Y Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Y Mountain |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 8,572 ft (2,613 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 788 ft (240 m) |
| Geography | |
 Y Mountain
Location in Utah
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| Location | Provo, Utah U.S. |
| Parent range | Wasatch Front |
| Topo map | USGS Bridal Veil Falls |
Y Mountain is a mountain located just east of Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, United States. The Y Mountain Trail leads to a giant letter Y. It's about 1.06 miles (1.71 km) from the parking lot. You'll climb about 1,074 feet (327 m) to get there. This huge letter on the hillside was built over 100 years ago. It's the symbol for BYU.
Many people love hiking this trail. It's one of the most popular in Utah Valley. From the Y, you can see amazing views of Provo, Orem, and Utah Lake. Hikers, bikers, paragliders, and even hunters use this trail to explore the Slide Canyon area.
Contents
The Giant Y Sign
The large white Y on the side of Y Mountain is a famous symbol for BYU. That's why BYU is often called "the Y." It was first built in 1906 using rocks and lime. Later, concrete and paint made it even stronger.
This Y is huge! It is 380 feet (116 meters) long and 130 feet (40 meters) wide. That makes it even bigger than the famous letters of the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles.
Lighting Up the Y
For many years, 14 strands of lights were placed around the Y. They were lit five times a year by a student group called the Intercollegiate Knights. When the Y was lit, students guarded it to make sure the lights stayed on. They also helped set up and take down the lights.
In 2016, the old lights were replaced with new LED lights. These new lights can be turned on or off from the campus below. The Y is now lit for special events like Freshman Orientation, Homecoming, Y Days, and graduation.
History of the Y
In 1906, students from Brigham Young High School (BYHS) wanted to paint "07" on the mountain. The older students were not happy about this. To solve the problem, BYU President George H. Brimhall suggested painting "BYU" instead.
Plans to build the "BYU" letters started in April. Students and teachers worked together. They passed buckets of lime, sand, and rocks up the mountain. Their goal was to fill in the letters. After six hours, only the Y was finished. The other two letters were never completed.
Y Day Tradition
The "Y Day" tradition began in 1907. Thousands of students would carry buckets of whitewash up the mountain. They used it to paint the giant Y. This tradition continued until 1973. It stopped because the mountain was starting to erode, or wear away.
In 1908, a 3-foot (1-meter) tall wall was built around the Y. This helped keep the letter together. It needed an extra 20,000 pounds of concrete. In 1911, small lines called serifs were added to the top and bottom of the Y. This gave it the look it has today.
How the Y Was Lit
The tradition of "lighting the Y" started in 1924. At first, students used mattress batting soaked in kerosene. They placed these around the Y and lit them with torches. Later, they used mattress batting soaked in old car oil. They made these into "gook balls" and placed them around the Y. A little gasoline helped them light up quickly. The Y would stay lit for about 20 minutes.
This old method was stopped in 1985 because it was dangerous. It could cause wildfires. BYU then bought a generator and strands of lights. Up to 14 strands of 25-watt light bulbs were used to outline the Y. These new lights were much brighter and could stay on for several hours. They could even be lit for several nights in a row.
At first, a helicopter dropped off and picked up the lights. Later, an old military bunker was installed near the Y. This bunker safely stores the equipment when it's not being used.
Recent Updates
In 1975, BYU started using a helicopter to repaint the Y. They carry thousands of pounds of whitewash to the mountain. The Y is repainted about every five years.
On May 20, 2006, people celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Y. Many people hiked the Y that day to remember the special occasion.
In 2014, the U.S. Congress allowed BYU to buy 80 acres of land around the Y. This land was from the U.S. Forest Service. BYU promised to keep the trail and land open to the public. In 2016, BYU finished buying 81 acres. They also fixed erosion damage, put in permanent lights, and improved the trail.
Vandalism Incidents
Like many college symbols, the Y has sometimes been the target of pranks. Many of these pranks involved red paint. Red is the main color of BYU's rival, the University of Utah.
In 2004, members of the Utah baseball team painted the Y red. It cost over $6,000 to clean up. In 2002, vandals dumped several cans of paint down the Y. This made it look multicolored until it was painted white again the next day. This was called the worst act of vandalism against the Y in ten years.
Hiking the Y Trail
Hiking to the Y is a very popular activity. BYU students and local people enjoy walking, jogging, or exercising their pets there. Most BYU students hike the Y at least once while they are in school. They might go on a date or for one of the university's "Light the Y" events.
Images for kids
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Y Mountain from a distance
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Hikers examining the Y
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BYU campus with Y Mountain and Squaw Peak in the background
