Spotlight: Provo - Legacy Hall

Spotlight: With the college football season just around the corner, this week's spotlight is Legacy Hall. Legacy Hall houses the BYU Cougars' Athletics Museum and Hall of Fame. The three-story museum was funded through generous private donations, and opened in September 2004. For any BYU sports fan, this museum is the equivalent of Cougar Heaven. The wall displays and display cases exhibit a variety of treasures ranging from trophies, to uniforms, to signed game balls, to miscellaneous memorabilia, to video footage, to Hall of Fame plaques.

Location: Legacy Hall is located inside the Student Athlete Building just north of the George Albert Smith Fieldhouse on the west side of BYU Campus in Provo, UT.

Cost: Free

Time: 30 minutes - 3 hours; it is open to the public Monday - Saturday from 7:00 am - 9:00 pm.

Description: When you enter Legacy Halls, you are greeted by an awesome statue of a cougar. Just to the right of the cougar, the visitor is drawn to several display cases which house an impressive array of trophies from a wide range of sports. The trophies include: Ty Detmer's 1990 Heisman Trophy, Danny Ainge's 1981 Eastman Trophy and John Wooden Award, Jimmer Fredette's 2011 John Wooden Award, Steve Young's 1995 Super Bowl MVP Award, Luke Staley's 2001 Doak Walker Award, the BYU men's basketball 1951 & 1966 NIT championship trophies, and a number of national championship trophies from football, volleyball, track, etc.

1984 National Championship

     Legacy Hall holds a treasure trove of game-worn uniforms. Some of the most interesting items include: Shawn Bradley's size 16 shoes, and a collection of game-worn jerseys (both college and pro) from a variety of BYU stars including Steve Young, Ty Detmer, Jim McMahon, Robbie Bosco, Wally Joyner, Jimmer Fredette and Danny Ainge.

Steve Young

Danny Ainge

     The display cases show off an impressive collection of signed game balls including record breakers, milestones, and a football signed by the 1984 national champions.
     Other cases display a variety of miscellaneous memorabilia including: an official Detmer Heisman Ty (tie), a picture of LaVell Edwards shaking hands with Pres. Reagan, various Olympic medals, a bat signed by the 1983 BYU baseball team (that was ranked #1 at one point), Mike Weir's golf bag from his 2003 Master's win, a Serbian banner honoring Kresimir Cosic, and official trading cards of many BYU stars including Steve Young, Wally Joyner, Jack Morris, Cory Snyder, and Rick Aguilera.

Ty Detmer

     The 13 video kiosks highlight: National Award winners, national championships, BYU Hall of Fame inductees, Cougar Trivia, and video footage of many great moments in BYU sports including BYU football's defeat of #1 ranked Miami and the 1984 Holiday Bowl win over Michigan to secure the national championship.
     The 21 wall displays include Hall of Fame plaques of BYU's greatest stars from all sports. Other wall displays include: a 145-foot timeline of BYU Sports, First Team All-American plaques, great moments in BYU history, Did You Know? displays, a map showing where Cougars have served church missions (former and current), and even Shawn Bradley's wingspan.

Measuring up to Shawn Bradley

Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - Since Legacy Hall is located in the BYU Student Athlete Building, current and former athletic stars often walk through going to or from the facilities. In the span of 15 minutes we saw Robbie Bosco, Brandon Doman, and Chad Lewis.
- Complimentary tours are available. For more information, call 801-322-2118.

Nearby: South Field, LaVell Edwards Stadium, Marriott Center, Getout Games

Top 10 - Waterfalls in Utah

Instead of a travel tip, this week I'm doing my first Top Ten list - my Top Ten favorite waterfalls in Utah. Now I realize that not everyone is going to agree with my list; in fact I'd be surprised if anyone was in complete agreement. Since I haven't been to even half of the waterfalls in the state, I'm sure that even the future me won't agree with my current Top 10; so I reserve the right to edit this list in the future. With that said, here are my ten current favorites:

10. Virgin Narrows waterfall (Zion National Park) - This waterfall makes the list because of it's sentimental value. It is located in the Virgin Narrows. Not only does it have a cool secret passage that is needed to hike past it, it plays a role in my book - The Narrows Escape.

9. Provo River Falls (Uinta Mountains) - I've only seen this waterfall in the fall, when the water was running low, so it has the potential to jump up on the list. This three-tiered waterfall is very accessible to anyone with a car. A short paved trail leads to all three sections.

