Parks and the outdoors in Provo

11 parks, gardens, beaches and walks in and around Provo.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

See
Bridal Veil Falls
waterfall in Provo Canyon that is popular with cyclers and hikers. The waterfall is viewable from the road and a viewing station. A short bike/walking trail leads to the bottom of the falls. The middle level of the falls can be reached via a short but steep trail.
Do
Hike the 'Y'
A giant concrete Y towers over Provo from "Y Mountain." The zigzagging hike to the Y is relatively easy and takes most people about 45 minutes each way (although if those recently at lower elevations may wish to plan on more time). Once at the Y, you have a lovely view over Utah Valley and Utah Lake. (Another trail leads south from the Y to the peak of Y Mountain.) The hike itself is exposed with little shade, so plan accordingly when hot. The trail is particularly popular with BYU students. Facilities available at trailhead.
Eat
Macey's
Although Macey's is a grocery store, they serve huge soft-serve cones for a very cheap price. When you walk in, head back to the right towards the bakery/deli and order your ice cream at the counter.
Mon–Sat all day
See
Provo Utah Temple (LDS)
The Mormon temple, dedicated in 1969, is located on top of a hill overlooking Provo. Because of its unique shape, the temple is sometimes called a "rocket ship." The spire was painted white (it had been a golden color) and the statue of Moroni added in the 2000s. Only Mormons who hold a permit known as a "temple recommend" are allowed inside the temple, but the beautifully tended grounds with their seasonal flowers and fountains are open to all. Make sure to walk around the back side of the temple for more flowers and a lovely view of Utah Valley.
Free
Do
Rock Canyon
A rugged canyon popular with students, families, hikers, and rock climbers alike. The main trail is very easy, but leads off to other more difficult trails, such as one to the top of Squaw Peak. The mouth of the canyon also connects to Bonneville Shore Trail, which follows the base of the Wasatch Mountains.
Buy
Shops at Riverwoods
Chic outdoor shopping center in north Provo. Home to a number of restaurants, including Bajio, Happy Sumo, La Jolla Groves, Malawi's Pizza, Tucano's Brazilian Grill, Shoots, and Subway. Other stores include 3B Yoga (yoga studio with a cafe and boutique), Bath & Body Works, Called to Surf (a surfing store), Soel Boutique, and Blickenstaff's (a toy store). Next door are the Carmike Wynnsong movie theater and the Provo Beach Resort (featuring bowling, simulated golf, a ropes course, and the Flowrider, a simulated wave for surfing and boogeyboarding).
Mon-Sat 10AM-8PM (restaurant hours vary)
Do
Timpanogos Golf Club
Public golf course in the wetlands of south Provo close to Utah Lake.
9 holes: $12-14/adult, $8-10/junior; 18 holes: twice as much
Do
Utah Lake State Park
Located directly west of Provo. Utah Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Utah. Popular fishing, boating, parasailing, and camping destination. The Utah Lake Marina is a lovely place at sunset and borders on a marsh with wild birds. Two long jetties reach out into the lake, giving a spectacular view of the valley. Caution: Utah Lake is shallow and very biologically active, meaning that it can sometimes be smelly and algae heavy and often washes up dead fish. Boaters should be wary of windy conditions, as wind can stir up high waves due to the shallow waters. Entrance to the state park is supposedly $9/vehicle or $2/person or bike, but the entrance booth is often closed and sightseers can usually walk in free, particularly during the off season.
Summer 6AM-10PM; winter 8AM-5PM
Do
Velour Live Music Gallery
One of Provo's gems. The venue is a mandatory stop for artists from Utah's (surprisingly healthy) local-music scene, and touring artists often sidestep Salt Lake City clubs to play here. A full calendar of shows is available on the venue's website.
Do Not mapped
Fish the Provo river
A good place is at Nunn's Park right across from Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon.
See Not mapped
Wasatch Mountains
Hiking, camping, and skiing are just some of the popular activities in the beautiful Wasatch Range located just east of the city. There is also a popular scenic drive called the Alpine Loop (May-Oct, free) that circles Mount Timpanogos via Provo Canyon (US-189) and American Fork Canyon (Highway 94).

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Provo (CC BY-SA 4.0).