The Y Trail
Provo, Utah
Details
Distance
2.29 miles
Elevation Gain
1063 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Annelise G
A hike to the top of the iconic Y on the mountain overlooking Provo, Utah.
Hiking the Y is a classic hike in Provo, Utah—but don't expect it to be easy! There's no shade and not much greenery, so it's a hot, dusty trek to the top. Once you reach the Y, though, the view of the Provo and Utah Lake is amazing. There are also benches at the top.
When you reach the Y, you will first come to a point about halfway up the Y. You can stop here or keep going up the fork in the trail to your right up to the top of the Y. You can go out and walk/sit/dance on the Y itself, but be careful as it is very steep.
If you hike at night, you'll avoid the heat! Just be prepared—night or day—for steep switchbacks all the way up. There are bathrooms and parking at the trailhead; if the parking lot is full (this is a popular hike!), you can always park on the side of the road leading up to the parking lot.
Many people also run this trail—definitely a good workout whether you're running or hiking!
Directions:
From 900 East, turn east on 820 North, keep to the left, the street will change to Oakmont Lane, take a right onto Oak Cliff Drive, then a right on Terrace, finally a left into the parking lot.
Coordinates:
- TH 40.2448, -111.627
- Y Mountain 40.2483, -111.621
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Reviews
I agree with the other comments - the hike itself isn’t anything exceptional, but seeing the Y up close is cool, and the view of Provo is pretty good. Go at night to avoid the sun (the view of Provo is still cool because of the city’s lights).
4.0
Don’t get me wrong; I love The Y. It’s a fun hike, BUT during hot days in the Summer where there hasn’t been much rain fall, it’s, well, excruciating. You’re slipping all over the trail because the dirt isn’t tacked down (because of dryness), and there’s hordes of people ALL the time, especially on weekends. Cool view, but there’s better hikes out there.
3.0
Opt out and do a different hike. There are much better hikes to do.
2.0
It’s a hard but close hike to BYU and sentimental to hike to the Y. You can also hike to the top of Y mountain. It’s about 6-8 miles to the top and back down. It’s a better view from the top and makes the hard switchbacks more worth it. To get to the top of Y Mountain, if you hike to the top of the Y and you’ll see the trail take off to the right and it will hook to the back of the mountain. It is a pretty steep climb all the way up, so your calves are going to be burning. Sitting on top of the mountain looking at the valley makes it worth it.
3.0
This is a classic hike to be sure, and it’s fun with a group of friends, but if you’re willing to travel just a bit further, there are much more rewarding and scenic hikes nearby.
3.0
This is the go to provo hike. It’s fine, but not great. Short and steep with a good view at the end but a bit boring overall. Good for a quick fix.
3.0
Going to BYU, I was always invited to hike to the Y, but it's honestly not that fun of a hike. It's fun for nostalgia sake if you're a BYU student or just love the Y, but there are much prettier, comparable trails close by to the Y. The trail is really steep (as it was meant for maintenance vehicles) and is exposed the entire way. Unless you go at 5 Am, you will always be in the hot sun hiking up and I am not a fan of that.
3.0
This is a good hike that doesn't take very long but has a great view as a pay-off at the end. A lot of people are surprised by how steep the switchbacks are and how much effort it really does take, so bring plenty of water. It is frequented by tourists and families so be prepared to share the trial. If you are a people person, it is no problem...if you are looking for alone time in nature, this is not the place to find it.
4.0
Have done this hike since I was a little kid with my family. Do it once a year. Awesome view of the valley
5.0
Honestly the hike to the Y is brutal and way steep but it is way rewarding. The trail keeps going on though and that's where the scenery gets really pretty. I would recommend this hike to anyone especially if you're at BYU.
4.0
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