8. Battle Creek Falls (Pleasant Grove) - This waterfall is a unique twin waterfall that cascades down either side of a rock nob on the cliffs just east of the city Pleasant Grove.

7. Archangel Falls (Zion National Park) - Although not your traditional cataract, this gorgeous waterfall is created by water cascading over a series of sandstone ledges along the left fork of North Creek - more famously known as the Subway. The falls are located a short ways down from the natural stone formation from which the river gets its nickname.

6. Donut Falls (Little Cottonwood Canyon) - This waterfall isn't spectacular from a distance. Instead, it's uniqueness can only be fully appreciated from up close. The waterfall has created a "donut" hole in the rock. It passes through the hole into a pool before continuing down to the river below.

5. Fifth Water Lower Falls (Diamond Fork Canyon) - This waterfall can be enjoyed while sitting in a natural hot tub created by the hot springs around the waterfall. It also has a couple of caves (including a window) that create unique photo opportunities.

4. Lower Calf Creek Falls (Escalante) - This is one of the more famous waterfalls in Utah. The water cascades 126 feet down the cliff into a pool below. You can wade in the pool, but it is usually really cold.

3. Bells Canyon Lower Falls (Bells Canyon, Sandy) - Despite having our car broken into in the parking lot, this waterfall was gorgeous enough to crack the top three. While only 50-feet tall, the Bells Canyon Falls shape and accessibility make up for its lack of stature.

2. Stewart Falls (Provo Canyon) - This stunning waterfall cascades 300 feet in two tiers. The volume of water, together with its width and height make it one of the most impressive waterfalls in the state.

1. Bridal Veil Falls (Provo Canyon) - This is not only the tallest waterfall in the state (607 feet), it is also one of the most accessible. Yet what makes this three-tiered waterfall truly remarkable is its sheer beauty as it spreads out over the rock face like a veil.

Spotlight: Provo - Bridal Veil Falls

Spotlight: A short drive up the beautiful Provo Canyon will lead you to Bridal Veil Falls - my favorite waterfall in the state of Utah. The waterfall is a double cataract that drops 607 feet, and flows down a slope of boulders into a shallow pool at the base of the Falls. From there, the water drains into the Provo River.

Location: Bridal Veil Falls is located about 3 1/2 miles up Highway 189 (Provo Canyon Rd.) on the right-hand side of the road (from Provo). You can either park in the Bridal Veil Falls parking lot, or at Nunn's Park and walk the beautiful quarter-mile trail up to the Falls.

Time: 15 minutes to an hour (or longer if you stay for a picnic).

Cost: Free

Description: Bridal Veil Falls is arguably the most beautiful waterfall in the state of Utah. It has two main cataracts, followed by a descent down a slope of boulders, giving it three distinct sections. The middle section is the most spectacular, with the water fanning out over the face of the cliff, and can easily be seen from Highway 189.
     Nunn's Park is located about half a mile southwest of the Falls. From the parking lot, you can take a leisurely quarter mile stroll through the shaded picnic area of Bridal Veil Falls Park along the banks of the Provo River. This path will lead you right to the base of the waterfall, where you can sit and admire the Falls, wade in the shallow pool, or hike up one of the trails for different views of the Falls.
     Another way to access the Falls is via the Provo River Parkway. This pedestrian/bike trail starts at 2230 North Street in downtown Provo and follows University Ave. all the way up into the canyon. From there it follows the Provo River and Highway 189 past several different parks and the Falls, ending at Vivian Park.

Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: The water at the base of the Falls is usually cold. There are also fish in a connecting pool where wading is discouraged.
- Bridal Veil Falls Park has 8 uncovered picnic tables (with grills), a portable restroom, and several trails for walking, jogging, biking, and even longboarding. There is no fee.
- The Eagle's Nest Lodge used to be nestled in the cliffs above Bridal Veil Falls. The lodge included a Visitors' Center, a restaurant and a dance hall. An aerial tram (the steepest in the world) would take visitors up to the lodge. Unfortunately, the lodge, gift shop, snack shop, and tram house were all destroyed by a devastating avalanche in 1996. Plans to restore the lodge ended when a fire consumed what remained of the lodge in 2008.

Wreckage from the avalanche

- In the winter, climbers like to try their skills on the "Stairway to Heaven" - a beautiful curtain of crystal ice to the right of the Falls.

