Provo River Falls: High Uinta Mountain Cascades on the Mirror Lake Highway

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Summit County

📏Distance1.0 miles
DifficultyEasy
Elevation Gain100 ft
🚶Trail TypeOut & Back

About Provo River Falls

Provo River Falls is one of Utah's most pleasant high-elevation waterfall experiences — a series of cascades tumbling over granite ledges along the Upper Provo River just off the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. At 8,400 feet elevation in the High Uinta Mountains of Summit County, the falls stay cool and vibrant even when the rest of Utah is baking in summer heat.

The 'falls' are technically a series of rapids and cascades rather than a single dramatic plunge, but the combined effect of the boulder-strewn river rushing through a lodgepole pine forest at high elevation is genuinely beautiful. The Upper Provo River is also one of Utah's premier trout fisheries — fly fishers wade the pools around the falls throughout summer. The Mirror Lake Highway (UT-150) continues above to glacial lakes and alpine tundra.

Trail Highlights

  • Series of granite cascades at 8,400 feet in the High Uinta Mountains
  • Located on the spectacular Mirror Lake Scenic Byway (UT-150)
  • One of Utah's premier trout fisheries — excellent fly fishing in the pools
  • Cool temperatures even in July and August — a welcome mountain escape
  • Connects to dozens of miles of Uinta high-country trails for further exploration

Trail Description

From the Provo River Falls parking area on UT-150 (Mirror Lake Scenic Byway), follow the trail along the Upper Provo River downstream through lodgepole pine forest. The cascades begin almost immediately.

Walk along the riverbank through the cascade series, stopping at each ledge drop for photos. The granite bedrock creates natural pools between cascades — perfect for fishing or simply sitting by the water. Return the same way.

Tips & What to Bring

  • The Mirror Lake Highway (UT-150) is closed in winter — typically open late May through October
  • A day-use fee or America the Beautiful pass is required
  • Bring a valid Utah fishing license if you plan to fish — the Upper Provo is a regulated fishery
  • Continue up UT-150 to Mirror Lake for a stunning high-country alpine lake experience
  • Wildflower meadows along the highway peak in July — one of Utah's best wildflower drives

Getting There

From Kamas, UT, take UT-150 (Mirror Lake Scenic Byway) East approximately 26 miles. The Provo River Falls parking area is on the right, marked with a sign. GPS: 40.6833, -111.0833.

📥 Download GPX File

Load the GPX track for Provo River Falls onto your GPS device or phone app before you head out.

Download GPX