• Where is Provo located?
    • One of the biggest cities in the state of Utah, Provo is located in the central part of the state and is the county seat of Utah County.
  • What is the size of Provo?
    • Provo is technically the third largest city in Utah and covers an area of 44.2 square miles.
  • What is the population of Provo?
    • It has an estimated population of 117,000 people, with over 526,000 living in the surrounding metropolitan area, which also includes the city of Orem.
  • Why is Provo important?
    • Provo is an important educational and cultural city for Utah, home to Brigham Young University and the biggest Mormon Missionary Training Center.

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1. Provo, Utah History and Elevation

Provo, Utah History and Elevation

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  • What was the original name of Provo?
    • The area that would eventually become known as Provo was initially called 'Timpanogots' and was used by the Native American Timpanogos tribe, who relied on the nearby Provo River for sustenance.
  • Who were the first Europeans to explore Provo?
    • A Spanish missionary named Father Silvestre Velez de Escalante was the first European to come upon the area and trade with the Timpanogos people.
  • When was Provo founded?
    • It wasn't until 1849 and the arrival of Mormon settlers that the foundations of Provo were built in the form of Fort Utah.
  • What was the Provo War?
    • The Provo War was fought between the natives and the Mormons, forcing the Timpanogos out of the area and allowing the expansion of the city.
  • How did Provo get its name?
    • The city was named after a French-Canadian trader and trapper named Etienne Provost.
  • Why is Provo significant to Mormons?
    • Nowadays, the city is seen as a key hub for Mormons due to the presence of the Missionary Training Center and Provo Utah Temple.
  • What recreational activities are available near Provo?
    • Provo is a popular recreation area, with nearby locations like Bridal Veil Falls, Mount Timpanogos, the Provo River, and Utah Lake offering many opportunities for outdoor activities like climbing, kayaking, and fishing.

2. Elevation of Provo, Utah

Elevation of Provo, Utah

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  • What is elevation?
    • Elevation is a key geographical term that tells us how high or low a location is in comparison to the mean sea level of Earth. It is commonly measured in feet or meters and can be applied to towns, cities, mountains, and any other point on the planet.
  • What is the elevation of Provo?
    • The elevation of Provo is very high at 4,551 feet (1,387 m).
  • How does Provo’s elevation compare to the U.S. average?
    • The average elevation across the United States is 2,500 feet (760 m), meaning Provo’s elevation is over 2,000 feet (610 m) higher than the national average.
  • Why are most U.S. cities at lower elevations than Provo?
    • Most major cities in the United States are at lower elevations because many were founded in coastal locations.
  • How does Provo’s elevation compare to Utah’s state average?
    • Provo is at a very high elevation that aligns with much of Utah, which is the third highest state in the nation behind Colorado and Wyoming. However, Utah’s average elevation is 6,100 feet (1,860 m), so Provo is significantly lower than the state average.
  • What is the highest and lowest point in Utah?
    • The highest point in Utah is Kings Peak, which has an elevation of 13,534 feet (4,125 m). The lowest point is the Beaver Dam Wash, near the Arizona border, with an elevation of 2,180 feet (664 m).
  • What is the highest city in Utah?
    • The highest city in Utah is Brian Head, which is located at an extremely high elevation of 9,800 feet (2,987 m).
  • How does Provo’s elevation compare to other Utah cities?
    • Many of Utah’s major cities are at lower elevations than Brian Head, but still very high compared to most urban locations in the U.S. Salt Lake City is at 4,226 feet (1,288 m), West Valley City is at 4,304 feet (1,312 m), and West Jordan is at 4,373 feet (1,333 m).

3. Climate, Elevation and More

Climate, Elevation and More

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  • What type of climate does Provo have?
    • The city of Provo has a humid continental climate, and its high elevation contributes to its unique weather conditions.
  • What are Provo’s seasons like?
    • Provo experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own characteristics.
  • How hot does it get in Provo during summer?
    • Summers in Provo are hot and dry, with average daily highs of 93°F (34°C) in July.
  • How cold does it get in Provo during winter?
    • Winters can be cold and wet, with temperatures dropping to lows of 22°F (-5°C) in January.
  • How much snow does Provo get?
    • Provo receives over 57 inches of snow each year, with most of it falling between November and March.
  • What outdoor activities can be enjoyed in Provo?
    • Provo is a popular hub for outdoor activities, with natural locations like the Provo River, Utah Lake, Provo Canyon, and Bridal Veil Falls offering opportunities for kayaking, fishing, climbing, and hiking.
  • What other attractions does Provo offer?
    • The city is home to several green spaces, museums, and convention centers. Provo also hosts live events and festivals throughout the year.

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