Nearby: Nunn's Park, Vivian Park, Sundance, Deer Creek State Park

Travel Tip #20 - Jazz up your Date Night

     Continuing on the theme of taking a "Staycation," you don't have to take time off work to visit local places on your Travel Wish List. A great time to try something different is on a weekend - especially for Date Night. For most people, Date Night means dinner and a movie. Sometimes they might change things up and do dinner and a play, or a concert. Yet, for the most part, we are creatures of habit. We go to the same restaurants, order the same meals, and then go see the sequel to last year's blockbuster. If you are stuck in the dating rut, or worse yet not even taking the time to go out at all, it's time to jazz up your date night by trying something different.
     There are plenty of alternative options for Date Night. Our trip to the Live Escape Room (see last post) is just one example. Here are some other ideas: go bowling, participate in a mystery theater, do a round of miniature golf, go ice blocking, visit a museum, hike to a waterfall, go window shopping, go on a bike ride, go on a walking tour of a nearby historical area, go fly a kite, bake something together and deliver it to someone who might need a pick-me-up, go on a picnic, go to a drive-in or outdoor film, organize a progressive dinner with a group of friends, dress up and go to the opera, go on a treasure hunt, play Frisbee golf, play tennis, have a game night with another couple, go to a human maze, take a penny walk, do a scavenger hunt, visit a planetarium, go on a dollar date, donate blood, visit a rest home, have a paper airplane (or paper boat) contest, go for a scenic drive, drive down a street famous for its Christmas light displays, go bird watching at a nature preserve, watch the sunrise or sunset at a scenic location, build a snowman or snow cave, have a snowball fight, visit a local hot springs, go roller skating (or ice skating), rent a canoe or kayaks, go tubing down a river, go on a photo safari at a local zoo or wildlife park, visit a national park or monument and learn something new, or cross something off of your bucket list. While some of these ideas are best for just the two of you, many of them would be even more fun with another couple or even a group of couples. Also, take turns choosing what to do. That way, even if your partner chooses something you wouldn't necessarily choose, at least you get to choose the activity for the next week.
     So the next time you are trying to decide what to do, take a chance and try something new!

Spotlight: Provo, UT - Getout Games

Spotlight: As we continue our tour of Provo, our next stop is at Getout Games. I read about "live escape rooms" online, and wanted to try one. I researched one in Salt Lake City, and was planning on going, when my daughter came home from a date and told me about this awesome place they went to. As she described it, I realized that it was the same idea - except cheaper and closer. So we called some of our friends and asked them if they wanted to go solve a mystery with us. Of course they were game, so we booked a time. We had a blast!

Location: 283 N. University Ave: Provo, UT

Time: 1 hour

Cost: Depends on the size of your group: 1-7 people ($18/person); 8-15 people ($15/person); 16 people ($12.50/person)

Description: Getout Games is the first live escape room experience in Utah County. It is a concept that has become one of the top ranked entertainment options throughout Europe and the U.S. The basic concept is that you are locked in a room for one hour. Your group has to investigate the clues inside the room in order to figure out the combination to open the lock that will let you out of the room before the hour is up. That basic concept is used as the core of all live escape rooms, though the details and themes vary from location to location.
     Getout Games currently has two rooms which are both identical, allowing you to either compete against the other room or just work against the clock. Either way, you only have 60 minutes. The version we tried (Provo Heist) requires you to investigate the office of Provo's mob boss, find the safe, break it open, grab the gold and find the combination that opens the door before time expires. In order to do that, you have to search for clues, solve the puzzles, crack the codes, and decipher patterns in order to break open about 8 locks that hold keys or other clues that are necessary to find the safe and bust it open. The amazing thing is that about 80% of the things in the room were necessary to solve the mystery. The key was to figure out which ones were real clues, and which ones weren't.
     You might think this would be nearly impossible, but the concept is designed to allow both beginner groups as well as advanced groups to be successful. Although you are the only ones in the room, you have someone helping you on the outside. There is a camera and a baby monitor device in the room that allows him/her to follow your progress. There is also a flat screen on the wall with the timer and the number of "hints" you have left. You can ask for up to four hints, but your observer will occasionally give you nudges in the right direction by typing additional information on the screen. We only used one of our official hints, but we received several others. In any case, we opened the safe and made it out with just over 10 minutes to spare. My daughters' group also succeeded, but with under two minutes remaining.

