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Provo is a city in north-central Utah, set on the eastern shore of Utah Lake beneath the steep, snow-capped Wasatch Range, about 45 miles south of Salt Lake City. The Timpanogos Ute people fished the lake and rivers here for generations, and Spanish explorers passed through in 1776. Mormon pioneers founded Fort Utah on the Provo River in 1849, and the town was later named for the French-Canadian trapper Étienne Provost. Brigham Young Academy, founded in 1875, grew into Brigham Young University, one of the largest private universities in the country.
Today Provo has about 115,000 residents and, with neighboring Orem, forms the heart of Utah Valley, one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States. BYU's campus dominates the city's east side, and Provo has a strong tech scene as part of Utah's Silicon Slopes. Its historic downtown along Center Street has restored brick buildings, cafes and restaurants, and the Provo City Center Temple was rebuilt from the shell of the fire-damaged 1898 tabernacle.
The mountains are the city's greatest draw. Provo Canyon, just minutes away, has the 600-foot Bridal Veil Falls, the paved Provo River Parkway trail and some of the best fly-fishing in the West, and the Alpine Loop scenic byway winds past Mount Timpanogos to Sundance Mountain Resort, founded by Robert Redford. Visitors can tour Timpanogos Cave National Monument, hike to the Y on the mountainside above BYU, and explore BYU's museums, including the Museum of Art and the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum.
Provo Canyon cuts through the Wasatch Range northeast of Provo, carrying the Provo River and US Highway 189. It is popular for fly fishing, river tubing, picnics and biking on the paved Provo River Parkway. Fall colors in late September and early October make it a beautiful drive.
Bridal Veil Falls is a tall double waterfall in Provo Canyon that drops about 600 feet down the canyon wall. A short paved path from the parking area leads to the base, and the Provo River Parkway passes right by. It flows strongest in late spring, and in winter it can freeze into ice.
Utah Lake State Park sits at the west end of Center Street on the shore of Utah Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in Utah. It has a marina, boat ramps, picnic areas and campgrounds. Sunsets over the lake with the mountains behind are a highlight, and there is a day use fee.
The Alpine Loop Scenic Byway is a narrow, winding mountain road that climbs from Provo Canyon past Sundance and around Mount Timpanogos. It passes aspen forests, trailheads and viewpoints. It is closed in winter and best in fall, and large vehicles and trailers are not recommended.
The Y Mountain Trail climbs a steep series of switchbacks on the mountain above BYU to the giant white concrete Y. The hike is a little over a mile each way with a big elevation gain, and the views over Provo and Utah Lake are excellent. Start early in summer and bring plenty of water.
Brigham Young University is a large private university founded in 1875 and run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its campus sits on a bench below Y Mountain with views across the valley. Visitors can explore the free museums on campus and stop at the BYU Creamery for ice cream.
The Provo City Center Temple was rebuilt inside the brick shell of the historic Provo Tabernacle after a fire in 2010 and was dedicated in 2016. The landscaped grounds downtown are open to everyone, while the interior is reserved for church members. It is especially pretty when lit at night.
Downtown Provo centers on Center Street and University Avenue, with historic buildings, local restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques and the Utah County Historic Courthouse. It hosts the Rooftop Concert Series in summer and a farmers market. Street parking and public garages are easy to find.
The BYU Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the Intermountain West, with American art, religious works and changing traveling exhibitions. Admission to most galleries is free. It also has a cafe and a sculpture area, and it is easy to combine with other museums on campus.
The Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum at BYU displays mounted animals from around the world, along with live reptile and insect exhibits and natural history displays. Admission is free, and it is a popular stop for families. Check the schedule for live animal shows held for visitors on many days.
Sundance Mountain Resort sits below Mount Timpanogos up Provo Canyon and was founded by Robert Redford. It offers skiing in winter and scenic lift rides, ziplines and hiking in summer, including the trail to Stewart Falls. Its restaurants and art studios are worth a visit even without skiing.
The Covey Center for the Arts is a performing arts center in downtown Provo with a main theater, a black box space, a dance studio and art galleries. It hosts local theater, concerts, dance performances and exhibitions. Check the season calendar, as many shows sell out around the holidays.
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