The Y Mountain Trail is the most iconic hike in Provo — a short, steep climb to the massive white letter "Y" painted on the mountainside above BYU's campus. It's a rite of passage for every BYU student, a popular fitness challenge for locals, and one of the best viewpoints in Utah Valley. The hike is straightforward: follow the switchbacks up, enjoy the panoramic view from the Y, and come back down.
What makes this hike special isn't difficulty or distance — it's the payoff. The view from the Y encompasses the entire Utah Valley, from Utah Lake to the surrounding peaks, with BYU's campus directly below. At sunrise, it's one of the most beautiful sights in the state.
Trail Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | 2.4 miles round trip (to the Y) |
| Elevation gain | 1,100 feet |
| Difficulty | Moderate to strenuous |
| Time | 1.5–2 hours round trip |
| Trailhead | End of E 820 N, Provo |
| Parking | Small lot at trailhead (fills fast) |
| Dogs | Allowed on leash |
| Fee | Free |
| Restrooms | Portable restroom at trailhead |
What to Expect
The Climb
The trail is essentially a series of switchbacks that climb relentlessly from the trailhead to the Y. There's no flat warm-up section — you're climbing from the first step. The switchbacks are well-maintained with a mix of packed dirt, gravel, and some rocky sections. The trail is wide enough for two people side-by-side on most sections.
The steepest sections are in the middle of the hike, where the switchbacks tighten. If you're not used to hiking at elevation (the trailhead starts around 5,200 feet), you'll feel it. The altitude, the relentless uphill grade, and the lack of shade combine to make this a genuine workout despite the short distance.
The Y
The Y itself is a concrete block letter, approximately 380 feet tall and 130 feet wide, originally placed on the mountainside in 1906 by BYU students. It's maintained and whitewashed annually as a university tradition. When you reach it, you'll find a flat area at the base of the letter where most hikers rest, take photos, and enjoy the view.
The view is the reward. On a clear day, you can see the entire Utah Valley — Utah Lake to the west, Mount Timpanogos to the north, the Provo River corridor below, and the sprawl of Provo, Orem, and the surrounding cities stretching across the valley floor. It's a 360-degree panorama that consistently impresses even people who hike regularly.
Beyond the Y
What most people don't know: the trail continues past the Y. A less-traveled path continues up the mountain into a canyon and toward Maple Flats, adding roughly 4 more miles to the hike. The terrain gets rougher, the crowds disappear almost entirely, and the scenery shifts from valley views to mountain forest. If you want a longer adventure and some solitude, this is an excellent option. Just be prepared with more water and appropriate gear — this isn't maintained to the same standard as the main Y trail.
When to Go
Best Times of Day
Sunrise is the best time to hike the Y. The light on the valley is extraordinary — warm golds and pinks spreading across the lake and mountains — and the trail is nearly empty. You'll need a headlamp for the first portion if you start in true pre-dawn darkness. The effort is worth it.
Early morning (6–8 AM) is the practical sweet spot. Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and good light for the view. This is when most regulars go.
Late afternoon works in fall and spring when temperatures are manageable. The light is nice for photos of the valley, and you can catch sunset from the top if you time it right.
Avoid midday in summer. The trail has zero shade. Summer afternoon temperatures regularly hit 90°F+ in Provo, and the south-facing slope amplifies the heat. Hiking the Y at noon in July is miserable and genuinely dangerous without enough water.
Best Seasons
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the best seasons. Moderate temperatures, manageable sun, and beautiful light. Spring wildflowers occasionally appear on the lower sections.
Summer (June–August) is fine if you go early. Before 8 AM, the heat is manageable. After that, it gets brutal.
Winter (December–February) is doable but requires caution. Snow and ice accumulate on the trail, especially on north-facing switchbacks. Microspikes or traction devices are strongly recommended. The views of a snow-covered valley are striking.
What to Bring
Water: Bring at least 1 liter, more in summer. There's no water source on the trail and no shade. Dehydration on this hike is common and preventable.
Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The trail faces south and there is no shade at any point.
Shoes: Trail shoes or hiking boots are ideal. Running shoes work but the rocky sections will punish anything with thin soles.
Headlamp: If you're doing a sunrise hike, you'll need one for the pre-dawn start.
Layers: Mornings can be cold, especially in spring and fall, even though you'll warm up quickly on the climb. A light layer you can tie around your waist is smart.
Phone/camera: The views are worth capturing. Just don't rely on your phone for a flashlight — bring a headlamp separately.
Parking and Access
The trailhead is at the end of E 820 N in Provo, on the east side of campus. There's a small parking lot that fills quickly, especially on weekend mornings and during peak seasons. If the lot is full, street parking along the approach road is available but limited.
Game day warning: On BYU football Saturdays, the area around the trailhead is significantly more congested. Plan accordingly or go early.
Alternative access: You can also reach the trailhead via the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, which runs along the foothills and connects to the Y trail. This adds distance but avoids the parking situation.
Fitness Level & Difficulty
The Y trail is often described as "moderate," but that's misleading if you're not an active hiker. The 1,100 feet of elevation gain in just 1.2 miles makes it steep — steeper than most casual hikers expect. If you exercise regularly and can climb stairs without getting winded, you'll be fine. If you're sedentary, start with something easier (like the Provo River Parkway) and work up to it.
That said, thousands of people of all ages and fitness levels hike the Y every week. Go at your own pace, take breaks when you need them, and don't feel pressured by the runners flying past you. The view is the same whether you get there in 30 minutes or 90.
For BYU students: Hiking the Y is a rite of passage, and peer pressure to race up is real. There's no prize for being first. Enjoy the hike.
Safety
Stay on the trail. Cutting switchbacks causes erosion and is dangerous on the steep slopes.
Don't hike alone at night unless you're experienced and have proper lighting.
Tell someone your plans. Even on a popular trail like this, it's good practice to let someone know when you're heading out and when you expect to be back.
Watch for rattlesnakes in warm months. They're present but uncommon. Stay on the trail and watch where you step and put your hands.
Lightning: If thunderstorms are building, do not be on the exposed slope above the Y. Get down quickly. Summer afternoon storms are common in Utah.
Related Guides
- Complete Provo Hiking Guide — 15 trails ranked by difficulty
- Bridal Veil Falls Visitor Guide
- Free Things to Do in Provo
- Sundance Mountain Resort Guide
Last updated: April 2026. Trail conditions change with weather and season. Always bring enough water and check conditions before hiking.