Rating: 4 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: The rooms are kind of small. The minimum number you need to book a room is 2 people, with a maximum of 8 per room. I imagine two people would have trouble solving all the clues on time; while 8 people would get a bit crowded. Our group of 4 was about perfect.
- When I told my mom about the activity, her first comment was that she would get claustrophobic being trapped in a room like that. Although you are "locked" in the room, there is an emergency escape handle that you can pull at any time. Of course if you use it, you lose.
- Most of the clients we saw were high school or college age, and they all seemed to love it. It is a great activity for group dates.
- Kids under 12 can participate, but must be accompanied by an adult.
- You cannot take pictures inside the room, but they do have a group photo spot in the lobby. They also have a chest full of props or signs that you can use to jazz up your group shot.

- Your group should arrive 10 minutes before your start time.
- Getout Games is open Monday - Saturday - usually in the evenings. You can book a special engagement at other times by calling 801-810-7254.
- To book a reservation online, you must do so at least 3 hours prior to your appointment. For additional information go to: http://getoutgames.com/

Nearby: Laser Assault, 7 Peaks Water Park, BYU Legacy Hall, The BYU Creamery

Travel Tip #19 - Buying/Renewing Season Passes

     Continuing on with the theme of a Staycation, if you are going to be home for the summer, you might want to look into getting season passes to a place that you and your kids will enjoy visiting multiple times. Lots of people like to get season passes to a local amusement park. This can save a lot of money if you use it. On the other hand, you need to ask yourself if you really are going to use it enough to really justify the cost.

     For example, the first year we got The Pass of All Passes, we went to a couple of the different venues, and felt we truly got our money's worth. Since it was so cheap to renew the passes the next year, we did. However, since we had already been to several of the places on the pass, we didn't go to as many places. Once the novelty wore off, it wasn't something we thought about much. Also, we went on a big trip that year, so we were gone a good part of the summer. In fact, besides my oldest daughter, we only used our passes twice the whole year - and we struggled to find a time to go the second time just to make sure we got our money's worth.

     Also, before renewing your passes, take a look at what else is out there. You might find a better deal somewhere else. Besides, like I mentioned before, once the novelty wears off, you tend to use them less and less each year. It might be a better idea to get season passes to a different venue so that you don't get sick of going to the same place all the time. Even better, look for a pass that lets you experience several different venues. In that sense, the Pass of All Passes is great. It can be used at 19 different venues. Ironically, since we mainly used the Pass for Seven Peaks Water Park, we forgot about some of the other places that accepted the Pass, and paid to go to one of those places without realizing that we could have gotten in for free. So if you buy a pass to multiple venues, make sure you familiarize yourself with the terms of the Pass, and take advantage of the opportunity to try something new.
     So the next time you get a notice asking if you want to renew your season passes, consider your options. Ask yourself whether or not your family is really up for another year of visiting the same venue. It might be worth it, it might not. If we do get the Pass of All Passes again, I will try to set a time each month to do one of the activities on the pass - especially some of the places we haven't visited yet. Of course, I might try something totally new - like the Salt Lake Connect Pass. In any case, I'll only buy it if I know that I'll use it.

Spotlight: Provo - Seven Peaks Water Park

Spotlight: Seven Peaks is Utah's biggest water park. There are two locations, one in Provo and one in Salt Lake City.

Location: The water park is located at 1330 E 300 N in Provo, UT. The easiest way to get there is to take Center Street east until you reach N. Seven Peaks Blvd. Turn left and follow the signs to one of the parking lots.

Cost: All day pass (48"+) - $24.99; All day pass (under 48") - $19.99; Toddlers (2 and under) - free
- The Pass of All Passes (season pass good for several venues including Seven Peaks) - $109.99

Time: 4-8 hours. The water park is usually open Monday - Saturday from noon - 8:00 pm.

Description: The park is famous for it's slides. There are three ways to go down the slides - on inner tubes (sitting), on mats (head first), and on your back (body).
- Flash Flood & Rapid Ravine - Twin body slides (3 stories) where you get flushed down the a slide with lots of twists and turns.
- Avalanche - A mat slide in which up to 8 guests race each other head-first down a series of drops to the bottom.

Avalanche

- Cave-In - An enclosed tube slide with lots of twists, turns, and drops in semi-darkness.
- Tube Run - An open-air tube slide (3 stories) with lots of twists and turns.
- Vortex - A tube slide in which you go down the slide into the toilet bowl. After going around the bowl a couple of times, you get sucked down the vortex.
- Boomerang - A tube slide built like a half pipe. You drop three stories, and go halfway up the other side before dropping back down and up again, and again, and again, until you finally come to a stop.

