Canyon Glen is a park near the base of Provo Canyon. This loop rises to the landscape behind the park, including mountains, meadows, and city views.
Cross either of the bridges from the parking lot across the Provo River.
Head up the path to where the Provo River Parkway heads up and down the canyon.
On the north side of the parkway there is a trail leading up the hillside. Alltrails classifies this trail as “easy”, but this hill goes uphill long enough I classify it as moderate. The rest of the trail is easier. In the springtime and early summer (May and June) all the grasses are nice and green.
Later in the summer and fall the grasses are yellow.
There is a section of rocks, but mostly it’s a dirt trail. soon you can look down over the Canyon Glen Park.
You can look across the canyon into the Squaw Peak Road area. I hiked this Sep. 30, 2022 when most places hadn’t changed for fall, but Kyhv Peak was already vibrant!
Once you get to the top of the hill, there is a loop. I have gone in either direction and prefer clockwise. So, head west towards the entrance of Provo Canyon.
As you hike glance behind you to see the beautiful Provo Mountains looming across the canyon.
Here are some detail shots of the interesting canyon walls.
Across the meadow you can look towards the south end of Mount Timpanogos.
As you head around the bend you start to see the evidence of the Range Fire in October 2020.
The day of the fire I hiked Alien Tower and saw the wildfire from a distance (Oct 17, 2020).
As you get around the corner and up the rise you can look over and see the entrance into Provo Canyon.
Here is a zoomed in version.
At the top of the hill you can look down at the windy path through the burned scrub oaks.
As I hiked along in the fall I saw a brush-legged wolf spider hiding behind a rock.
Eventually you come to a cross trail that goes straight or right. If you continue straight you can extend your hike along the part of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, but for this hike turn right to continue the loop towards the meadow.
Luckily not all of the trees were burned.
There is a huge meadow and mountain ahead. This big meadow is named Johnson’s Hole. If it is early morning or close to sunset, you are likely to see deer or other wildlife. I saw a rabbit, but it was too quick for me to get a good photo.
There is an option to take a trail to the left in the middle of the field. This just heads to a grove of trees. someone had made a fire pit. Please never create a fire in an undesignated place. It is a huge fire hazard.
I recommend staying on the main trail.
Both in the spring and the fall there were some wildflowers along the trail.
The path heads back down to the path to Canyon Glen Park.
Stats: Distance – 2.8 mile loop
Approximate hiking time – 1-2 hours
Elevation gain – 682 feet
Difficulty – Moderate
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks
Bathrooms – At Canyon Glen Park
Seasons to hike – April-November
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – Yes
Other nearby trails are Springdell Cascade, Upper Quito Trail, Upper Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
