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