Boomerang

- Shotgun Falls - A tube slide (4 stories) for double or triple tubes. You drop down a series of drops before reaching the bottom.

Shotgun Falls (pink) and Free Fall (orange)

- Free Fall - This body/mat slide (6 stories) is similar to Sky Breaker, except the plunge is at the very beginning.
- Sky Breaker - This body/mat slide is six stories tall. You slowly descend in a small tunnel before suddenly plunging 6 stories at an insane angle.

Jagged Edge (yellow) and Sky Breaker (blue)

- Jagged Edge - This body/mat slide (6 stories) has a pair of smaller drops before reaching the bottom.
- Tykes Peak - A pair of smaller, enclosed body slides designed specifically for kids (or parents) who aren't quite ready for the big slide tower.
     Seven Peaks also has a variety of other attractions, including a wave pool, a pair of kiddie pools (2 feet deep) with floating animals, small waterfalls, fountains, and four kiddie slides, an obstacle course pool area, a lazy river, and more.

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5); 5 stars for the slides, but lower for add-on fees and policies.

Things You Should Know: - The water park is closed on Sundays.
- The park opens for the season at the end of May, and closes around mid-August. It then opens on select days (usually Fridays and Saturdays) until Labor Day.
- Guests who have a current "Pass of all Passes" are admitted free. However, they still have to pay for parking and tubes unless you purchase the parking ($25) and tube rental ($20) add-ons. The Pass gives you discounts at the gift shop and food stands and is accepted at several other venues around Utah.
- Season pass holders get to enter the park two hours (10 am - noon) before the general public is admitted.
- There are discounts for tickets purchased for the evening hours (after 4:00 pm, and even lower after 6 pm).
- Occasionally, the park closes early due to special events, so make sure you check the schedule on their website before making plans.
- The park management may close all or some rides due to weather conditions. Unfortunately, they do not offer refunds or rain checks if the park closes early for any reason; so if it is raining, it is best not to go.
- Guests may rent tubes (single - $6, double - $11, or triple riders - $21) for slides, the wave pool, and the lazy river. Some rides require tubes to ride, and have a limited number of tubes you can borrow for the duration of the ride (when available) if you purchase a $1 wrist band. Most tube slides prohibit the triple tube, but Shotgun Falls is only for double and triple tubes. Also, you must fill all the spots to use the tube on a ride.
- Outside food and drink are not permitted inside the park except sealed water bottles. If you have special dietary needs, bring a doctor's note. The park does sell a variety of snack foods. Alcohol and tobacco are not allowed on park grounds. There is a picnic area outside the park where guests may eat picnic lunches.
- Most non-tube slides only allow single riders. Guests 16 or older may accompany small children with permission from the life guard.
- Shirts, sandals, aqua socks, hats, goggles, and glasses may not be worn on slides (but may be held in your hands as you slide). Life jackets are permitted. The first aid station has life jackets that you can borrow in exchange for your driver's license.
- Seven Peaks' policy on flotation devices states, "You can bring a Coast Guard approved lifejacket, baby floats with built in seats, and swimsuits with built in flotation. Arm floaties are allowed if they are accompanied with a lifejacket. Noodles, inner tubes, rafts, kickboards, or boogie boards are not allowed."
- Lockers may be rented at the gift shop, but are expensive.
- There is very little shade. They do have cabanas available to rent, but they are expensive. If we have season passes, we usually go for a few hours at a time in the evening when parking is cheaper (after 4 pm).
- Warning: I've read several reviews that give the park only 1 star. Evidently many customers have been highly dissatisfied with customer service issues. It appears that most people either love this park or hate it.

Nearby: Peaks Ice Arena, Hike the Y Trail, BYU Creamery, Getout Games

Travel Tip #18 - The Staycation

     Have you heard about the New Yorker who traveled to Arizona to see the Grand Canyon? He stopped for gas, and asked the teenager who was on duty if the Grand Canyon was as spectacular in person as it looked on TV. The teenager responded that he'd never gone to see it. The New Yorker was astounded and said, "I've driven all the way out here from New York to see this natural wonder. It's practically in your back yard. How come you've never seen it?" The boy shrugged and said, "We did go on a vacation to New York once to see the Statue of Liberty." The New Yorker paused for a moment and then sheepishly said, "You know what? I've never gone out to see the Statue of Liberty."
     Sometimes, when we live near something, we take it for granted. There are times when for one reason or another we are unable to go on vacation during our vacation time. For me, this summer was one of those times. When that happens, it's good to do a "staycation."
     A staycation doesn't mean that you spend the whole vacation watching TV, sitting in front of your computer, and doing chores around the house. While those things may each play a part in your staycation, you also have to take advantage of the opportunity to see and do things near home that you've always wanted to see or do, but have just never taken the time. On my computer, I have a list of travel ideas. Whenever I see a cool picture, or read about an interesting place, I add it to my list. It includes places I want to see from practically every state in the union as well as several foreign countries. The biggest list though is things to do in Utah. The reason is because I live in Utah, so I have more opportunities to see things locally if I just take the time.
     So, the next time you find yourself stuck at home during your vacation, take advantage of the opportunity to get out and do things that you normally don't do. It will help recharge your batteries so that you're ready to go when it's time to get back to work.

