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The Y Trail

The Y Trail in Provo, Utah is a difficult and popular 2.25-mile out-and-back hike that features stunning views of Provo, Mt. Timpanogos, West Mountain, Dry Mountain, and of course, the massive "Y" on the side of Y Mountain.

Location
Note that the trail itself sits on Y Mountain which is a part of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest; however, the trailhead and part of the trail appear to be owned and maintained by Brigham Young University.

Hike Description
This hike begins at the main trailhead for the Y, located at the parking coordinates provided. The trail itself follows a similar elevation grade throughout the entire hike - which is pretty steep. The hike starts off difficult and does not let up until you reach the top of the Y. Along the way, hikers will get views along the entire trail, but for a lot of folks, the switchbacks in the trail will provide places to rest and take in the views as you slowly ascend the western slopes of Y Mountain.

Bottom of the "Y" - Mile 1.05
Around mile 1.05, hikers will reach a spur trail that leads to the bottom of the "Y". Here, the trail continues onward to reach the top.

Top of the "Y" - Mile 1.15
Around mile 1.15 hikers will reach the very-top of the "Y" where you'll find benches to sit, relax, and take in the views of Provo and beyond.

After visiting the top of the Y, hikers will head out, but on the way down you get to enjoy all of the views along the way without having to work for them.

Popularity
This is a very popular trail. Even during weekdays, the trailhead parking lot can fill up very early, around Sunrise. There are additional parking spaces along the road on the drive in, used for overflow parking.

Pets
Dogs are allowed only if leashed and must be cleaned up after.

Parking
Hikers will find a large parking lot at the coordinates provided. The lot is large enough to fit several dozen vehicles as of September, 2023.
Explore 21 trails near Provo, UT

Know Before You Go

  • The Y Trail in Provo, UT is a 2.25-mile out-and-back hike known for its difficulty and rewarding views of the surrounding area.
  • The trail is consistently steep, offering switchbacks for resting points, and leads to the bottom and top of the iconic "Y" on the mountain.
  • Expect a popular trail with potential parking challenges, and remember to leash and clean up after any dogs brought along.
Interactive topographic map for The Y Trail located in Provo, UT. Click the "View Map" button to load GPS coordinates and trail markers.
Get directions
Distance
2.2 mi
Difficulty
Hard
Type
Out-and-Back
Est. Time
1.1 hrs
Elev. Gain
1,085'
Rating
5.0
Added
September 23, 2023
Updated
November 16, 2023

Weather Forecast

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Total Change
1,082'
Ascent
1,085'
Descent
1,085'
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Features

Vista / Lookout Point
Dogs

Points of interest

  1. Parking

    40.244733, -111.627429
  2. Main Trailhead

    40.244743, -111.627342
  3. View of Provo, Utah from the Y Trail

    40.243903, -111.625436
    View of Provo, Utah from the Y Trail
  4. View of Mt. Timp from the Y Trail

    40.245453, -111.624878
    View of Mt. Timp from the Y Trail

Safety information

For your own safety: plan ahead, let someone know where you'll be, and hike at your own risk.

Hazards

Snakes (Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, others)

Availability

All seasons

Surface type

Dirt

Trip Reports (Reviews)

Rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 1 rating.

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