Provo River Falls

(Mirror Lake Hwy 150, park on the west side of the road just before milepost 24)

*parking and picnic area at upper falls, paved trail to 2nd falls, easy scramble to the river below the 3rd falls

The Provo River is divided into 3 sections. The Upper Provo collects in the Uintah Mountains and runs from there down to Jordanelle Reservoir. The Middle Provo River stretches from Jordanelle down to Deer Creek Reservoir. The Lower Provo is the most well known and runs from Deer Creek down into Utah Lake.
On a recent trip up the Mirror Lake Highway we stopped at the Provo River Falls of the Upper Provo River. The falls are separated into 3 sections. You can see the main portion by stopping at the parking lot (between mile marker 23 and 24) and taking the short walk down to the overlook. The falls are really nice. It reminded us of Yellowstone.

The other 2 sections of falls are less than 100 yards down river from the first. There is a path that was once paved but is not very well maintained. Walk to your left along the river and you’ll see the lower falls come into view. Keep a close hand on little ones as the fall into the river would be a doozy.

The best picture opportunity is at the first section on the overlook. There is a nice retaining wall to keep kids back, too. The middle section has a nice photo opportunity as well if you are willing to edge out on the rocks. To get any kind of picture of the lowest section, you have to climb goat-style down the rocks into the center of the river. That’s where the following photo was taken. You can see the kids standing to the right.

 The Provo River Waterfalls are something everyone can enjoy. Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon admiring the river. A very short Improved trail lead to the waterfalls making this roadside stop accessible to everyone.

          Afternoon thunderstorms are very common in the high Uinta Mountains so go prepared with rain gear. Because of the high precipitation mosquito's are common in the Uinta's. A mosquito repellent that contains DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) is most effective.

          There is no navigation required for this route. The USGS 7.5' Map titled "Mirror Lake" shows the section of Provo River with the waterfalls. All waypoints and maps for this adventure use the WGS84 datum.

Use Fee:
          Visitors who use recreational facilities along State Road 150 (Mirror Lake Highway) are required to pay a use fee. Visitors who do not use recreation facilities, are not subject to fees.

   From Kamas, Utah follow Highway 150 east for 24 miles to the signed Provo River Falls parking area located at mile marker 23.9.

          From Evanston, Wyoming follow Highway 150 south for 54 miles to the signed Provo River Falls parking area located at mile marker 23.9.

          The parking lot is paved and contains an information kiosk and a pit toilet. Any vehicle can access this parking lot. Improved campgrounds are located nearby at both Trial Lake and Washington Lake.

Route Information:
          There is no route. From the parking area (N40° 39' 27", W110° 56' 44") walk east a hundred feet on the improved trail to one of several vantage spots along the river. Than kick back and relax.