Best Things to Do in Provo Canyon, Utah | Local Guide
Accessing Bridal Veil Falls by eBike
Just minutes from Provo and Orem, Provo Canyon is one of the best places in Utah for an easy mountain adventure. The canyon follows the Provo River through the Wasatch Mountains and offers waterfalls, paved bike paths, parks, hiking, fly fishing, river activities and access to Sundance Mountain Resort.
Whether you have a couple of hours or an entire day, here are some of the best things to do in Provo Canyon.
1. Explore Provo Canyon by E-Bike
One of the easiest ways to see more of Provo Canyon is by riding the Provo River Parkway on an e-bike.
The paved trail follows the Provo River into the canyon and passes mountain scenery, parks and Bridal Veil Falls. The larger Provo River Parkway system stretches from Utah Lake into Provo Canyon, with the canyon section continuing to Vivian Park.
Voltage Rentals is located at the mouth of Provo Canyon, directly next to the entrance to the bike path. Riders can park, pick up an e-bike or kids' e-scooter and ride straight into the canyon without transporting bikes. Kids bike trailers are also available for younger children.
A popular ride is from the mouth of Provo Canyon to Bridal Veil Falls, with longer rentals allowing time to continue farther up the canyon toward Vivian Park.
You can book with them here.
Best for: Families, couples, groups and visitors who want to see a lot of the canyon without a difficult hike.
2. Visit Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is one of Provo Canyon's most recognizable landmarks and an easy stop for almost anyone visiting the canyon.
The waterfall sits beside the Provo River Parkway, making it accessible by bike or on foot. Utah County maintains the recreation area, which includes paved riverside trails, picnic areas and restrooms. No reservation is required to visit the falls.
Bring a camera, spend some time near the river and enjoy one of the canyon's best-known views.
Local tip: Bridal Veil Falls is especially beautiful in the spring when water flow is high and during the fall when the canyon begins changing colors.
Current access note: Utah County began a multi-year reconstruction project around Bridal Veil Falls in 2025, so parking and access may be modified during construction. Check current county information before your visit.
3. Ride or Walk the Provo River Parkway
You don't need an e-bike to enjoy the Provo River Parkway.
The paved trail is popular for walking, jogging and leisurely bike rides and follows the river through parks, residential areas and eventually into Provo Canyon. The route passes directly by Bridal Veil Falls and continues toward Vivian Park.
Even a short walk along the canyon portion of the trail gives you beautiful views of the river and surrounding mountains.
Best for: Easy walks, families, biking and anyone looking for a relaxing outdoor activity.
4. Spend an Afternoon at Vivian Park
Farther up the canyon, Vivian Park is a great place to slow down and spend an afternoon.
The park has green space, picnic areas, a playground, volleyball courts, fishing access and direct access to the Provo River Parkway.
Pack lunch, bring a blanket and make Vivian Park the turnaround point for a longer bike ride through the canyon.
It's also a convenient starting point for exploring the upper portion of Provo Canyon.
5. Visit Sundance Mountain Resort
Take the turn up toward Sundance Mountain Resort and you'll find even more ways to experience the mountains.
During the warmer months, Sundance offers activities including hiking, mountain biking, scenic lift rides, horseback riding, fly fishing and zipline tours.
A scenic lift ride is one of the easiest ways to get higher into the mountains without a strenuous hike. Sundance typically operates scenic lift rides from late May through early October, although operating dates and hours vary.
There are also several restaurants at the resort, making Sundance a good place to finish a day in the canyon.
6. Hike to Stewart Falls
If you're looking for a hike, Stewart Falls is one of the area's most popular waterfall destinations.
The trail is accessed from the Sundance/Aspen Grove area and takes hikers through forest and mountain scenery before reaching the waterfall. Sundance identifies Stewart Falls as one of the area's popular hiking destinations.
Bring plenty of water and check trail and weather conditions before heading out.
Best for: Visitors who want a more active half-day adventure.
7. Fly Fish the Provo River
The Provo River is well known for trout fishing, and several stretches run directly through or near Provo Canyon.
Sundance offers guided fly-fishing experiences on the Provo River throughout the year and describes the river as a Blue Ribbon trout fishery.
Experienced anglers can explore on their own, while first-time visitors may prefer a local guide who can provide equipment and help identify productive sections of the river.
8. Raft or Kayak the Provo River
In the warmer months, floating the Provo River is one of the canyon's classic outdoor activities.
For an especially unique day, you can combine biking and rafting. Voltage Rentals offers a reservation-based Bike + Raft experience where guests e-bike approximately six miles up the Provo River Bike Path to Vivian Park, shuttle to the river put-in near Deer Creek Reservoir and then raft or kayak back down the river before riding the bikes back.
It's one of the best options for groups that want to fit multiple canyon experiences into a single outing.
9. Visit Deer Creek Reservoir
Continue driving up Provo Canyon and you'll reach Deer Creek Reservoir.
The reservoir is popular for boating, fishing, sailing and other water recreation and offers wide-open views of the surrounding mountains.
It's an easy addition to a full-day Provo Canyon itinerary, particularly during summer.
10. Pack a Picnic Along the River
Sometimes the best Provo Canyon activity is also the simplest.
Pack lunch and find a spot along the Provo River at Vivian Park, Bridal Veil Falls or one of the canyon's other recreation areas.
For a fun date or family outing, rent e-bikes at the mouth of the canyon, ride up the trail and stop somewhere along the river for a picnic before heading back.
The Perfect Half-Day in Provo Canyon
If you only have a few hours, here's a simple itinerary:
Start at the mouth of Provo Canyon
Rent an e-bike from Voltage Rentals and ride up the Provo River Parkway.
Stop at Bridal Veil Falls
Take photos and spend some time exploring around the waterfall.
Continue toward Vivian Park
Enjoy the river and mountain scenery along the way.
Stop for a picnic
Take a break at one of the parks before riding back down the canyon.
You'll experience the river, mountains, waterfall and bike trail without spending the entire day driving from place to place.
Things to Do in Provo Canyon With Kids
Provo Canyon is particularly good for families because many activities don't require strenuous hiking.
Some of our favorite options are:
Ride the Provo River Parkway
Rent e-bikes, kids' scooters or a kids bike trailer
Visit Bridal Veil Falls
Play and picnic at Vivian Park
Take a scenic lift ride at Sundance
Walk along the Provo River
Spend an afternoon at Deer Creek Reservoir
Things to Do in Provo Canyon for Couples
Looking for a Utah date idea?
Try an evening e-bike ride through the canyon, stop at Bridal Veil Falls and bring a picnic to enjoy near the river.
Other good options include a Sundance scenic lift ride, dinner at Sundance, hiking Stewart Falls or spending the afternoon at Deer Creek Reservoir.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Provo Canyon?
Spring: Waterfalls and the river are especially impressive as mountain snow melts.
Summer: The widest variety of activities are available, including biking, hiking, rafting and Sundance's summer experiences.
Fall: Cooler temperatures and changing leaves make this one of the most scenic times to visit.
Winter: Provo Canyon remains beautiful, while Sundance becomes a major destination for winter recreation.
Plan Your Provo Canyon Adventure
There are dozens of ways to experience Provo Canyon, but you don't need an elaborate itinerary.
Grab some friends or family, get outside and spend a few hours exploring the river, mountains and waterfalls.
If you'd like to see more of the canyon without spending the day in the car, Voltage Rentals offers e-bike rentals directly at the mouth of Provo Canyon, with access to the Provo River bike path just outside the rental location.
