The Primrose Overlook heads to one of the most stunning viewpoints in all of Utah with incredible views of Robert’s Horn and Mount Timpanogos.
The Primrose Overlook has majestic 360° views, so it feels like a peak, even though it actually isn’t. You have an impressive view of Robert’s Horn, a sub peak of Mount Timpanogos and Timp’s backside. You can look over at Deer Creek Reservoir and Heber. You can see rows of mountains!
Summit Trailhead
This trail begins at the Summit Trailhead that is between American Fork and Provo Canyons. There is a whole network of trails through that area. Here is a map. The Summit Trailhead is located near the bottom-center of the map. Today we took the Horse Flat Trail there and back. This can also be done as a loop and adds less than a mile without much additional difficulty.
The Horse Flat Trail is slightly shorter than the Lame Horse Trail that circles back, so for this path we’ll take it both directions.
Horse Flat Trail
The trail heads through aspens with a gradual mild incline. You cross through two meadows with more aspens between.
After the second meadow is when the trail gets steep. It is steep up and then down. Here there is another meadow with gorgeous views!
There is a detour here that heads to the left towards the Lame Horse Trail which you could take back to the Summit Trailhead after the overlook if you want to hike the loop. When you reenter the trees after the meadow is the main big hill. It goes up for a while, but there are logs to rest on if needed.
Follow the trail out to the overlook and you will be rewarded with spectacular views!
In June-August the trail is in bloom with so many wildflowers!
My favorite is when Robert’s Horn and Mount Timpanogos still have snow in late May or early June! The contrast with the snow is so beautiful!
This is a view looking another direction from the Primrose Overlook.
Here it is in July with most of the snow melted.
Stats: Distance – 3.1 miles round trip
Approximate hiking time – 1 to 3 hours
Elevation gain – 787 feet
Difficulty – Moderate
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks
Bathrooms – At Trailhead
Seasons to hike – May – October
Permits needed – $6 fee paid at Ranger Booth (or National Parks Pass)
Pets allowed – Yes
Other hikes within 15 minutes so many gorgeous hikes: Primrose Overlook Loop, Ridgeline Trail 157, Mountain Backdrop, Stewart Falls, Timpanogos Falls, Island Meadow, and Scout Falls.
