Provo Canyon Parkway Offers Scenic Walk Options - Utah, United States
What is It - The towns and hills around Salt Lake City are full of trails that offer beautiful views and challenging terrain for hikers, mountain bikers, and runners of all skill levels. One of the most accessible and pleasant walks available in the region is the Provo Canyon Parkway which runs along the Provo River. Some of the special features of this walk include the following:
Walk Options - The Provo Canyon Parkway runs for approximately 6 miles in one direction along the Provo River near Route 189 in Provo, Utah. The most popular segment of the Parkway which begins at the Bridal Veil Falls Park and finishes at Vivian Park is only about 2.5 miles in length. Since there are mile markers every 1/4 mile along the route, visitors can design an outing ranging from 2.5 miles to 12 miles to fit their time and exercise goals. For the truly adventurous, the entire Provo River parkway trail extends beyond the mouth of the canyon for another nine miles to the west all the way to the Utah Lake State Park in downtown Provo.
Comfortable Exertion and River Fun- The Provo Canyon Parkway is paved and usually sixteen feet wide. It is lined to create clear lanes for walking, running, biking, or traveling on scooters or skateboards. This construction and the gradual uphill slope from Bridle Veil Falls to Vivian Park makes the Parkway suitable for children and leashed dogs to enjoy as well as competitive athletes. The Pathway passes by several small parks along the way, so there are plenty of opportunities for walkers to picnic, use the restroom, or get a snack from local vendors. The Parkway is located on the far side of the Provo River on top of the riverbank adjacent to mountains. Large portions of the route are shaded and it passes by many areas suitable for resting, putting your feet in the water, or fishing.
Bridal Veil Falls - Bridal Veil Falls has been an attraction in its own right for over a century. Water from springs and snow melt on top of the Cascade Mountain flows year round to a small pool at the base of the mountain and then into the Provo River. To get there, the water falls down the cliff face for over 600 feet in a double cascade. Some visitors climb directly up the boulders or take a switchback path up the mountain to the first cascade to experience the cold waterfall, while others view it from the Pathway below or from a turn off on route 189.
Difficulty - Walking the Pathway can be classified as easy and guide services are not required. However, taking a side trip to hike up to the Bridal Veil Falls is best pursued by people with prior hiking experience and good health. Although some families climb up with children, the slope has many loose stones and no railings along the path.
Interesting Facts - For three decades, a visitor center, lodge, and restaurant known as the Bridal Veil Falls Resort operated at the top of the falls in a building constructed on the cliff side. The only way to reach the resort was by taking an aerial tramway on a steep voyage in carriages holding six people up 1700 feet to the lodge. An avalanche destroyed most of the building and the tram system in 1996 and a fire in 2008 forced the removal of the remaining debris.
When to Go - The beautiful scenery of the surrounding area makes the Provo Canyon Pathway an attractive spot for walking from April to October. I walked there during a summer heat wave and the shade trees and light breeze provided welcome relief from the 95 degree temperatures that week in Utah.
How to Get Here - The Pathway is conveniently located only about 10 minutes from Interstate 15 which runs between Provo and Salt Lake City. After getting of the Interstate, proceed east on Route 52/ 800 North to Route 189 North. If planning a 2.5 to 5 mile walk, get off Route 189 at Old Provo Canyon Road and begin your walk at the Bridal Veil Picnic Area. For longer walks begin at the c anyon entrance at the 800 North Trailhead located alongside the Provo River just prior to the intersection between Route 800 North and Route 189.