Provo Canyon

Provo Canyon is in Utah's Wasatch Range.

Understand
Provo Canyon connects Provo/Orem with Heber. The main canyon road is a scenic drive which is especially beautiful in the autumn when the leaves turn colors.

History
The upper (eastern) part of Provo Canyon was dammed in 1941 to create Deer Creek Reservoir.

Robert Redford acquired the Sundance area in 1969. This was the original site of the Sundance Film Festival. However, the film festival is now mostly in Park City and around Salt Lake City.

Climate
Provo canyon is beautiful in the winter, but driving through it can become dangerous and chains are required. Check the road weather forecast.

Get in
Provo Canyon is accessible via car.


 * From Orem:
 * Take 800 North east, when approaching the mountains, keep left and follow the road which will merge onto Provo Canyon Road.
 * Take Center Street east, turn north at University Avenue, which will become Provo Canyon Road.
 * From Provo:
 * Take University Avenue north. As that road enters the canyon, it will become Provo Canyon Road.
 * From Heber:
 * Go south on Main Street, turn left at US-189 (Provo Canyon Road).

Fees and permits
Deer Creek has two boat ramps - Deer Creek Island Resort (Rainbow Bay) and Deer Creek State Park - which can be accessed from US-189 (Provo Canyon Road). Both areas require a fee, roughly $6.

Get around
US-189 (Provo Canyon Road) is the main road. About mid-way through the canyon, you can turn north on US-92 (Alpine Scenic Highway) to get to Sundance - this road is also called "The Alpine Loop".

The Heber Creeper goes along the northern shore of Deer Creek, but they're serious about it creeping, and is not meant to be your primary transportation.

The Provo River trail goes through the canyon and is a good option if you are biking, walking or jogging.