About ROCK CANYON
Overview Rock Canyon Campground is located on scenic Squaw Peak Road, far above Utah Valley at an elevation of 6,500 feet. Visitors enjoy exploring local trails.Recreation Rock Canyon Trail begins in the campground, offering excellent hiking and biking opportunities. The Squaw Peak Trail to the summit of Squaw Peak can be accessed just outside the campground. Squaw Peak Road is open to mountain biking. Rock Canyon is a rock climber's paradise, with hundreds of climbing routes available.Facilities This primitive campground contains four group sites, each named after a notable figure in U.S. Forest Service history. Sites contain picnic tables and campfire circles; some have serving tables. Vault toilets are provided. Roads and parking spurs are gravel. A host is located at nearby Hope Campground. Natural Features This isolated campground is forested with dense stands of maple, scrub oak and fir trees, which offer plentiful shade. Grassy meadows and wildflowers dot this beautiful area. Stunning views of Rock Canyon and a sliver of Utah Valley are visible from a turnout just before the campground. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (385) 273-1100. Nearby Attractions Part of the Wasatch Mountain Range, situated between American Fork Canyon on the north and Provo Canyon on the south, Mount Timpanogos Wilderness offers abundant rugged terrain embellished with waterfalls and summer wildflowers. You'll find forget-me-nots, alpine buttercups, bluebells, and columbine blooming in high alpine meadows. There are also outstanding glacial cirques and moraines. You'll have an excellent chance of spotting Rocky Mountain goats in the Emerald Lake area, as well as mule deer, elk, and moose. There are about 17 miles of maintained trails accessible from two trailheads: Timpooneke and Mount Timpanogos. Both trails lead to the summit of Mount Timpanogos at 11,753 feet. The stretch between Timpooneke and Aspen Grove is 12 miles long and passes through the heart of
How to Get There
From I-15, take exit 272 toward 800 North/Highway 52. Proceed east on 800 North to the mouth of Provo Canyon. Go left into the canyon on Highway 189 for 2 miles to the Squaw Peak Road turnoff. Turn right onto Squaw Peak Road and continue 9.5 miles to the campground. The first 5 miles of Squaw Peak Road are paved. The last 4.5 miles to the campground are on maintained dirt/gravel.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to ROCK CANYON
Heading to ROCK CANYON? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for ROCK CANYON?
No central reservation system listed for ROCK CANYON. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234593) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to ROCK CANYON?
From I-15, take exit 272 toward 800 North/Highway 52. Proceed east on 800 North to the mouth of Provo Canyon. Go left into the canyon on Highway 189 for 2 miles to the Squaw Peak Road turnoff. Turn right onto Squaw Peak Road and continue 9.5 miles to the campground. The first 5 miles of Squaw Peak Road are paved. The last 4.5 miles to the campground are on maintained dirt/gravel.
How do I contact ROCK CANYON?
You can reach the park at phone: PLEASANT GROVE RANGER DISTRICT 801-785-3563 OR UTAH RECREATION COMPANY 385-273-1100 or email: comments@AmericanLL.com.
References & Official Resources
