing families of all ages and sizes hiking the Y as we ascended and descended. We loved the valley view as we arrived at the top! As one currently living in Missouri, with no mountains, hiking the Y takes a lot of effort. Since our visit was mid December we layered up but while climbing up, I thought we overpacked and caught myself taking off a layer little by little but then once we reached the top of the Y, we hung out for a while and realized that we did need the extra layers and put them back on before descending. I loved the motivating and informational markers! All in all, it was a great trip and visit! So excited we got to do this!
I can see this hike being hard for some moderate for others. the path is well taken care of so it is an easy climb if you pace yourself."
Loraine McCall
"This trail is beautiful and I would highly recommend hiking it! It is moderately-difficult, but you don't have to go to the end of the trail."
C N
"Nice short hike with great view."
Tony F
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main trailhead is located off East Canyon Drive in Provo, Utah. Parking is available at the trailhead. It's a popular spot, so arrive early for the best parking.
Public transportation options are limited directly to the trailhead. It's generally recommended to drive or use a ride-sharing service.
The most common access point is the main trailhead. Some may also access it from different starting points, but the main trail is the most direct route to the 'Y'.
While the main trailhead is the most popular, there might be less-maintained access points. For a clear and well-marked hike, stick to the primary trailhead.
From Provo, head east on Center Street, which turns into East Canyon Drive. Continue on East Canyon Drive until you reach the trailhead parking area on your left.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Y Mountain Trail is a public trail and does not require any admission tickets. It's free to access and hike.
The trail is open year-round from dawn to dusk. There are no official operating hours, but it's best to hike during daylight for safety.
Parking at the main trailhead for the Y Mountain Trail is typically free. However, it's always a good idea to check for any posted signs regarding parking regulations.
While technically possible, hiking at night is not recommended due to safety concerns, lack of lighting, and potential for getting lost. Stick to daylight hours.
No permits are required for general hiking on the Y Mountain Trail. It's a public access area managed for recreational use.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike to the 'Y' and back can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the top. The full trail to Stewart Mountain is longer.
The trail to the 'Y' is considered moderately difficult due to its steepness, with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain in a mile. The path is well-maintained.
Bring plenty of water, wear comfortable hiking shoes, dress in layers, and consider snacks. Sunscreen and a hat are also recommended.
Restroom facilities are generally not available at the trailhead or along the Y Mountain Trail itself. Plan accordingly.
Yes, families can hike the Y Mountain Trail. Younger children might find the steepness challenging, but many families enjoy the hike together.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic 'Y' itself is a must-capture. The summit offers stunning panoramic views of Provo and Utah Lake, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, provides the most beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local ordinances and park rules before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for sunrise/sunset shots.
Look out for local characters like Henry Miles, who has hiked the trail thousands of times, offering a unique human element to your photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on making it a positive experience by bringing plenty of snacks and water. Celebrate reaching the 'Y' and enjoy the panoramic views together. Consider going earlier in the day to avoid the midday heat and larger crowds.
💪 Fitness Enthusiasts
Consider incorporating it into a longer training regimen, perhaps by doing multiple laps or continuing on to Stewart Mountain for an extended hike. The consistent elevation gain makes it a great spot for interval training.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with different angles to capture the scale of the mountains and the urban landscape. The changing light throughout the day can dramatically alter the mood of your shots. Don't forget to capture the spirit of the trail by photographing dedicated hikers like Henry Miles.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Y Mountain Trail Experience
The trail itself is well-maintained, making the climb manageable for those who pace themselves. The primary goal for many is reaching the large concrete 'Y' structure, a symbol of Brigham Young University. From this point, the views of Provo, Utah Lake, and the surrounding mountain ranges are spectacular. For the more adventurous, the trail continues beyond the 'Y' towards Stewart Mountain, offering an extended and more strenuous trek.
Many visitors are inspired by the dedication of hikers like Henry Miles, who has made the Y Mountain Trail his daily pilgrimage for years, showcasing the trail's enduring appeal and the community spirit it fosters.
Altitude and Acclimation
It's crucial to take precautions. Stay well-hydrated in the days leading up to your hike and on the trail itself. Avoid strenuous activity immediately upon arrival in the area. Listen to your body; if you feel dizzy or unwell, descend. The trail is short enough that you can turn back at any point if needed, and the views are rewarding even partway up.
Trail Conditions and Best Practices
Dress in layers, as temperatures can fluctuate significantly between the base and the summit, and between morning and afternoon. Sun protection, including sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, is highly recommended. While the trail is popular, it's wise to let someone know your hiking plans, especially if you're venturing beyond the main 'Y'.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit