The best running trails near Orem and Provo are the Provo River Parkway Trail, the Murdock Canal Trail, and the paved shoreline paths along Utah Lake. The Provo River Parkway is a 15-mile paved route from Utah Lake State Park to Vivian Park in Provo Canyon. The Murdock Canal Trail runs about 17 miles from Orem to Lehi. Utah Lake’s shoreline trails offer flat miles with open water views. For hillier trail running, Rock Canyon is the go-to option.
Promenade Place sits on Geneva Road in Orem, close to UVU, the Orem Central UTA station, and several of these trailheads. After a long run, residents can recover at the on-site hot tub or get in a strength session at the 24-hour fitness center. Fully furnished studio, 4×2, and 4×4 layouts include in-unit washers and dryers for sweaty running gear.
How Do the Best Running Trails Near Orem Compare?
Utah County has a strong network of paved trails, so runners can choose between short recovery jogs and long-run training days. Here’s a quick look at the most popular options before you lace up.
| Trail | Approximate Length | Surface | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provo River Parkway Trail | 15 miles one way | Paved | Long runs, river and canyon scenery |
| Murdock Canal Trail | About 17 miles one way | Paved | Steady long runs with mountain views |
| Utah Lake State Park Shoreline Trail | About 3 miles | Paved | Flat, easy runs with lake views |
| Vineyard Shoreline Trail | About 2.4 miles, plus a 1.4-mile loop | Paved and packed gravel | Quick runs close to Orem |
| Rock Canyon | Varies | Dirt and rock | Hilly, challenging trail running |
Whether you want a flat five-miler or a steady 15-mile training run, there’s a trail within a short drive of Promenade Place.
What Makes the Provo River Parkway Trail So Popular?
The Provo River Parkway Trail is the most popular running route in the area. It follows the Provo River through city and county parks, then continues along University Avenue to the mouth of Provo Canyon.
The Lower Section Offers Flat, Easy Miles
From Utah Lake State Park to the mouth of Provo Canyon, the trail is 8 to 10 feet wide and nearly flat most of the way. That makes it ideal for tempo runs, easy mileage, and beginners building endurance. Fort Utah Park, at 200 N Geneva Road in Provo, is a convenient access point and a short drive south of Promenade Place.
The Canyon Section Leads to Bridal Veil Falls
Once the trail enters Provo Canyon, it widens and climbs more steeply, giving your legs a real workout. Near its northern end, the trail passes the base of Bridal Veil Falls, which makes it one of the most scenic runs in Utah Valley. Vivian Park marks the end of the trail and has parking if you’d like to run one direction and get picked up.
Check for Construction Detours Before You Go
Provo City is widening and improving the stretch of trail between Columbia Lane and University Parkway, with construction scheduled from June 2026 through September 2027. Check Provo City’s trails page for current closures and detour routes before planning a long run through that section.
Where Can You Run Along Utah Lake?
Utah Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Utah, and its shoreline has some of the flattest running in the valley. Most lake routes are open and exposed, with few trees, so plan for sun and wind.
At Utah Lake State Park in Provo, a paved shoreline trail of about 3 miles can be combined with the park’s jetties for a run of roughly 7 miles with wide lake views. The park is also the southern end of the Provo River Parkway, so you can extend your route along the river.
Closer to Orem, the Vineyard Shoreline Trail runs about 2.4 miles from Sunset Beach Park to Vineyard Beach. From there, a 1.4-mile loop circles a small pond. Its short distance and flat surface make it a good choice for easy runs or sunset jogs.
Is the Murdock Canal Trail Good for Long Runs?
Yes. The Murdock Canal Trail is one of the best long-run routes in Utah County. It’s a paved path built over a now-enclosed canal, running about 17 miles from 800 North in Orem to Lehi. Along the way it passes through Lindon, Pleasant Grove, Cedar Hills, American Fork, and Highland.
