Utah Valley is situated within Utah County in the state of Utah, the second most populated county in the United States.
Utah Valley is more commonly known as the “Happy Valley.”
It is beautifully surrounded by four geographic borders.
On its northern side lie the Traverse Mountains and West Traverse Mountains, Wasatch mountains on the east, Juab Pass on the south, and Goshen Pass on the west.
Its economy mainly depends on prominent technology companies, and it is also tagged as the center of start-up tech companies.
As the place is gifted with various natural wonders, it has also become an excellent tourist destination for people from surrounding communities and states.
Let’s look at some of the best things to do in Utah Valley, Utah.
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Mount Timpanogos is a majestic mountain that dominates the northeast side of Utah Valley.
A visit to the valley is not complete without hiking at this 11,749-feet mountain which offers a breathtaking view of the green landscape and Mount Timpanogos skyline.
There are two trails that you can use to reach its summit; the first one is the Aspen Grove Trail which measures 8.3 miles one way.
This trail passes many picture-perfect waterfalls.
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The other trail you can use is the Timpooneke Trail, which extends for about 7.5 miles.
Its starting point is at Timpooneke Campground in American Fork Canyon.
Horses are allowed here, unlike on the Aspen Grove Trail.
Aside from the summit, Mount Timpanogos is also home to a variety of colorful wildflowers and wildlife that you will encounter along the way.
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The Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point is a glass-walled building on Garden Drive, Lehi.
It houses over 400 hands-on science interactive exhibits.
This place is specifically made for kids, but adults will also have a great time here.
Explore its Rainforest and Kidopolis, which will lead you to secret passageways full of adventures.
At Rainforest, visit the ancient ruins and crawl inside the head of a 45-foot-tall monkey.
Kidopolis, however, will let you perform magic tricks and see a magic shop full of secrets.
You’ll also love its Discovery Garden and Water Works, where you’ll experience interacting and understanding the natural world.
The Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point can also be the next venue for your birthday celebration.
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Rock Canyon is located on the east side of Provo.
One of the best things you can do here is biking while enjoying the view of surrounding forests and mountains.
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you can also rock climb at the Rock Canyon; make sure you have safety gear and equipment.
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You can also set up your tent and rest at the campground, accessible from Squaw Peak Road.
While resting, spend some time bird-watching and insect collecting.
Rock Canyon is also good for base jumping, snowshoeing, dog walking, and field trips.
This destination is also home to a big horn sheep population and is rich in geological formations.
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Provo Beach is a multi-recreational activity center located on North University Avenue, Provo.
If you’re looking for a place where you can bring your whole family to try different fun activities, this is the one for you.
Provo Beach is famous for its Flowrider attraction, where you’ll experience riding a surfboard in an indoor wave machine.
It pumps 30,000 gallons of water per minute to give you the realistic feeling of ocean waves.
Your kids will also have a great time at their laser tag, ropes course, and mega playground.
Their safety is assured as an attentive and helpful staff is at every corner.
Other fun things you can visit and try at Provo Beach are their miniature golf course, all-day arcade, and bowling alley.
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Timpanogos Cave National Monument is located on Alpine Loop Road, American Fork.
It features three cave systems, one of which is called Timpanogos Cave, that’s only accessible through a guided tour.
Timpanogos Cave National Monument is filled with various formations of stalactites and stalagmites.
Some famous rock formations you shouldn’t miss are the flowstone, popcorn, and draperies.
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You’ll need to take a short but challenging 1.5-mile hike to reach the cave.
Bring a light jacket as the temperature under the cave reaches about 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
The two other caves you can visit are the Hansen Cave and Middle Cave.
All of these cave systems are interconnected via manmade tunnels.
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Bean Life Science Museum is located inside Brigham Young University on East Phillips Lane, Provo.
It opened in 1978 and was accredited by the American Association of Museums.
Inside, you’ll see collections of vascular and non-vascular plants and invertebrate and vertebrate animals kept for research purposes.
It also has a bird collection with over 10,000 specimens of birds from all around the world.
There’s also a 2,300 oological collection of bird egg clutches.
Bean Life Science Museum offers public and school programs and events like family nights, date nights, the Tanner lecture series, and nights at the museum.
Exhibit videos about what’s inside the Bean Life Science Museum are also a must-see.
CLAS Ropes Course is located on West Center St., Provo.
Their challenging games and activities will test your mental and physical toughness.
CLAS Ropes Course also promotes teamwork and confidence in every activity.
