BYU students and faculty are set to find a free cure for their spring and summer wanderlust with the variety of nature trails near campus. The following trails give the BYU and Provo communities a chance to adventure:
Battle Creek Loop
Distance: Approximately 7.8 miles
Maximum Elevation: 7,694 feet
Minimum Elevation: 5,106 feet
Uses: Hiking, running, cycling
Technical Difficulty: 3 of 5
This trail offers nature enthusiasts a chance to choose the experience they want to have. The trail includes the steep and rocky Battle Creek Canyon as well as Grove Creek Canyon, which is generally smoother and less technical.
Big Baldy Summit
Distance: Approximately 4.8 miles
Maximum Elevation: 8,758.5 feet
Minimum Elevation: 5,450.1 feet
Uses: Hiking, running
Technical Difficulty: 3 of 5
The path to the summit is steep and difficult. There are man-made stairs near the beginning and then a trail run up a steep ridge toward the top of Big Baldy Summit.
Rock Pile Trail
Distance: Approximately 6 miles
Maximum Elevation: 6,124.6 feet
Minimum Elevation: 4,905.1 feet
Uses: Hiking, running, cycling
Technical Difficulty: 2 of 5
This trail offers new or inexperienced hikers, runners and cyclists a manageable level of difficulty. It will take adventurers on an out-and-back trip, like many of the trails near campus.
Rock Canyon Trail
Distance: Approximately 5.6 miles
Maximum Elevation: 6,844.2 feet
Minimum Elevation: 5,152.7 feet
Uses: Hiking, running, cycling, rock climbing
Technical Difficulty: 3 of 5
This trail is one of the closest to BYU campus and is frequently used. The bottom section is wide and even paved in certain areas. The wide mouth of the canyon lends itself to photography in the evenings.
Y Mountain Summit
Distance: Approximately 6.6 miles
Maximum Elevation: 8,491.9 feet
Minimum Elevation: 5,151.3 feet
Uses: Hiking, running
Technical Difficulty: 3 of 5
Hikers and runners alike enjoy this trail. It starts on the trail leading to the Y. This section of trail is wide and has a gravel surface. It relentlessly climbs the face of the mountain, making 11 switchbacks before reaching the top of the Y.
Slate Canyon Loop
Distance: Approximately 10.6 miles
Maximum Elevation: 8,176.9 feet
Minimum Elevation: 4,928.4 feet
Uses: Hiking, Running, Cycling
Technical Difficulty: 4 of 5
This loop combines established trail with a popular winter route.
