Friday, July 28, 2017

This is Why Squaw Peak is One of the Most Popular Trails Near Provo

When you’re visiting Provo, UT, you’ll look around and see the beautiful Wasatch Mountains encircling the city as if standing guard. These gorgeous mountains are chocked full of trails and parks, just waiting for your exploration. Squaw Peak is one of those mountains with a beautiful trail and overlook. Squaw Peak one of the most popular trails near Provo for many reasons, and it is worth a hike if you’re able! So, why check it out? We’ll tell you that and more!

Are you looking for the best things to do in Provo, UT? Download our free Vacation Guide today for great vacation activity ideas and more! Our guide is full of fantastic suggestions and our favorite recommendations. That’s because, here at Hines Mansion, we want you to have the very best Provo, UT, experience. Download it today!

Why You Should Check Out Squaw Peak


There are many great reasons to get outside and explore the mountains near Provo. With all of the great trails, parks, scenery, and views, you’d be remiss to skip a day trip to the neighboring mountains. So, check out Squaw Peak! You won’t regret it.

  • Squaw Peak is home to fantastic views of the valley in which Provo calls home.

  • The Squaw Peak Lookout Point is accessible by car! So, if you’re unable to hike the trail, you can still enjoy the grandeur the overlook provides.

  • If you go at night, you can see the city lit up with lights in beautiful fashion from high above the hustle and bustle.

How to Hike Squaw Peak


The Squaw Peak Trail is one of the most popular trails in the area with dramatic rock faces and a hike through a wooded hillside. You’ll see incredible views of Squaw Peak. This hike, in particular, is gorgeous during the fall after the aspens have turned bright gold. Here’s what you should know before you hike the trail.



  • The Squaw Peak Trail is a 7.1-mile out-and-back trail that gains 2,814 feet in elevation.

  • The hike is rated “Difficult.” So, know your ability level and adjust your plan accordingly.

  • Squaw Peak Trail is best used between March and October.

  • Dogs are allowed on the trail, but only while on-leash.

  • The trail is great for hiking, trail running, rock climbing, and birding.

Plan Your Hiking Trip to Provo


Whether you’re a veteran hiker or a rookie just looking to get some fresh air, hiking near Provo is a fantastic vacation idea. There are plenty of trails and mountains to hike and climb! So, plan your trip to Provo for a hiking adventure, and kick off your boots at the historic Hines Mansion. Our rooms are the perfect respite after a long day spent hiking. Plus, when you want to experience the city of Provo, there’s not a better resource than our free, downloadable Vacation Guide. You’re going to love your vacation here. So, browse our availability and contact us today to book your mountain getaway to Provo!

Monday, July 17, 2017

Get the Most Out of Summer When You Go Provo River Tubing

With warm weather comes a whole bunch of fun outdoor activities, especially here in Provo. Summertime and fun are synonymous, and Utah is an outdoor playground when the snow melts. Hiking, rock climbing, and fishing are just a few of the many things to do here, and that includes Provo River tubing. Starting north of Provo and running into Utah Lake, the Provo River provides beautiful scenery and plenty of fun. Go Provo River tubing this summer, and experience the beauty and excitement of the Utah outdoors.

Looking for fun in the Provo area? You're in luck! Not only is the Provo area rich with natural resources and great ways to get outside like Provo River tubing, but the free vacation guide from Hines Mansion is full of fantastic ideas. You'll find the best Utah vacation here in Provo thanks to our awesome suggestions. Download it today!

Provo River Tubing


Runoff River Adventures


Provo River tubing, kayaking, and rafting at Runoff River Adventures will get you out on the water for an afternoon of summer fun. Starting at Deer Creek Dam, you’ll enjoy floating down Provo River in heavy-duty NRS tubes, while taking in the beauty of the scenery. Prices are wallet-friendly, too. Runoff’s five-mile trips are available for $13 during the week, and $17 on the weekend. Participants must be at least 14.

