
Best Backpacking Destinations in Provo, Utah, United States
1. Yellowstone National Park
Explore diverse wildlife and geothermal wonders in the world's first national park.
- Wildlife Spotting: Opportunities to see grizzly bears, wolves, and bison roam freely.
- Geothermal Phenomena: Experience hot springs, geysers, and fumaroles throughout the park.
- Backcountry Camping: Overnight camping in pristine wilderness, with permits required.
2. Timpanogos Cave National Monument
Discover stunning limestone caves filled with unique geological formations.
- Cave Exploration: Guided tours showcase dazzling calcite formations.
- Hiking Challenge: Moderate hike to reach the caves with breathtaking mountain views.
- Educational Experience: Learn about geology, ecology, and history during your visit.
3. Mount Nebo Scenic Byway
Travel along a picturesque route offering panoramic views of the Great Basin and Utah Valley.
- Scenic Drive: Enjoy the stunning vistas, including Utah Lake and the Wasatch Range.
- Historical Sites: Stop by historic landmarks like Fort Uneva and Pioneer Cemetery along the way.
- Backcountry Adventures: Access remote trails, canyons, and camping spots off the byway.
4. Wasatch-Cache National Forest
Explore miles of trails in a vast forested wilderness with opportunities for fishing and camping.
- Hiking Trails: Choose from hundreds of trails, including the popular Y-belt trail system.
- Backcountry Camping: Overnight camping available in designated campsites or dispersed areas.
- Wildlife Viewing: Spot deer, elk, and other wildlife in the forested landscape.
5. Bridal Veil Falls
Hike to a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, with an optional swim in the pool below.
- Hiking Challenge: Moderate hike to reach the falls with multiple stream crossings.
- Swimming Opportunity: Cool off in the pool below the waterfall after your hike.
- Scenic Beauty: Enjoy stunning views of the falls and surrounding wilderness.
6. Devil's Kitchen
Experience a unique geological formation called Devil's Kitchen within Utah Valley State Park.
- Geology Exploration: See lava tubes, spatter cones, and other fascinating geological formations.
- Historical Context: Learn about the area's volcanic history and native cultures that once inhabited the region.
- Hiking Trails: Choose from easy to moderate hikes through the park, including trails to Devil's Kitchen.
7. Provo River Parkway
Follow the Provo River on a scenic bike or pedestrian trail, with opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing.
- Scenic Beauty: Enjoy views of the river, mountains, and cityscapes along the trail.
- Fishing Opportunities: Cast a line in the Provo River for trout and other fish species.
- Wildlife Viewing: Spot birds, deer, and other wildlife along the trail.
8. Santaquin Canyon Recreation Area
Enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding in a beautiful canyon setting.
- Hiking Trails: Choose from easy to challenging trails for various skill levels.
- Backcountry Camping: Overnight camping available in designated campsites or dispersed areas.
- Fishing Opportunities: Cast a line for trout, bass, and other fish species in the canyon's streams.
9. Mt. Timpanogos
Hike to Utah's second-highest peak and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Wasatch Range.
- Challenging Hike: Strenuous hike requiring good physical fitness and preparation.
- Summit Views: Reach the summit for panoramic views of Utah Valley, the Great Salt Lake, and the Wasatch Range.
- Backcountry Camping: Overnight camping available at designated spots along the ascent.
10. Squaw Peak Trail
Hike to a scenic overlook for sweeping views of Utah Valley and the Great Salt Lake.
- Scenic Beauty: Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the trail's summit.
- Easy Hike: Short, easy hike suitable for all skill levels and ages.
- Historical Significance: Learn about the area's history as a lookout during World War II.
11. Dry Creek Wilderness
Explore remote wilderness areas with diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.
- Hiking Trails: Choose from a network of trails for various skill levels.
- Backcountry Camping: Overnight camping available in designated campsites or dispersed areas.
- Wildlife Viewing: Spot elk, deer, and other wildlife as you explore the wilderness.
12. Spanish Fork Canyon
Hike, fish, or camp in a picturesque canyon with waterfalls and scenic overlooks.
- Scenic Beauty: Enjoy stunning views of the canyon, waterfalls, and surrounding wilderness.
- Hiking Trails: Choose from easy to challenging trails for various skill levels.
- Fishing Opportunities: Cast a line for trout, bass, and other fish species in the canyon's streams.
13. Mt. Nebo Wilderness
Experience remote wilderness areas with stunning views of Utah Valley and the Great Basin.
- Hiking Trails: Choose from a network of trails for various skill levels.
- Backcountry Camping: Overnight camping available in designated campsites or dispersed areas.
- Scenic Beauty: Enjoy breathtaking views of Utah Valley, the Great Basin, and surrounding wilderness.
14. Santaquin Peak Trail
Hike to a scenic overlook for panoramic views of Utah Valley and the surrounding mountains.
- Scenic Beauty: Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the trail's summit.
- Moderate Hike: Moderately challenging hike suitable for intermediate hikers.
- Historical Significance: Learn about the area's history as a lookout during World War II.
15. Utah Lake State Park
Enjoy water sports, fishing, and picnicking at Utah's largest freshwater lake.
- Water Sports: Participate in activities such as boating, sailing, and water skiing.
- Fishing Opportunities: Cast a line for bass, catfish, and other fish species in the lake.
- Scenic Beauty: Enjoy stunning views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and sunsets.