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Home to Brigham Young University

Provo

At the Base of the Beautiful Provo Canyon

Elevation:
4,551 Feet
Population:
114,084
Provo, Utah is a vibrant city located in the heart of the Wasatch Mountains. It's a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy some of the best skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and hiking in the country. The city also offers an abundance of cultural attractions like theater, music, art galleries, museums, and so much more.

History

Provo was founded and settled in 1849, making it one of the oldest cities in Utah. It has a rich history steeped in Mormon culture, most of which can still be seen today through its traditional architecture and neighborhood layout. The city's residents are known for their friendly and welcoming demeanor as well as their connection to nature. During the late 1800s, Provo was an important hub for natural resources like timber, mining, and livestock. With the arrival of the railroad in 1890, it became a major transportation center in the area. Today, Provo continues to serve as a residential and business center for many Utahns and is home to several universities and colleges.

Things To Do

Splash Summit Waterpark

One of the most popular attractions in Provo is the Splash Summit Waterpark. This family-friendly destination offers a variety of water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers that everyone can enjoy. It's a great spot to cool off during the hot summer months or have some fun with friends and family.

Provo Canyon Experiences

Provo Canyon begins just north of Provo and is a resource for a variety of outdoor activities and adventures.

Bridal Veil Falls

Nature lovers will appreciate the beauty of Bridal Veil Falls located in Provo Canyon. It's a majestic 600-foot waterfall that can be viewed from several different vantage points or even experienced up close via one of its many hiking trails.

Sundance Ski Resort

For those looking for a winter adventure, Sundance Ski Resort is the perfect spot. Located just outside of Provo, it offers over 2,000 acres of terrain with slopes for all skill levels. It also boasts some of the best snowboarding and mogul skiing in the state. Diverse summer activities are also available at Sundance which is named for a character played in the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, by actor Robert Redford.

Tubing on the Provo River

If you're looking for a more relaxed activity, tubing down the Provo River is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. You can float your way through some of the most beautiful scenery in Utah as you make your way downstream. Don't forget to bring along a picnic lunch and stop to enjoy the views along the way!

Rafting

For a more adventurous experience, you can try your hand at whitewater rafting on the Provo River. There are several companies that offer guided tours and instruction for first-timers as well as experienced rafters. The rapids here range from Class I to III, so there's something for everyone.

Fishing

The Provo River is known for its excellent trout fishing and you can even try your hand at fly-fishing. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, you'll find plenty of opportunities to catch some fish in this beautiful river. Whether you're looking for the perfect spot to spend a relaxing afternoon or hoping to land your next big catch, the Provo River is sure to provide it.

Utah County / Utah Valley Experiences

Provo is situated in Utah County which is also commonly referred to as Utah Valley. Other Utah Valley communities include Orem, Pleasant Grove, American Fork, Lehi, Springville, Payson, and Spanish Fork. Within this large valley are several notable attractions.

Utah Lake

Utah Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the state and a great place to spend a day outdoors. Visitors can kayak or paddleboard on the lake's calm waters, go fishing for bass and catfish or take a leisurely stroll along its shoreline. During the summer months, it hosts several live concerts and festivals that are perfect for a night out.

Timpanogos Cave

For a unique experience, visit the Timpanogos Cave. The cave consists of three separate limestone caves filled with stunning stalagmites and stalactites that can be explored by guided tour groups. Located only 20 miles north of Provo, Timpanogos Cave is a 1.5-mile roundtrip hike up American Fork Canyon.

Mount Timpanogos

Rising from the Utah Valley floor to heights over 11,000’ is Mount Timpanogos, which offers a variety of hiking trails. Most notably the trail on the backside leads a steep ascent to the glaciers and peaks at the top of this mountain.

Brigham Young University

No visit to Provo would be complete without a trip to Brigham Young University. The university is home to some of the best educational facilities in the nation, as well as world-renowned research centers and impressive athletic teams. Visitors can explore its sprawling campus, catch a sporting event or take in one of its many cultural events and performances.
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Planning your trip to Provo Utah

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lodging

Provo offers a variety of lodging options from hotels and motels to vacation rentals. Visitors can choose from accommodations that range from budget-friendly to luxury, depending on their needs. For those looking for an affordable stay, there are many hotels and motels located close to downtown and the university. Vacation rentals are also a great choice, offering more space and amenities than traditional accommodations.

dining

The city is full of delicious restaurants serving local and international cuisine. From cozy cafes and diners to fine dining establishments, there's something for everyone. Sample fresh seafood at one of the lakefront restaurants, tuck into a steak dinner at a downtown steakhouse or try some of Provo's famous Mexican restaurants. For those looking for something more casual, there are plenty of fast-food and quick-service eateries to choose from.

Shopping

Provo is home to many unique shops and boutiques. Whether you're looking for art and antiques, jewelry or clothing, there's something for everyone. Spend the day browsing through the various stores located downtown or visit one of the area's many malls and shopping centers.

Transportation

Orem and Provo host the free bus system called the Utah Valley Express (UVX) that provides transport between BYU in Provo and UVU in Orem as well as the Front Runner Stations in each city.

The Front Runner is a high speed train that offers service from Provo to Ogden in two hours.

Is a growing regional airport in Provo right next to Utah Lake. The Provo Airport offers affordable flights to several locations in the west: Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Orlando, Phoenix, San Diego, Portland, and San Francisco.

Seasons

Provo is pretty much like every part of northern Utah, with snow-filled winters and very dry and hot summers. Fahrenheit temperatures will range from between the 20s to the upper 90s throughout the year.

Nearby

Provo Canyon
Orem
Salt Lake City
Sundance
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