High Country Adventure


When the temperatures rise, so does the amount of people on the Provo River. Don’t be left out! Head to High Country Adventure and get to tubing. High Country offers both Provo and Weber River tubing (for the more daring), at reasonable rates. Plus, you can rent a cooler tube (yes, a tube made specifically to carry a cooler) along for floating refreshments!

Provo Canyon Outfitters


Located on East Provo Canyon Rd, home to the rest of the Provo River tubing companies, Provo Canyon Outfitters offers affordable trips for tubers of any skill level. Open daily, their tubing trips start in the Lower Deer Creek park and take approximately 2 hours, start to finish. Tube rentals start at $14 from Monday to Thursday, and $19 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Other Outdoor Activities in Provo


Ready to dry off? Here are a few options that landlubbers will love.

Rock Canyon


Rock climbers, hikers, campers, and runners - if you fall in any of those categories, Rock Canyon Utah is the place for you. You’ll plenty of hiking trails, climbing spots and more, only minutes away from Provo.

Y Mountain


The iconic “Y,” easily visible from Provo, is more than a local BYU landmark. Hike the short but steep trail, and enjoy a beautiful view from the top of Y Mountain.

Enjoy the Best in Provo Lodging at Hines Mansion Bed & Breakfast


Brimming with historic appeal and charm, Hines Mansion Bed & Breakfast has been one of Provo’s most known structures since 1895. Conveniently located in Downtown Provo, you’ll be only minutes away from the city’s best things to do and see when you stay at Hines Mansion. Our nine rooms are all uniquely decorated, from the English-inspired Secret Garden room to The Lodge, complete with a rustic, Old Western feel. Sprawl out on queen-size beds, relax in our two-person jetted tubs and enjoy the atmosphere of our romantic Utah b&b. Whether you decide to hike Rock Canyon, see a BYU football game, or simply just unwind, Hines Mansion Bed & Breakfast is the place for you. Contact us today to book your Provo getaway.

Sunday, July 9, 2017

3 Reasons Why You Should See Grotto Falls in Utah

Natural beauty and Utah go hand in hand. It doesn’t take long to figure that out! Bryce Canyon, Mt. Nebo, the Timpanogos Cave National Monument, Moab, and many more like Grotto Falls in Utah are popular places for outdoor enthusiasts. The city of Provo is no exception, and one of the area's best attractions is the Grotto Falls in Payson Canyon. Grotto Falls Utah is not only a beautiful, natural gem, but the Grotto Falls trail itself is a fun hike! Here are a few reasons why you should visit Grotto Falls in Utah.

Looking for incredible things to do while you're in Provo? You're in luck! Here at the historic Hines Mansion, we're your experts on all things Provo. So, download our free Vacation Guide for the best ideas for things to do!

Why Visit Grotto Falls in Utah?


1. The Falls


This is a given! Who doesn’t want to witness a beautiful waterfall tucked away in a Utah canyon? Accompanied by large rock formations on both sides, the falls are easily accessible. Sit back and enjoy the beautiful view, take endless pictures, or better yet, get in the water! It’s hard to find something more refreshing on a hot summer day than cooling off right under a waterfall!

2. Grotto Falls Trail


To get to the waterfall, you’ve got to make the hike first. Thankfully, the hike from the trailhead is short, easy, and scenic. Measuring only 0.6 miles, you’ll be at the falls in no time. It’s especially appealing if you’re taking the family! To get to the trailhead, drive along 600 East in Payson, UT, until the road turns into Nebo Scenic Loop Road. Drive seven miles up the road, and you’ll reach the trailhead. The hike takes less than an -hour and the trail’s elevation gain is under 200 feet. A short, easy hike that offers great views can’t be topped!

3. Surrounding Attractions and Trails


The Grotto Falls in Utah isn’t the only attraction found in the area. If you continue on Nebo Scenic Loop Road, you can take the Mount Nebo Scenic Byway! Enjoy the beauty of Utah Valley and the Wasatch Mountains all from the comfort of your car. The byway lasts nearly 40 miles, with no lack of breathtaking scenery. If Grotto Falls Utah is just a warm up for your legs, then head to Mt. Nebo, the tallest peak in the Wasatch Mountains. With an elevation over 11,000 feet, the Mt. Nebo summit should only be tackled by the experienced hikers. However, you don’t have to look far to find something that everyone can enjoy as there is plenty of great hiking in Provo.

