Provo Canyon

Provo Canyon is a valley system stretching from Orem to Heber City, bordered by mountain ranges on either side. A river and several reservoirs run through the canyon, creating different landscape zones for recreation and exploration.

A transportation route was built through the canyon in 1855 to connect communities across the Wasatch Mountains. A railroad followed decades later and became central to how people moved through this mountain corridor.

The railroad that runs through the canyon has operated for over a century and linked isolated communities with regular train service. Visitors today can observe the historic stations and rail infrastructure that remain part of the landscape.

The canyon offers multiple routes for exploring, with some being well-maintained and easily accessible while others demand more physical effort. The best time to visit is from late spring through early fall when roads and trails are safely passable.

An early hydroelectric power station was built at the canyon's edge in 1899 and pioneered this technology globally. The structure still stands today and shows how innovation brought power generation to the region decades before most places.

Location: Utah County

Location: Wasatch County

Elevation above the sea: 1,468 m

GPS coordinates: 40.32920,-111.62600

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:40