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Slate Canyon Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 127 Google reviews · Running trail in Provo, Utah · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Slate Canyon Trail'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, biking, skiing and horse riding trail with creek crossings, rock formations and views of Provo Peak.
What runners say about Slate Canyon Trail
“It’s definitely more difficult than rock canyon trail in terms of steepness, however the scenery is beautiful and it’s not nearly as busy as rock canyon.”
So far I have hiked Slate Canyon 6 times. I first hiked this canyon because I wanted to experience something other than Rock Canyon. I quickly realized why Slate Canyon is not as popular, the incline. It is a far steeper canyon than Rock Canyon.
This is a special year with all of the water. The trailhead is a perfect access point for a few trails and the DH bike trail. The creek has surged over its banks and requires multiple water crossings.
Pretty good hike overall. For me it was about an 8 mile loop that takes you from the trailhead around to the Y and along the face of the mountain back to the start. There is a spacious parking lot and bathrooms at the trailhead.
I personally love this trail since it’s so close to me. I also enjoy the low traffic, lower and higher trails and great views. It’s especially Pretty in the early summer where there is more green in the mountains.
Trail conditions & character
“It’s definitely more difficult than rock canyon trail in terms of steepness, however the scenery is beautiful and it’s not nearly as busy as rock canyon.”
“For me it was about an 8 mile loop that takes you from the trailhead around to the Y and along the face of the mountain back to the start.”
“Some parts are steep and some parts are narrow through bushes but the trail is always visible.”
“For me it was about an 8 mile loop that takes you from the trailhead around to the Y and along the face of the mountain back to the start.”
“Cell Service Quality- Good Dog Friendly - Yes Picnic / BBQ facilities-Yes”
“Slate Canyon trailhead to the Y trailhead loop around Maple Mountain) Starts getting quite muddy at 3 miles in.”
“The parking lot is nice and has a bathroom that was locked when we were there.”
Plan your run at Slate Canyon Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
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.
Slate Canyon Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 367 reviews
Valley view, green canyon and foothill spot featuring a trail network for hiking and mountain biking, plus picnic areas.
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.
Bonneville Shoreline Trail head Springville
4.6 ★★★★★ 9 reviews
Rock Canyon
4.8 ★★★★★ 566 reviews
Hiking and climbing spot that runs through a canyon with a waterfall.
Rock Canyon Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 185 reviews
Popular hiking area with routes that range from easy paved paths to challenging climbs.
Rock Canyon
4.8 ★★★★★ 191 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking area known for rock climbing and mountain-like scenery.