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Description: this canyon could hardly be named anything else as it's packed with some of the most dramatic rock structures you'll ever see! The lower half of the canyon is packed with climbing routes, mostly on quartzite (think of it as smooth, extraneous granite, for climbing purposes), and limestone up a little higher.
This trail goes from above the Provo LDS temple to Rock Canyon Campground along Camel Pass (dirt) road.
Distance: about 3 miles from the trailhead to RCCG.
Elevation gain: 2000'
Steepness: not too steep, but certainly not flat. Sustained.
Notable Features: incredible rock formations throughout the lower canyon. A few shallow caves/mines. Lots of rock climbing. In the lower canyon, quartzite pebbles spark mildly in the dark as you walk on them.
Amenities: seasonal restrooms at the trailhead. A few drinking fountains along the trail.
Fees: none.
When to go: year round, though trails can get icy in winter.
Directions: drive east on Provo 2200 N or north on 900 E, then drive past the north/climber's left of the temple and continue straight to the trailhead.
Photos:
Mountains, lakes and other features accessed:
Connecting & cross trails: trails to the left include Buckley's Mine (not much of a trail, and the mine is sealed shut) and Squaw Peak. To the right, a trail loops around Y mountain toward Bear Flats, Maple Flats, and back down to the Y trail. From Rock Canyon Campground, there's Camel Pass Road going from Provo Canyon to Hobble Creek Left Fork, and the trail continues east over Lightning Pass to Big Springs Hollow in Provo Canyon's South Fork Canyon.
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