This is a perfect destination, especially if you’re with a group of friends or family.
CLAS Ropes Course offers roped course consisting of three parts: initiative games, low elements, and high course elements.
Prepare yourself for problem-solving, physical challenges, and high or extreme adventure activities that require safety gear and ropes.
You can also let your children participate in youth summer camp or church youth group.
CLAS Ropes Course is also a good destination for couples’ retreats and corporate training.
You can stay for the night and camp at their available campgrounds.
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Thanksgiving Point on Garden Drive, Lehi, is a non-profit organization famous for hosting some of the most popular events in the county.
While you’re here, attend the Tulip Festival, the Scottish Festival, the annual Half Marathon, and Halloween Central.
You can also roam around its 55-acre garden with luscious trees and gorgeous flowers.
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Thanksgiving Point is also home to the Museum of Ancient Life and the Museum of Natural Curiosity.
You can also watch a movie in its Mammoth Screen 3D theater and eat delicious food at Harvest Restaurant.
If you’re up for some sports, you can play golf with friends on its 18-hole golf course.
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Virtual Experience is the state’s first virtual reality arcade at 1111w, Provo.
Here, you’ll enjoy an incredible virtual reality gaming experience made for all ages!
Choose from their more than a dozen games and experiences featuring today’s most advanced technology.
You will not run out of virtual reality game options, from phone-based headsets to full-body motion systems.
Virtual Experience also has single-player games such as Emily Wanta to Play, Galactic Rangers, and Thundergod.
Virtual Experience can also be the venue of your bachelor or bachelorette party, birthday party, office get-together, and even prom!
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BYU Museum of Paleontology is a fossil museum located at Brigham Young University on North Canyon Road.
It was built in 1976 and is now the home of Dr. James A. Jensen’s wide variety of fossil collections.
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You’ll be fascinated with different rock and dinosaur fossils from Utah, Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado.
At BYU Museum of Paleontology, you’ll have a once-in-a-lifetime experience of touching real fossils.
Some animal fossils here are new and don’t have official names yet.
The museum is open to the public, and admission is free.
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The Grid is an indoor karting super track on South Evermore Lane, Pleasant Grove.
Its racing track area, measuring 60,000 square feet, boasts a three-story diving corkscrew on a half-mile track.
You may bring your helmet as long as it’s Department of Transportation-approved.
If you want to try something new on your next night out with friends and family, The Grid is the ideal place.
This kart racing destination also hosts small and informal family parties and large multi-team events.
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Peaks Ice Arena is an indoor ice hockey arena on North Seven Peaks Road, Provo.
It was the venue of the 2002 Winter Olympics and features two Olympic size ice sheets perfect for ice hockey and ice skating.
You can also play indoor soccer and floor hockey and take skating lessons here.
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Peaks Ice Arena also has two indoor turf fields.
It’s also available for rent for parties and other special events.
High Country Adventure is situated on East Provo Canyon Road, Provo.
This is where you can try extreme water adventures like river rafting, river tubing, and kayaking.
It’s open for all ages, and your safety is always the topmost priority of its staff and crew.
ATV adventures, which will lead you to some of the most beautiful sights in the area, are also available.
A zipline adventure is also available from their mountain and river combo tour.
One of High Country Adventure’s most popular combos is its Raft ‘n’ Zip which allows you to enjoy a river adventure on a kayak or raft.
You’ll also get to cruise atop the Provo Canyon Adventures for ziplining.
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Utah Lake State Park is situated within the state’s largest freshwater lake.
It was named one of the country’s 21st Century Parks and is a top spot for fishing and boating.
You can try challenging water activities here, such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, paddle boarding, and jet skiing.
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Some of the fish you can catch are white bass, panfish, channel catfish, and walleye.
You can also go swimming at Utah Lake State Park’s beach.
Picnic facilities are also available within the park, and overnight camping is allowed.
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Shops At Riverwoods on North University Avenue in Provo features the state’s most stylish local boutique shops.
This place is a must-visit if you want to indulge in retail therapy and enjoy sumptuous food.
Several national retailers can also be found here, nested along local shops.
Enjoy shopping in the vibrant open-air shopping center and catch live music performances!
Shops At Riverwoods also hosts special events like ice sculpting shows, fireworks displays, and Christmas lighting ceremonies.
Stepping out of your comfort zone is a great way to try new adventures.
A wide selection of exciting and thrilling adventures await here at Utah Valley.
Plan your trip and try these best things to do in Utah Valley, Utah!
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