Stay at Hines Mansion Bed & Breakfast in Provo


Located in downtown Provo, Hines Mansion Bed & Breakfast provides the most relaxing accommodations in the city. It's also one of the most romantic weekend getaways in Utah! You'll love our king-sized beds, two-person jetted tubs, and more! No matter which of our rooms you stay in, you'll feel like you're wrapped up in comfortable luxury. An added bonus, too: the attractions of downtown Provo are all within walking distance! Contact us today to start planning your Provo vacation.

Monday, July 3, 2017

5 Great Reasons to Explore Provo Peak

All around the eastern side of the city of Provo, UT, you can see ancient mountains standing guard. They make for quite a scenic view and beautiful backdrop to any fall vacation or visit to Provo. Tucked behind the first ridge of mountains is the city’s namesake, Provo Peak. While it may hide shrouded by lesser peaks, Provo Peak is the tallest of mountains on the immediate eastern side of Provo at 11,068 feet in elevation. But, there’s more to the mountain than what you can see from the city, though. Here are the 5 best reasons to see the Provo Peak this fall.

Are you interested in learning about the best things to do near Hines Mansion in Provo, UT? Then download our FREE Vacation Guide today! It’s full of great ideas to fill your time in Provo, and it is guaranteed to make your stay a memorable one!

The 5 Best Reasons to See the Provo Peak




  1. The Views


    When you make it to the top of Provo Peak, you’ll be amazed at the things you can see. Incredible panoramas and views of the Utah Valley and the surrounding mountains will wow you. If you’ve never been to the top of a mountain before, this is your chance to see the amazing. See rays of sunlight span the valley, listen to the utter silence atop the mountain, and meditate quietly on the world around you. It’s an experience you have to see to understand.



  1. Photography


    If you’re a nature photographer, then venturing to the top of Provo Peak is a great way to capture that perfect shot. You’ll see incredible wildlife, wildflowers, trees, birds, and rock features that make stunning subjects in your next photo album. In addition to the nature around you, you’ll find the panoramic views to be too big to capture, but you’ll want to try anyway! The natural beauty around the peak is worth capturing!



  1. Hiking


    The hike is ideal for the experienced mountain-climber and advanced hiker. The trail going up Provo Peak is aggressively steep, but the view is worth the climb. If you’re not a capable climber, be safe and don’t attempt the hike. But, if you’re able-bodied and up for a challenge, prepare for a slope of 2,700 feet gained in a mile and a half. The challenge of hiking Provo Peak is complemented by the beauty you’ll encounter on your way up. Be sure to watch the trail closely, as this is rattlesnake country. All in all, if you can hike the trail, it's always better to go with a buddy. You won’t regret it!



  1. Nature


    When you go to see Provo Peak, you don’t just encounter nature. Nature encounters you. Chest-high vegetation covered in dew will soak you in the morning, hawks and eagles fly overhead, and the trees sway in the cool mountain breeze. Wild geraniums bloom in spring and rise to meet you while Indian Paintbrush splashes the mountainside with color. You don’t want to miss the glory of the mountain experience!



  1. Adventure


    Going to see Provo Peak is an inspiring journey that will make you want more. Between the beautiful colors of mountainside wildflowers and the incredible views your eyes won’t soon forget, you’ll come down from the mountain both exhausted and nourished. While venturing to the top of a mountain may not be the typical vacation activity, it is certainly a must-see.

Come Relax After a Long Day on the Mountain


After you’ve spent a beautiful fall day seeing the beauty that is Provo Peak, come unwind in the comfort of home at Hines Mansion. Our luxurious rooms and amenities provide the perfect respite for the weary traveler and worn-out hiker. And, if you need great ideas on more things to do in the Provo, UT, area, then download our free Vacation Guide. It’s full of the best things to do in the area to make your visit the best one yet. Ready to reserve your room? Contact us today!