If you live anywhere near Utah County, or you’re planning a visit, let me just say this: you are sitting on a gold mine and you might not even know it. I grew up exploring this area, and honestly, it never gets old. The mountains literally hug the valley, the food scene has quietly become something really special, and there are enough unique things to do here to fill an entire summer. Whether you’re a local looking for fresh ideas or visiting for the first time, here’s my honest roundup of the top things to do in Utah County.
Best Hikes in Utah County
1. Stewart Falls
This one is an absolute crowd-pleaser, and for good reason. Stewart Falls is one of the most stunning waterfall hikes in the entire state, tucked behind Sundance Resort on the east slope of Mount Timpanogos. The trail winds through gorgeous alpine forest and delivers you right to a two-tiered, 200-foot waterfall that is genuinely jaw-dropping. It’s moderate enough for older kids and rewarding enough for adults, we do this one at least once every summer.
- Distance: 3.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- Cost: $6/vehicle (Sundance parking fee) or hike in from Aspen Grove trailhead
- Tip: Go mid-morning on a weekday if you can, weekends in summer get crowded fast. Bring layers; it’s noticeably cooler near the falls.
2. Timpanogos Cave National Monument
This is one of those places that genuinely blows people away every single time. You hike a steep 1.5-mile trail up the side of the mountain, and then step inside some of the most incredible cave formations you’ll see anywhere in the country, helictites, cave coral, stalactites, the works. The cave stays a cool 45°F year-round, which is actually a welcome break in the summer heat. Kids go absolutely wild for this one. Make sure to book tickets in advance because they sell out!
- Location: American Fork Canyon, UT
- Distance: 3 miles round trip (steep!)
- Cost: $10-$12/person for cave tours; reservations strongly recommended
- Tip: Bring a jacket for inside the cave, 45°F feels COLD after hiking. Tours run May through October only.
3. Y Mountain Trail (The Provo Y)
This one is practically a rite of passage if you spend any time in Provo. The giant white “Y” on the mountainside above BYU campus is visible from practically everywhere in the valley, and yes, you can hike right up to it. It’s short and steep, but the views of the entire Utah Valley from up top are absolutely unreal. We love doing this one in the early evening to catch the sunset. It gets popular, but there’s a reason for that.
- Distance: 1.4 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate (very steep)
- Cost: Free
- Tip: The switchbacks are brutal but short. Bring water and go early in summer, the south-facing slope heats up fast.
4. Battle Creek Falls Trail
If you want a quick, totally satisfying waterfall hike that’s very kid-friendly, Battle Creek Falls in Pleasant Grove is your answer. It’s a short out-and-back that leads to a lovely little waterfall tucked into the canyon. It’s lush, it’s pretty, and it’s completely doable for little legs. We’ve taken toddlers on this one. Honestly perfect for a spontaneous evening outing when you just need to get out of the house.
- Distance: 2 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Free
- Location: Pleasant Grove, UT (off Battle Creek Drive)
5. Rock Canyon Trail
This is the everyday hike for Provo locals, and it’s a gem. Rock Canyon starts right at the mouth of the canyon just east of BYU and winds up into the Wasatch Range. You can make it as easy or as challenging as you want, which is why we keep coming back. The towering limestone walls on either side of the canyon are dramatic and beautiful. It’s also a popular spot for rock climbing if that’s your thing.
- Distance: Variable (1-8+ miles)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate depending on how far you go
- Cost: Free
- Tip: The trailhead has limited parking. Get there before 9am on weekends or you’ll be circling the lot.
Best Non-Chain Restaurants in Utah County
Okay, real talk, Utah County’s restaurant scene used to get a bad rap. That is not the case anymore. There are some genuinely fantastic local spots worth driving across the valley for. Here are my favorites:
6. Communal (Provo)
Communal is hands-down one of the best dining experiences in all of Utah, not just Utah County. It’s a farm-to-table restaurant downtown Provo that sources local ingredients and does truly creative, delicious things with them. The menu changes seasonally, the space is warm and inviting, and the food genuinely impresses every single time. This is our go-to for a special occasion dinner or when we want to take out-of-town guests somewhere that will blow their minds.
- Location: 102 N University Ave, Provo
- Vibe: Upscale-casual, farm-to-table, date night worthy
- Must-try: Whatever seasonal special they’re running, you won’t be disappointed
- Tip: Make a reservation, especially on weekends. It fills up fast.
7. Black Sheep Cafe (Provo)
Black Sheep Cafe is a Provo institution. They serve up Native American-inspired Southwestern cuisine in a cozy, eclectic space, and the flavors are unlike anything else in the valley. The green chile dishes are deeply satisfying, the portions are generous, and the whole place just has this wonderful warm energy. We always leave happy. It’s consistently one of the most talked-about restaurants in the area, and rightfully so.
- Location: 19 N University Ave, Provo
- Vibe: Casual, quirky, family-friendly
- Must-try: The green chile dishes and the fry bread
- Tip: Get there early for lunch, the lines are real and totally worth it.
8. Pizzeria Seven Twelve (Orem)
If you love really excellent pizza, like, wood-fired, thoughtfully topped, absolutely gorgeous pizza, Pizzeria Seven Twelve is your place. It’s elevated without being pretentious, the ingredient combinations are creative and perfect, and the atmosphere is great for families or date nights. We have a running joke in our house that this is “the pizza you can’t stop thinking about.” They also do pasta and other Italian dishes that are equally impressive.
- Location: 320 S State St, Orem
- Vibe: Trendy, upscale casual, great for families
- Must-try: The wood-fired pizzas, honestly any of them
- Tip: Reservations available and recommended for weekend evenings.
