Mount Timpanogos and the mountains that surround Provo, UT, are one of the nation’s most beautiful sights. Sundance Lift Rides at the Sundance Mountain Resort offer a unique and fun way to experience their natural beauty. These scenic rides transport you to the top of the mountains as you take in gorgeous panoramic views and fresh mountain air! When you’re ready to add one of the Sundance Lift Rides to your to-do list, which we highly suggest you consider, here is some important information you should know!
What to Expect on the Sundance Lift Rides
Your journey will begin at the Sundance Mountain Resort located only 25 minutes from Provo. Once you have purchased your ticket, you will board the lift and begin your ascent to the top of Ray Summit. Along the way, you’ll want to have your camera ready for the breathtaking views you’ll encounter. The ride will be slow and relaxing, so no need to rush for pictures! Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the view. Once you reach the summit, you’ll enjoy even more stunning outlooks and perfect photo opportunities. Ray Summit also offers designated hiking trails, so feel free to blaze new paths and immerse yourself into even more of the region’s natural beauty.
If you want more out of your experience, you have the option (for a small additional price) to board another lift that carries you further up the mountain. At the very top, you’ll find Bearclaw Cabin, a beautiful restaurant that boasts gorgeous 360 degree views of the mountains. They also serve delicious sandwiches, wraps, and salads. It’s the perfect place to end your adventure before taking the lift back to the ground. Due to climate, the scenic lift ride is open May-October and the Bearclaw Cabin extension is available during the summer months.
Sundance Moonlight Lift
This is one of the most popular Sundance Lift Rides! On select dates, experience the mountains in a completely new way aboard the Full Moon Lift. You will be able to see firsthand how the moon casts its light across the cliffs and hills, and it’s absolutely stunning! It’s the ideal activity for a romantic evening or a family excursion. The ride lasts anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour and it’s highly recommended that you bring a blanket! The Timpanogos Mountain air can get quite chilly after the sun has set.
Sundance Halloween Lift Rides
October 20-31, board the lifts for a hauntingly fun adventure! You will enjoy the same spectacular moonlit views, but prepare to be greeted by lift workers in their Halloween costumes and actors during your adventure! Visitors will also be able to enjoy games, hot chocolate, and plenty of snacks! On the lift base, gather around with your warm drinks for a movie night. This family-friendly event has a little something for everyone to enjoy!
For Sundance Lift Rides ticket prices, guidelines and more information, visit the Sundance Mountain Resort website.
Experience the Best of Provo When You Stay at Hines Mansion Bed & Breakfast
Located in a beautiful Provo, Hines Mansion Bed & Breakfast stands out among other lodging options, offering historic charm and a Victorian-esque atmosphere. Our 9 guest rooms each hold a unique theme, featuring queen-size beds, two-person jetted tubs, and more. Thanks to our location downtown, you'll be only minutes from the best attractions and restaurants in town. Download our Free Vacation Guide for more information and things to do here in Provo! Contact us today, online or by calling (801) 374-8400 and start planning your Utah vacation today.
Utah is full of natural beauty, all across the state. Zion National Park, Great Salt Lake, and Bryce Canyon National Park are just a few of the state’s most popular destinations, attracting outdoor lovers from across the nation, year in and year out. One of those attractions is Timpanogos Mountain, located in the Wasatch Mountain Range, north of Provo. Timpanogos Mountain is the second highest mountain in the range, measuring 11,752 feet high and providing some of the best hiking in Utah. If you love both breathtaking views and great western mountain hiking, then head to Timpanogos Mountain!
Timpanogos Mountain Hiking
Hiking Timpanogos Mountain is no easy task, so if you’re still a beginner on the trails, then this hike isn’t for you. Hikers have two options for reaching the summit of the mountain: the Aspen Grove Trail and the Timpooneke Trail. Both are lengthy and require several hours, one way. According to the USDA, there are 14.5 miles of trails between the two trailheads, allowing hikers to put together a lengthy trek if they want.
If you start at the Aspen Grove trailhead, you’ll cover 8.3 miles of trail before reaching the mountain’s summit, and just under 7 miles up, you’ll reach Emerald Lake. Emerald Lake is one of the most scenic locations in Utah, and its glassy water is surrounded by wildflowers.
