Buffalo Peak Trailhead

Who doesn’t want to summit a peak with spectacular views and be home in under 3 hours? Buffalo Peak(8,029 feet) which is located just east of Squaw Peak is also suitable for young children who will get the thrill out of climbing a “real” mountain just a half mile from the trailhead! To access this trailhead, drive up Provo Canyon for 1.8 miles to the Squaw Peak Turnoff on your right. Continue up this winding paved road for 4.0 miles until you come to a “T.” Turn left toward Hope Campground as the paved road will now become a dirt road. Continue on for 2.9 miles after the “T” until you see a large fenced meadow, longer than a football field, off to your right. This is a popular spot for photographers and is most beautiful in the early morning or evening, when the lighting is perfect. Off to your left you will see a dirt parking lot where you can park. Walk up the road a few hundred feet to where you will see a “Protect Your Wildland Playground” sign on the left side of the road. The trail will be immediately to your right which begins at the gap in the wooden fence. As you begin your hike, Buffalo Peak will be half a mile directly in front of you with a beautiful meadow to your right with Mt. Timpanogos as a backdrop. The trail gradually leads uphill to a junction. Stay straight (on the left fork) and continue toward the peak. Before you head up the summit, you see a lookout point on your left with amazing views of Rock Canyon, Squaw Peak, and the surrounding mountains — a great place for pictures. From here the trail is a bit rocky and steep, but even small children will enjoy the short scramble to the top. The summit has no exposure and is very safe for children. Go to the west side for a great view of Utah Valley.