Best Backpacking Destinations in Provo, Utah, United States

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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.