Starting in the American Fork Canyon, the Timpooneke Trail is a little bit shorter, measuring 7.5 miles and allows horses, according to Utah’s Travel and Tourism website. This trailhead starts further north than the Aspen Grove trail.
The Best Views on Timpanogos Mountain
Emerald Lake steals the show on the way to the summit, but once you’re at the top, you’ll see why Timpanogos Mountain provides some of the best views in Utah. Enjoying breathtaking views of the Utah Valley from the mountain’s 11,700+ foot summit - it’s hard to find more beautiful scenery! On the way up, keep an eye out for local wildlife, like mountain goats and the abundance of flowers that populate the mountain.
Other Mountains Nearby
Timpanogos isn’t the only hike worthy of your boots in the area. If you want to hike the tallest mountain in the Wasatch Range, head to Mt. Nebo. If you head south to Provo, you’ll find Rock Canyon, Utah and the iconic Y Mountain. There are plenty of shorter hikes here, and Rock Canyon is great for rock climbing and camping, too! Check out this blog on Provo hiking for more information.
Hines Mansion Bed & Breakfast: Award Winning Lodging in Scenic Provo, UT
There are plenty of reasons to visit Provo, whether it’s a BYU football game, a trip to Provo Towne Centre, or the famous Y Mountain, but there’s no better place to stay in town than at historic Hines Mansion Bed & Breakfast. Our beautifully designed rooms are ideal for a romantic getaway, and feature great amenities like king-size beds, two-person jetted tubs, and more. Thanks to our convenient location in town, you’ll be only minutes from the best things to do and see in Provo. Contact us today, online or by calling (801) 374-8400, and start planning your Utah Valley getaway today.
If you’ve been to Provo, you’ve seen Y Mountain. It’s an iconic Provo landmark, and easily visible, no matter where you are in the city. For those who have never seen it, Y Mountain is exactly what it sounds like: a mountain with a giant, white letter “Y” on its side. So, why exactly is there a lonely letter on the side of a Utah mountain, and how did it get there? Well, the answer to those questions and more can be found below. Here’s a history lesson on Y Mountain! (don’t worry, there’s not a quiz.)
3 Fun Facts on the History of the Y Mountain
1. It’s Old!
The “Y” on Y Mountain isn’t anything new - it’s been there for over 100 years! In 1906, students from BYU set out to place all three of the letters in their school’s initials on the side of the mountain, but the task proved to be too difficult and time consuming. So, for over a century, the Y alone has been representing one of the best universities in the nation.
2. The Y Was Inspired by UC-Berkeley
According to Brigham Young University High School’s website, inspiration for the Y was found by BYU faculty who had seen what UC Berkeley had done for their Charter Day celebration the year before: constructed a huge “C.”
3. The Y Found Its Origins in a High School Rivalry
Yes, you read that right. What would a high school have to do with an iconic collegiate landmark? At the time, there was a rivalry between the junior and senior classes at Brigham Young University High School. The junior class wanted to paint “07” on the mountain to spite the graduating class of 1906 seniors, but BYU’s president settled the dispute by suggesting that BYU’s initials be used instead, according to the high school’s website.
Y Mountain isn’t popular solely based on its appearance and association with BYU alone, it’s also a popular spot among outdoor enthusiasts! You can hike the Y Mountain Trail, which measures 6.7 miles and climbs nearly 1,000 feet in elevation. The trail is only one of the many things to do in Rock Canyon, where you’ll find excellent spots for rock climbing, and other hiking trails including the Rock Canyon Trail and Squaw Peak Trail. Check out this blog on Rock Canyon Utah to learn about what the area offers!
Enjoy the Best Accommodations in Provo When You Stay at Hines Mansion Bed & Breakfast
Hines Mansion Bed & Breakfast is located in downtown Provo, just moments away from the city’s best attractions! Y Mountain, the Provo Towne Centre, and great Provo restaurants are all a short walk or drive way. Plus, during the fall, there’s no better way to spend a Saturday than at a BYU football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium! When you stay at Hines Mansion, you’ll have your choice of inviting, beautifully designed rooms that feature amenities like two-person jetted tubs, king- and queen-size beds, and great views. Top it off with a delicious gourmet breakfast, and you have all the ingredients for the best lodging in Provo. Contact us today, online or by calling (801) 372-8400, and start planning your Utah Valley getaway today.
