THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Natural Area · Utah

Highland City Natural Area

Highland City Natural Area offers a rugged, scenic escape with rich ecological diversity, extensive trails, and opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife observation just north of Utah Lake.

Natural Area1,2004+ Trails

Designation

Natural Area

Total Wilderness Area

1,200

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Highland City Natural Area

Highland City Natural Area offers a rugged, scenic escape with rich ecological diversity, extensive trails, and opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife observation just north of Utah Lake.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Highland City Natural Area is located in Utah County, Utah, positioned along the northwestern shore of Utah Lake. Covering rolling hills, steep ridges, and scenic canyons, it provides a striking contrast to the surrounding urban and agricultural lands. The area features sagebrush flats, juniper woodlands, and pockets of Gambel oak, supporting a variety of wildlife including mule deer, coyotes, red-tailed hawks, and numerous songbirds. Historically, this land was used by Native American tribes for seasonal hunting and gathering, and while it holds no major archeological sites, it maintains cultural significance for the region. The gentle topography combined with steep sections offers a range of hiking and mountain biking opportunities, including trails that lead to viewpoints overlooking Utah Lake and the Wasatch Mountains. Visitors can experience solitude, panoramic vistas, and seasonal wildflowers in spring. The area’s easily accessible trail system makes it a popular spot for local outdoor enthusiasts seeking exercise and nature close to urban centers. The natural area also functions as an important wildlife corridor and a key habitat for raptors and small mammals. Its proximity to Highland City and the greater Utah Valley makes it an appealing day-use location for adventure, photography, and relaxation.

Field Guide · Natural Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Highland City Natural Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Scenic Wonders of American Fork Canyon, Utah★ 7.8⌖ 3 miHiking
American Fork Canyon

Scenic Wonders of American Fork Canyon, Utah

Explore American Fork Canyon near American Fork, Utah, offering easy to moderate hiking, camping, fishing, and paddleboarding. Known for scenic mountain views, family-friendly campgrounds, and a popular Alpine Loop Scenic Drive. Best visited late spring through early fall.

Majestic Vistas of Mount Timpanogos★ 8.5⌖ 6 miHiking
Mount Timpanogos Trail

Majestic Vistas of Mount Timpanogos

Explore the challenging 15-mile round trip to the summit of Mount Timpanogos near Provo, Utah. Enjoy panoramic views and diverse ecosystems along the way. Best hiked from late June to early September, this trail is popular among adventure seekers.

Highland Adventure: Mount Timpanogos Trail★ 8.5⌖ 7 miHiking
Mount Timpanogos Trail

Highland Adventure: Mount Timpanogos Trail

Explore the challenging 14-mile Mount Timpanogos Trail near Sundance, UT. This hard hike features stunning views, diverse fauna, and cultural lore. Best visited in late summer for wildflowers and stable weather.

Discover Ghost Falls Trail Head★ 8.5⌖ 8 miHiking
Ghost Falls Trail Head

Discover Ghost Falls Trail Head

Explore Ghost Falls Trail Head in Draper, Utah. This easy hike leads to a tranquil waterfall, ideal for nature enthusiasts. Perfect for hiking and biking especially in spring and fall, offering vibrant scenery in a peaceful setting.

Majestic Views at Kyhv Peak Trail★ 6.7⌖ 10 miHiking
Kyhv Peak Trail

Majestic Views at Kyhv Peak Trail

Explore the Kyhv Peak Trail near Provo, Utah, offering a tranquil hike through the Wasatch Range. Ideal for photography and trail running, this trail features stunning views and varied terrain. Best explored in spring and fall.

Majestic Peaks of Kyhv Mountain★ 8.1⌖ 11 miHiking
Kyhv Mountain

Majestic Peaks of Kyhv Mountain

Experience the tranquil beauty of Kyhv Mountain in Utah, approximately 40 minutes from Provo. Ideal for hiking and mountain biking with vibrant fall foliage. Quiet year-round, best for adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Viewpoint Ridge Overlook with sweeping views of Utah Lake and the Wasatch Range✦ Habitat for diverse wildlife including mule deer and various bird species✦ Trailhead for moderate mountain biking and hiking routes✦ Quiet backcountry areas providing peace away from urban noise
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Highland City Natural Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Highland City Natural Area
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Highland City Natural Area
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Highland City Natural Area
Park Recreation

Trail Running

Available in Highland City Natural Area
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Highland City Natural Area
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Highland City Natural Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Highland City Natural Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access, no permit required

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Highland City Natural Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Cedar Hills
⌖ 1.73 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cedar Hills, Utah

An inviting mountain-edge community offering quick access to Utah’s rugged trails and serene reservoirs with a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Pleasant Grove
⌖ 1.97 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Pleasant Grove, Utah

A welcoming gateway town to rugged mountain adventures with easy access to hiking, climbing, and water sports in Utah’s Wasatch Range.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for skiingExplore Town
American Fork
⌖ 3.39 miles
Gateway Basecamp

American Fork, Utah

An outdoor gateway town offering quick access to mountain trails, alpine lakes, and year-round recreational activities in the Wasatch Range.

Late spring through early fall for hiking and biking; winter for skiingExplore Town
Highland
⌖ 3.69 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Highland, Utah

An outdoor enthusiast's haven offering access to diverse landscapes and activities in the Utah Valley foothills.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Alpine
⌖ 4.70 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Alpine, Utah

A scenic mountain town offering easy access to Wasatch Range adventures with a family-friendly atmosphere and year-round outdoor recreation.

Late Spring to Early Fall for hiking and biking; Winter for skiingExplore Town
Lehi
⌖ 5.89 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lehi, Utah

A rapidly growing town offering easy access to a variety of outdoor adventures with a mix of desert landscapes, nearby mountain terrain, and urban recreation options.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Highland City Natural Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Lower Provo River Cabin | Lodging in Lehi, UtahLehi, Utah · 6.47 mi away
On the Water· Wasatch Guide Service

Lower Provo River Cabin | Lodging in Lehi, Utah

Discover the tranquility of Utah’s Lower Provo River with a private fishing adventure at Wasatch Guide Service. Perfect for anglers seeking solitude and scenic beauty, this experience offers personalized guides and a cozy cabin setting. Keep reading to learn more about this exceptional outdoor trip!

3–6 hours

Explore this trip

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.