In Provo, the options range from long trails and the challenging Y Mountain Trail to museums, art and public ice skating. If you’re looking for a hotel in Provo, you can tailor your stay to your priorities: time outdoors, culture or specific attractions. Differences in length, time required and type of experience can help you plan your days.

Choose trails by length and difficulty

The Provo River Parkway Trail stretches 30 miles from Utah Lake to Provo Canyon. Two key access points in Provo are the Geneva Road Trailhead at the intersection of Geneva Road and 350 N, and the Lakeshore Trailhead near the intersection of Lakeshore Drive and 470 N. These provide specific starting points for planning; access conditions can change, so it’s a good idea to check for updates before setting out.

Other trails are described by their own endpoints and distances. The Rock Canyon Trail is 6.2 miles from the Rock Canyon Trailhead to the Rock Canyon Campground on Squaw Peak Road. There are also numerous climbing areas along the route. The Rock Canyon Trailhead itself is at the end of North Temple Drive in Provo. To reach the Big Springs Trailhead, use the parking lot at Big Springs Park; parking conditions can also change.

The section from Big Springs Park to the Rock Canyon/Dry Fork Trail is listed as 5.8 miles and takes two to four hours. The actual time varies by person and conditions. By contrast, the Y Mountain Trail is about 1.1 miles from the Y Mountain Trailhead to the Y and is rated difficult. So the short distance doesn’t mean the trail is easy. Provo also has more than 100 different trails and cycling routes through the city, in the mountains and along the river.

Art, pioneer history and museums

There are different perspectives on local history. The Daughters of Utah Pioneer Museum displays furniture, clothing, tools, weapons, toys, home accessories, dolls, quilts, art prints and photographs of Utah pioneers from before 1900; collections and displays may change. The Sons of Utah Pioneers Village shows what life was like for pioneer settlers in early Provo. The village includes many original homes and buildings, as well as artifacts and tools. A blacksmith shop, general store, wagons, a sound-box tour, a scavenger hunt and pioneer games add to the offerings, which may also change.

If you prefer art and performances, the Covey Center for the Arts in Provo offers performances and visual art exhibitions. The BYU Museum of Art features traveling exhibitions, works from its permanent collection and exhibitions organized by museum curators. The Provo City Library also hosts changing art exhibitions, which are open to everyone. The Gallery Stroll takes place on the first Friday of every month.

The Brigham Young University museums also cover a range of interests: The Museum of Paleontology has one of the world’s largest dinosaur collections and offers free admission. The Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum houses more than three million animal specimens. At the Museum of Peoples and Cultures, you’ll find archaeological and ethnographic collections from around the world. Admission is free; tours can be arranged by appointment. Opening hours and tour arrangements may change, so it’s worth checking the latest visitor information before your visit.

Ice skating, sports and local produce

The Peaks Ice Arena offers public skating sessions year-round; no reservation is required. Specific schedules may change, so check the latest times before your visit. The arena was also an official venue for the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. Epic Sports Park is designed to host local and regional tournaments and leagues, including soccer, ultimate frisbee, lacrosse, American football and rugby.

The Provo Farmers Market gives farmers, local businesses and craftspeople a place to showcase, buy and sell products. Agricultural products are subject to an origin rule: they must be produced within 250 miles of Provo City.

Next, compare the location of the specific accommodation with the places you’d like to visit. This lets you make your choice based on your own plans, rather than treating all trails, museums and events as one combined itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Spanish Fork, Springville, Woodland Hills, Mapleton, Lehi, American Fork, Orem

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