Buffalo Peak (short route)

Provo Canyon (Squaw Peak road) 

1 mile RT

30-60 minutes

Easy, 287 elevation gain

Partial shade

No facilities at trailhead

Mid May-Late October (check to see if the gate near the top of squaw peak road is open

*Best on a clear day in late spring (wildflowers) or early fall (colors)

*Bring binoculars and a camera

*2.9 miles on a dirt road, trailhead is unmarked

To access this trailhead, drive up Provo Canyon for 1.8 miles to the Squaw Peak Turnoff on your right. Continue up this winding paved road for 4.0 miles until you come to a “T.” Turn left toward Hope Campground as the paved road will now become a dirt road. Continue on for 2.9 miles after the “T” until you see a large fenced meadow, longer than a football field, off to your right. This is a popular spot for photographers and is most beautiful in the early morning or evening, when the lighting is perfect. Off to your left you will see a dirt parking lot where you can park. (See detailed photos of these spots in the online photo gallery on UtahAdventurer.com.) Walk up the road a few hundred feet to where you will see a “Protect Your Wildland Playground” sign on the left side of the road. The trail will be immediately to your right which begins at the gap in the wooden fence. As you begin your hike, Buffalo Peak will be half a mile directly in front of you with a beautiful meadow to your right with Mt. Timpanogos as a backdrop. The trail gradually leads uphill to a junction. Stay straight (on the left fork) and continue toward the peak. Before you head up the summit, you see a lookout point on your left with amazing views of Rock Canyon, Squaw Peak, and the surrounding mountains -- a great place for pictures. From here the trail is a bit rocky and steep, but even small children will enjoy the short scramble to the top. The summit has no exposure and is very safe for children. Go to the west side for a great view of Utah Valley.