Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple: A New Landmark Rising on Temple Hill
The Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple is a major new temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints currently under construction on Temple Hill in Provo, Utah. Announced by President Russell M. Nelson on October 3, 2021, this temple will be a large, prominent addition to the area and is intended to serve Latter‑day Saint members throughout the region.
Quick facts
- Official name: Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple (renamed from “Provo Utah Temple” on February 20, 2024)
- Announcement: October 3, 2021 by President Russell M. Nelson
- Rendering released: November 24, 2021
- Construction start: February 24, 2024
- Expected completion: Late 2027
- Address: 2200 Temple Hill Dr, Provo, UT 84604
- Site size: 17 acres (compared with the prior site’s 15 acres; the increase reflects removal of the road at the old front of the previous temple)
- Building size: Approximately 163,000 square feet
- Height: About 81 meters (265 feet 6 inches)
- Exterior: Granite
- Spire/statue: A single attached central spire; no gold-leafed Angel Moroni on the spire. The existing Angel Moroni statue from the earlier temple is currently in storage.
- Parking/meetinghouse: The temple will not share a parking lot with a meetinghouse. There is a meetinghouse and associated parking located off to the corner across the street from the temple site.
- Elevation: Approximately 4,876 feet (1,486 meters) above sea level
- Significance in Utah: Will be the sixth temple in the state of Utah
- Membership context: At the time of announcement the Church reported roughly 16.8 million members worldwide, and there were about 500 congregations in Utah.
Location and site
Located at 2200 Temple Hill Drive, the Rock Canyon Temple occupies a 17-acre site on Temple Hill. This site is larger than the previous temple footprint, which measured about 15 acres — a difference explained in part by removal of the road at the old temple’s front, allowing for a revised site plan and expanded grounds. The temple’s elevation of roughly 4,876 feet gives it a commanding presence above the surrounding city and offers views that take advantage of the proximity to the foothills.
Design and materials
The temple will feature a single attached central spire and a granite exterior, giving it a solid, enduring appearance that complements the natural rock and canyon features nearby. Notably, the design does not include a gold‑leafed Angel Moroni on the spire; the statue from the earlier Provo temple is in storage as work continues.
Size and scope
At approximately 163,000 square feet, the Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple will be a large facility intended to meet the needs of many church members. With a building height of about 81 meters (265 feet 6 inches), it will be a visible landmark on Temple Hill and across parts of Provo.
Timeline and public materials
President Russell M. Nelson announced the new temple on October 3, 2021. The official rendering of the temple was released to the public on November 24, 2021, giving members and neighbors an early look at the intended design. Groundbreaking and construction activity began on February 24, 2024. The church currently expects the temple to be completed by late 2027.
Community and access
Although the temple grounds will not share a parking lot with a nearby meetinghouse, a meetinghouse and parking are located across the street and off to the corner from the temple site. This arrangement separates worship and administrative facilities while keeping them close for those who attend both meetinghouse and temple activities.
Historical note and renaming
Previously referred to simply as the Provo Utah Temple in earlier announcements and references, the project was officially renamed the Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple on February 20, 2024. The renaming reflects the temple’s setting near the rock-lined canyons bordering Provo and helps distinguish it from other temples in the region.
Context within the Church
When announced, the Church reported approximately 16.8 million members worldwide and roughly 500 congregations in Utah. The Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple will be the sixth temple in the state, reinforcing Utah’s central role in the faith’s history and contemporary worship life.
Conclusion
The Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple represents an important, large-scale investment in temple space for Church members in Provo and surrounding areas. With a granite exterior, single central spire, and a significant 163,000-square-foot footprint on 17 acres of Temple Hill, the temple will be a new visual and spiritual landmark when it is completed, currently projected for late 2027. For local residents and members, the address to note is 2200 Temple Hill Dr, Provo, UT 84604.