Big Springs Loop is a beautiful and mostly flat path through the aspens and meadows in Provo Canyon above Vivian Park. The full loop is almost 4 moderate miles, so this is a shortened version to one mile, ending in this beautiful meadow.
On the way up South Fork Canyon you might see mule deer, squirrels or wild turkeys!
From Provo Canyon, turn at Vivian Park and continue along that road past South Fork Park to Big Springs Park. Big Springs Park has several parking lots, so keep going until you get to the last one and see the trailhead sign.
The trail has a few paths. The dirt single lane road heads up to the left. Then on the opposite side of the stream, the wider path is to the right and the more narrow is in the middle, close to the creek. This is a loop that is basically the frequently parallel paths, so you can take either one and return on the other or switch at your preference. For ease of explanation, the photos will show you taking the paths on the right side of the creek and then returning on the left side.
You can see how the two paths on the right side of the stream are close together with frequent connections.
Follow the path through the trees and over the tiny stream.
The paths through the trees are so beautiful, especially in the fall!
It doesn’t really matter which trail you take since they are all nice and generally head in the same direction.
At about 0.5 miles up from the trailhead, you will endter a beautiful meadow!
As you get closer to the other side of the meadow, be sure to turn around and look at the view behind you!
In the fall the meadow is especially beautiful!
In the late spring and early summer, there is still snow on the top of the peaks. i llve the contrast that creates between the white snow, green trees, and blue skies.
In the fall all the colors pop! If you head to the left side of the meadow you can take the wider road-type path back.
For the rest of the way back to the Big Springs Hollow Trailhead you can either take this wider road path or switch back on one of the many connector paths.
If you want this hike to be longer then see the Big Springs Hollow Loop.
Stats: Distance – 1.4 miles round trip (this hike is very easy to make shorter or longer and not get lost)
Approximate hiking time – 30-90 minutes
Elevation gain – 250 feet
Difficulty – Easy
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks
Bathrooms – Yes
Seasons to hike – Year round in winter wear micro-spikes or snow shoes)
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – Yes
Other hikes nearby are Upper Falls, Bridesmaid Falls, and near where you float the Prove River. If you go in the winter, be sure to check out the Frozen Bubbles.
