The Y Trail

Provo, UT
3.7
15 Reviews
The Y Trail
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Details

Distance
2.29 miles
Elevation Gain
1063 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Food Nearby
Scenic
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Directions
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Track

About this place

Added by Annelise A

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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Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
Community
Reviews
Photos
Check-ins
Emily Putnam
7/14/2026
Good Views
Easy To Park
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Alyssa Cragun
6/8/2025
I have the best memories here. Just out of the car and up the mountain. Its especially beautiful at night!
Amazing Views
Well Maintained
Well Marked
Bathrooms
Great Conditions
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Jack Lunt
2/4/2025
Amazing Views
Great Conditions
Bathrooms
Well Marked
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M W
1/6/2023
Fun for BYU students
I agree with the other comments - the hike itself isn’t anything exceptional, but seeing the Y up close is cool, and the view ...
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Jana Murdock
4/7/2022
You gotta do it at least once...
It's basically a must if you attend BYU, but it's nothing spectacular. Lots and lots of steep switch backs! The view from the Y ...
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Annelise A
10/22/2020
Really Steep
This is an iconic hike for Provo, Utah, but it’s definitely not the nicest. The trail is made of very steep switchbacks all the ...
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Jordan Largey
3/6/2019
Steep and Dusty
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 ...
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Morgann Wray
9/17/2018
Opt out
Opt out and do a different hike. There are much better hikes to do.
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Jacob Hansen
4/16/2018
You can go further
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 ...
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Parker Murray
4/9/2018
A Local Staple
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 ...
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TJ Thomas
10/2/2017
Ok But Overdone
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 ...
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Laura Boyer
6/21/2017
Exposed, crowded, and steep
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 ...
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Ashley Alley
6/7/2016
Good Hike, Very Touristy
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 ...
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JT H
4/21/2016
Classic Hike
Have done this hike since I was a little kid with my family. Do it once a year. Awesome view of the valley
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Austin Hanson
4/5/2016
Fantastic
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 ...
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