Spotlight: Provo - Y Mountain

Spotlight: Y Mountain is located just east of BYU campus in Provo, Utah. The mountain is aptly named for the huge, white "Y" located about halfway up its slope. In 1906, plans were made to paint BYU on the mountain. In April that year, a long line of high school and college students, as well as some faculty, formed an assembly line up the mountain to the proposed site. Buckets of lime, sand, and rocks were passed up the line and poured onto the spot marked for the middle letter - "Y." After six hours of hard work, they had only completed the Y, so plans to create the other letters were postponed, and later cancelled. A small wall was built around the perimeter, and concrete was added, to keep the letter intact. Students whitewashed the letter every year until 1973, when the tradition was stopped due to erosion. Since 1975, the whitewash is carried up by helicopter about every 5 years. The "Y" measures 380 feet high and 130 feet wide. Five times every year, the Intercollegiate Knights string lights around the perimeter of the Y, and light it for these special occasions: Freshman Orientation, Homecoming, Y Days, April graduation, and August graduation. They also stand guard over the Y and other key monuments to protect them from vandalism.

Location: Y Mountain is just east of BYU campus. To hike the Y, you start at the parking lot and follow the trail shown on the map. There is no address for the trailhead parking lot, so I've included directions from 900 East in Provo. From 900 East, turn east (toward the mountains) on 820 North and keep following the road as it veers left and becomes Oakmont Lane. Turn right onto Oak Cliff Drive. Turn right on Terrace Drive, and take the first left. This will take you to the parking lot. If you prefer to use your GPS, type in 40.244842, -111.627229.

Cost: Free

Time: About 1-3 hours

Description: Hiking the Y is one of the most popular hikes in Utah. From the parking lot at the base of the mountain, hikers can climb the trail to the base of the Y. At the interpretive sign, the trail continues up a few more switchbacks to the top of the Y. Overall, it is a 2.4 mile round trip with more than 1,000 feet elevation gain. The trail is moderately difficult, and very well marked. Although the distance is relatively short, it is also quite steep, and includes twelve switchbacks. Regardless of how high you climb, you will be rewarded with scenic views of Provo, Orem, Utah Lake, and several other communities in the area. It is a very popular trail, particularly between April and October. The best times to hike the Y are early morning or evening.

Rating: 4.5 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - The "Y" consists of concrete and rocks whitewashed white. Since it is on the side of the mountain, the slope is fairly steep and slippery. Therefore, it is recommended that you do not walk on the surface itself. Keep a close eye on children, who are most prone to injury if left untended.
- The mountain faces west, and there are few trees, so if you hike in the afternoon, it will be hot with very little shade. Most people prefer the early morning, when the mountain is covered in shade, or in the evening to catch the sunset.
- The parking lot is small, so if you plan to hike on a weekend or holiday, get there early.
- There are restrooms located in the parking area.
- Bring plenty of water since there is no water available on the trail (about 1 liter/hiker).
- BYU has students from all over the world, and many of these students tackle the hike at some point during their stay at BYU. For those who aren't used to the altitude, the hike will be much harder than for those who are acclimated. Therefore, be aware of the capabilities of those in your group, and take frequent rests if needed.
- For those who are so inclined, the trail continues on to the summit and on to Slide Canyon. The hike to the summit is an 8 mile round trip, and will take approximately 3-6 hours.
- Pets are permitted on the trail.
- To protect the mountain from erosion, hikers should stay on the marked trail instead of cutting across the switchbacks. Also, come down the same trail you went up. Every year, Search and Rescue has to rescue some lost soul who tried to come down the mountain a different way (particularly from the summit) and got stuck.

Nearby: BYU Creamery, Legacy Hall, Seven Peaks Water Park, Get Out Games