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Rock Canyon
4.8 ★★★★★ 566 Google reviews · Running trail in Provo, Utah · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Rock Canyon's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking and climbing spot that runs through a canyon with a waterfall.
What runners say about Rock Canyon
“Súper place for hiking🥾vvery beautiful 😍”
“If you’re sick of the Y trail, this has a similar incline, and foot traffic, but significantly more shade (if the season is right).”
This trail is amazing. Great maintenance and lots of off shoots. The rock formations are absolutely breathtaking and the climb is easy. (Must mention that all the water is underground now… which is a real bummer.)
This is a fun hike. It will be even prettier when the creek is running again instead of being diverted to replenish the aquifer. There were quite a few people rock climbing near the base of the trail, but we almost had the rest of the trail to ourselves on a Tuesday morning. It was green and peaceful.
Very Great trail takes you into the canyon, lots of cool climbers around and nice for an evening hike or morning jog. Very scenic
This canyon is amazing. Super close to Provo, and some of the best climbing in the world can be found here. The 4th longest sport climbing route in the entire world is located in this canyon. Search squawstruck if you want more information about that. The mountain biking and hiking are both also excellent.
Trail conditions & character
“If you’re sick of the Y trail, this has a similar incline, and foot traffic, but significantly more shade (if the season is right).”
“There are restrooms and a drinking fountain at the park where the trailhead starts, and two drinking fountains along the trail.”
“There are restrooms and a drinking fountain at the park where the trailhead starts, and two drinking fountains along the trail.”
“There are restrooms and a drinking fountain at the park where the trailhead starts, and two drinking fountains along the trail.”
“If you’re sick of the Y trail, this has a similar incline, and foot traffic, but significantly more shade (if the season is right).”
“Because it is in the canyon, shade is there for a couple of hours after there is enough light to see.”
“A fair amount of dogs and mountain bikes but not enough to be overwhelming.”
Plan your run at Rock Canyon
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiterecreation.gov
- Social Facebook
Running trails near Provo
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Rock Canyon Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 185 reviews
Popular hiking area with routes that range from easy paved paths to challenging climbs.
Rock Canyon Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,288 reviews
Sprawling green space with a trail & playgrounds, plus a volleyball court, horseshoes & disc golf.
Rock Canyon
4.8 ★★★★★ 191 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking area known for rock climbing and mountain-like scenery.
Y Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 802 reviews
Y-shaped landmark on a mountain reached at the end of a steep trail of an hour or so.
Buffalo Peak
4.8 ★★★★★ 213 reviews
Fairly easy hike to a mountaintop vista via dirt and gravel paths.
