The difficult hike to the Y is only the beginning to an adventure that will lead you to the top of Provo.

While many hikers find the journey to the Y an enjoyable yet relatively strenuous hike, there are even fewer who travel past the well-worn trail to the summit of Y Mountain.

With an elevation gain from the trailhead parking lot of approximately 1,100 feet, the Y gives a wide view of the valley below. Almost 2,000 feet above the Y, the summit of Y Mountain offers a 360-degree view with many prominent peaks to be seen. Because everyone hikes at different paces, the total time for the hike varies from about 3 to 6 hours.

“It is a great trip to take if you are into hiking,” said Mike Batie, a UVU student from Honolulu, majoring in computer graphic design. “The trail was pretty thick with brush in some areas but getting to the top was well worth the trek.”

From the Y trailhead, follow the signs until reaching to the concrete Y. From there, the trail becomes more narrow and less worn but is still easy to find. Located on the top south end of the Y a small trail leads up into the brush.

The trail begins to bend around the south part of Y Mountain into a valley known as Slide Canyon. As it comes out of Slide Canyon it enters Bear Flats Meadow, a small but useful camping meadow.

As the trail continues east it enters a grove of aspen trees. About 100 yards into the aspens there is a carving in one of the trees that says “Y Trail” with an arrow pointing in the direction up Y Mountain.

In the direction of the arrow there is a small drainage trail and shortly after the trail fades. From here there are two options, the west summit or the east summit. Each requires a short and fun scramble to their respective summits.

The east summit is considered to be the true summit and has great views of Rock Canyon and the basin below while the west summit provides an excellent vantage point of the valley below and all the cities in it.

Talking about hiking to the top of Y Mountain, BYU law student, Jill Crane from Overland Park, Kan., said most students know of the trail to the top but it seems hard for most people.

“I have heard it is beautiful and I would like to give it a try sometime,” said Crane, who hiked to the Y recently.

It should be noted some hikers have been known to see cougars along this hike, especially in the Slide Canyon section, so proper caution should be taken to ensure safe hiking. A good rule to follow is to never hike alone and always make noise while coming around corners in which you cannot see what lies ahead.