9. Joe’s Cafe (Orem)
Joe’s Cafe is a local treasure, a cozy, unpretentious little spot in Orem that serves up incredible breakfast and lunch. This is the kind of place that regulars fiercely protect and love. The food is honest and delicious, the portions are generous, and the vibe is just warm and welcoming. It’s consistently one of the highest-rated restaurants in Utah County, and once you try it, you’ll completely understand why. Perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast before heading out to explore the canyon.
- Location: Orem, UT
- Vibe: Super casual, neighborhood gem, breakfast & lunch only
- Must-try: The breakfast plates, come hungry
- Tip: Cash-friendly, expect a wait on weekend mornings. It’s worth it.
10. Guru’s Cafe (Provo)
Guru’s is a Provo staple and one of those rare spots that genuinely works for everyone, vegetarians, meat-eaters, picky kids, adventurous foodies. The menu is eclectic and creative (think global flavors with a healthy bent), the portions are huge, and the atmosphere is laid-back and fun. We’ve been going here for years and it never lets us down. It’s also just a great value, which we always appreciate as a family.
- Location: 45 E Center St, Provo
- Vibe: Casual, eclectic, great for groups and families
- Must-try: The wraps and bowls, endlessly customizable
- Tip: Perfect for a casual lunch after hiking Rock Canyon or Y Mountain.
Best Unique Activities in Utah County
11. Sundance Mountain Resort (Year-Round!)
Most people think of Sundance as just a ski resort, but it’s genuinely one of the best year-round destinations in Utah County. In summer, you can ride the scenic chairlift for stunning mountain views, zip down the ziplines, hike to Stewart Falls (see above!), take a fly fishing lesson on the river, or enjoy one of their outdoor dining experiences. It’s Robert Redford’s resort and it shows, the whole place is breathtakingly beautiful and feels like stepping into another world even though it’s only about 20 minutes from Provo.
- Location: 8841 N Alpine Loop Rd, Sundance
- Activities: Skiing (winter), chairlift rides, zip lines, hiking, dining, arts
- Cost: Varies by activity
- Tip: Summer weekends are busy, book activities in advance. The outdoor Foundry Grill is a beautiful dinner spot.
12. The Alpine Loop Scenic Drive
Okay, this one is not really an “activity” in the traditional sense, but it is absolutely one of the best things you can do in Utah County, especially in fall when the aspens turn gold. The Alpine Loop winds through American Fork Canyon up past Timpanogos Cave, past Cascade Springs (a totally magical spot where water just bubbles up out of the earth into crystal clear pools), and back around through Provo Canyon. It takes about 1.5-2 hours to drive the full loop and the views are insane every single mile. Pack a picnic and make a day of it.
- Best Time: June-October (road closes in winter)
- Cost: America the Beautiful pass accepted; $6/vehicle
- Don’t miss: Cascade Springs, pull over and walk the short boardwalk. It’s unlike anything else.
- Tip: Peak fall color is usually mid-to-late September. Plan accordingly!
13. BYU Museum of Paleontology
This one is a total hidden gem, especially for families with dinosaur-obsessed kids (and honestly, dinosaur-obsessed adults). The BYU Museum of Paleontology on the BYU campus houses one of the largest collections of Jurassic dinosaur fossils in the world, and it’s completely free. You can see actual fossils and full dinosaur mounts up close in an incredibly accessible, well-organized space. It’s one of those places that you walk out of feeling genuinely smarter and more amazed at the world. Do not skip this one.
- Location: BYU Campus, 1683 N Canyon Rd, Provo
- Cost: FREE
- Hours: Mon-Fri, check their website for current hours
- Tip: Pair it with a walk around the beautiful BYU campus and grab lunch at Guru’s or Communal nearby.
14. Bridal Veil Falls (Provo Canyon)
Bridal Veil Falls is one of those places that just never gets old. It’s a stunning 607-foot double cataract waterfall right off the highway in Provo Canyon, meaning you can pull over, walk about 5 minutes, and suddenly be standing at the base of this magnificent, roaring waterfall. It’s absolutely magical and totally free. Kids love it, adults love it, and it photographs beautifully in every season. Spring is especially dramatic when the snowmelt is running full blast.
- Location: US-189, Provo Canyon (about 8 miles from Provo)
- Cost: Free
- Difficulty: Very easy, mostly flat, short walk
- Tip: The parking area fills up on summer weekends. Go early morning for the best experience and best light for photos.
15. Tubing the Provo River
This is a quintessential Utah County summer activity and it is so, so fun. Renting tubes and floating down the Provo River through the canyon is pure joy, cool water, gorgeous mountain scenery, and just enough gentle rapids to keep things exciting. There are several outfitters along Provo Canyon that set you up with tubes and shuttle you back to your starting point. It’s one of those lazy summer afternoons that your family will talk about for years. Fair warning: you WILL get wet.
- Location: Provo Canyon along US-189
- Cost: Typically $10-$20/person through rental outfitters
- Best For: Families with kids ages 5+, groups of friends
- Tip: Wear sunscreen and bring a change of clothes. Water shoes are a must, the river bottom is rocky.
Our Honest Bottom Line
Utah County seriously punches above its weight. Between world-class hiking, a genuinely exciting local food scene, and unique experiences that you won’t find just anywhere, there is no shortage of amazing things to fill your time here. Whether you’re spending a day, a weekend, or you’re lucky enough to call this place home, take advantage of everything it has to offer. We certainly try to.
Have a favorite Utah County spot we missed? Drop it in the comments, we’re always looking for new places to explore!