The trail is fairly flat for the area and has markers every quarter mile, which makes it easy to track your pace without a watch. Trailheads such as Lindon View, Wade Spring, and Highland Glen offer parking and amenities along the route.
The Orem end connects to the Provo River Parkway near the mouth of Provo Canyon. That means you can link the two trails for a longer route on a big training day.
Where Can You Go Trail Running Near Orem?
If paved paths start to feel repetitive, Rock Canyon in Provo is the area’s go-to spot for trail running. The terrain is hilly and challenging, with dramatic cliffs on both sides of the canyon. It’s a great way to build strength and climbing ability, but expect a slower pace than on paved routes.
Trail running here also means more exposure to changing weather and rocky footing. Bring water, wear shoes with good grip, and let a roommate know your route before heading out.
How Can You Run Safely in Utah County?
Running in Utah comes with a few conditions that catch newcomers off guard. Keep these tips in mind, especially in your first few weeks:
- Ease into the altitude. Orem sits well above 4,500 feet, so expect runs to feel harder at first and keep your early pace conservative.
- Hydrate before you’re thirsty. Utah’s dry air pulls moisture from your body quickly, so carry water on longer routes.
- Protect yourself from the sun. Lake and canal trails have little shade, so wear sunscreen and a hat in the warmer months.
- Watch for winter ice. Shaded sections and bridges can stay icy long after a storm, so traction spikes are worth having.
- Share the trail. Paved trails are popular with cyclists, so stay to the right and keep your music low enough to hear people passing.
- Check trail updates. Construction and maintenance can close sections without much notice, so look at city updates before long runs.
These habits help you run more comfortably and keep each workout on track.
Are There Running Races Near Orem?
Racing gives you a goal to train for, and Utah Valley has a well-known option right in Provo Canyon. The Utah Valley Marathon is scheduled for June 5, 2027. Race weekend includes a marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K, and the course descends through Provo Canyon with a net elevation drop of more than 1,400 feet.
The race is also a Boston Qualifier, so it draws serious runners as well as first-timers. Training on the Provo River Parkway is great preparation, since much of the course follows the same canyon.
On days when weather keeps you inside, UVU students taking 10 or more credits get a free membership to the Student Life & Wellness Center, which has an indoor track.
Is Promenade Place a Good Home Base for Runners Near UVU?
Orem and Provo give runners plenty of options. The Provo River Parkway and Murdock Canal Trail work well for long training days, the Utah Lake shoreline is ideal for flat, easy miles, and Rock Canyon offers hilly trail running. With a little preparation for altitude, dry air, and winter conditions, you can run year-round in Utah County.
Promenade Place makes it easy to stick with a routine. It’s close to UVU, the Orem Central UTA station, and several popular trailheads, and it has a 24-hour fitness center and a hot tub for recovery. Every fully furnished apartment includes an in-unit washer and dryer, high-speed internet, and plenty of storage for gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best running trail in Provo, UT?
The Provo River Parkway Trail is the most popular running trail in Provo. It’s a 15-mile paved route from Utah Lake State Park to Vivian Park in Provo Canyon, passing Bridal Veil Falls near its northern end.
How long is the Murdock Canal Trail?
The Murdock Canal Trail runs about 17 miles from 800 North in Orem to Lehi. It’s paved, fairly flat, and marked every quarter mile.
Are there flat running trails near Orem?
Yes. The lower section of the Provo River Parkway, the Utah Lake State Park shoreline trail, and the Vineyard Shoreline Trail are all flat, paved options.
Where can I go trail running near UVU?
Rock Canyon in Provo is the most popular trail running spot in the area. It offers hilly, challenging terrain on dirt and rock.
Is there an indoor track near UVU?
Yes. UVU’s Student Life & Wellness Center has an indoor track, and membership is free for students taking 10 or more credits.
When is the Utah Valley Marathon?
The Utah Valley Marathon is scheduled for June 5, 2027, with a marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K running through Provo Canyon.
