The Provo River Parkway is the best multi-use trail in Utah Valley — a 15-mile paved path that follows the Provo River from Utah Lake up through the city and into Provo Canyon, connecting neighborhoods, parks, trailheads, and some of the most scenic stretches in the area. It's the trail that runners, walkers, cyclists, and families use daily, and it's one of the strongest arguments for living in Provo.
Whether you want a quick 2-mile morning walk, a 10-mile bike ride through the canyon, or a full end-to-end adventure, the Parkway delivers.
Trail Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Length | ~15 miles (Utah Lake to Vivian Park) |
| Surface | Paved (some gravel sections in the canyon) |
| Difficulty | Easy — mostly flat with gentle grade in the canyon |
| Use | Walking, running, cycling, rollerblading |
| Dogs | Allowed on leash |
| Fee | Free |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk (some sections accessible 24/7) |
| Restrooms | At several parks along the route |
| Parking | Multiple access points with free parking |
The Route: Section by Section
Utah Lake to Downtown (Miles 0–5)
The southern section starts near Utah Lake State Park and follows the river north through residential areas and parks. This stretch is the flattest and widest, making it ideal for families, strollers, and casual walkers. You'll pass several parks with playgrounds, picnic areas, and restrooms. The river is calm and wide here, with cottonwood trees providing shade in summer.
Downtown to Canyon Mouth (Miles 5–8)
The trail passes through the heart of Provo, crossing under University Avenue and running near downtown before heading east toward the canyon. This section has the most access points and the most foot traffic. It's well-maintained and connects to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail network at several points.
Provo Canyon (Miles 8–15)
This is the showpiece section. The trail follows the Provo River into the canyon, passing Bridal Veil Falls and continuing up to Vivian Park near the top of the canyon. The scenery shifts dramatically — canyon walls rise on either side, the river narrows and quickens, and the temperature drops a few degrees. The grade is gentle but consistently uphill heading into the canyon.
This section is the most popular with cyclists, who ride into the canyon and coast back. It's also where you'll find the most wildlife — deer, occasional moose, and birds along the river corridor.
Best Access Points
Utah Lake State Park — Southern terminus. Free parking at the state park (day use fee applies to the park itself, but trail access is free from adjacent parking).
Canyon Road Park — Central access point near downtown with free parking and restrooms.
Interchange Park (800 N) — Easy access from north Provo with parking.
Canyon mouth / Nunn's Park — Gateway to the canyon section. Parking available at Nunn's Park. This is the most popular starting point for canyon rides and walks.
Bridal Veil Falls — Mid-canyon access. Note: lower parking lot closed during the 2025–2027 renovation. Use upper lot or Nunn's Park.
Vivian Park — Northern terminus deep in the canyon. A great turnaround point for a longer ride.
How to Use the Trail
For Walking/Running
The Parkway is the most popular running route in Provo. The flat southern and downtown sections are ideal for distance running, while the canyon section adds a gentle hill challenge. A common running loop: start at Canyon Road Park, run into the canyon for 2–3 miles, turn around, and coast back — a 4–6 mile out-and-back with great scenery.
For Cycling
The canyon section is outstanding for cycling. The grade is gentle enough for casual riders, the pavement is smooth, and the scenery is spectacular. A popular route: park at the canyon mouth, ride up to Vivian Park (about 7 miles), and ride back — mostly downhill on the return. For a longer ride, start from downtown for a 20+ mile round trip.
Bike rentals are available from several shops in Provo and at some trailhead locations seasonally.
For Families
The southern and downtown sections are the most family-friendly — flat, wide, with parks and playgrounds along the route. The canyon section is also excellent for families, though the shared use with faster cyclists requires keeping kids on the right side of the trail.
Seasonal Guide
Spring: Snowmelt swells the river, wildflowers appear on the banks, and the canyon is lush and green. Some trail sections near the river may be wet or muddy.
Summer: Peak use season. The canyon section is 5–10 degrees cooler than the valley, making it a popular escape on hot days. Go early to avoid afternoon crowds and heat.
Fall: The best season on the trail. Fall foliage along the river — golden cottonwoods, red maples — is stunning, especially in the canyon section. Cooler temps make longer rides and runs comfortable.
Winter: The trail is accessible year-round, though some sections may be icy or snow-covered. The paved downtown sections are usually cleared. Winter canyon walks — snow-dusted mountains, frozen river edges, quiet solitude — are underrated.
Safety & Etiquette
Stay right, pass left. The trail is shared by walkers, runners, and cyclists. Keep to the right and announce when passing ("on your left").
Watch for cyclists in the canyon section. Some ride fast, especially on the downhill return. Keep dogs close and children in sight.
Leash your dog. It's required and important for wildlife and other trail users.
Be visible. If you're out at dawn or dusk, wear reflective gear. The trail has limited lighting in many sections.
Moose awareness in the canyon. Moose are occasionally spotted along the river, especially in early morning and evening. Give them wide space — moose can be aggressive if they feel threatened.
Related Guides
- Complete Provo Hiking Guide
- Bridal Veil Falls Visitor Guide
- Utah Lake Guide
- Free Things to Do in Provo
- Running Routes in Provo
Last updated: April 2026. Trail conditions may vary by season. Some sections near Bridal Veil Falls may be affected by the ongoing renovation project through 2027.