The Zoo

Date Placed: June 21, 2010
Letterbox: Traditional
Carver: GreenJello
Planters: GreenJello and Teancum
Location: Rock Canyon, Provo, Utah, Utah
Distance: About 2.5 miles round trip
Status: Active

Did you know that there is an easily accessible cave up Rock Canyon in Provo? Bring along some flashlights, put on your hiking shoes, and let's go explore!

Directions: From I-15, take the University Parkway exit (#269) and head east. Follow it through many lights, and then head down the hill. At the bottom of the hill is a major intersection; turn left (you should be on 2230 North). Follow the road all the way up towards the mountains, and just after it makes a turn to the right, you will turn left on North Temple Drive. Follow that road to the end and park in the trailhead parking lot.

Hike up Rock Canyon about a mile. Eventually the trail comes to a wooden footbridge; do not cross it. Instead, follow the path on the south side of the river. About 30 feet past the bridge, follow a south-bound trail that leads you up the steep gully. Continue up the gully for about 300 feet and look for where the trail veers west. This takes you over a little rise, where you will then see a big boulder next to a tree. Walk straight forward until you hit a rock wall that is known by climbers as "The Zoo". Turn to your left, scramble up some rocks, and you will see the cave entrance tucked away in the rock. You will have to crouch a bit to get through the cave entrance, but you shouldn't need to be on your hands and knees. Immediately after the opening, the cave widens and provides enough room to stand. It goes back about 50 feet.

When you're done exploring the cave, head back the way you came in. When you reach the rise (just before you head back down the gully), look at the rocks to your left. Climb up and find The Zoo underneath where the photo shows.

Notes: Hiking shoes HIGHLY recommended! The footing while climbing up the gully is steep and loose. This is not a hike for very young children. If you choose to hike with children, they will need assistance to safely navigate the gully trail.