Overview
Beginning at Provo's northeast reaches, U.S. Route 189 travels along the narrow, jagged walls of Provo Canyon roughly paralleling the spectacular Provo River (one of Utah's most popular fly-fishing streams). Provo Canyon winds through lush, alpine vegetation, including several groves of brilliant aspen surrounded by pine and fir.
The Experience
Near the canyon's midpoint is access to the Uinta National Forest's alpine scenic route. Here you'll find trail heads for several popular hikes to Mt. Timpanogos and an optional side trip to Cascade Springs. The trail head for the Timpanogos Cave hike is at the mouth of American Fork Canyon. Many hikers consider autumn the best time to make the vigorous ascent up Mt. Timpanogos: The 4,500-foot climb offers breathtaking vistas of aspen, maple, fir and spruce as well as an opportunity to see the Timpanogos mountain-goat community.