How Hard Is The Timpanogos Cave Hike?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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See Fees and Passes for more information. The only access to the cave system is by walking a strenuous

1 1/2-mile-paved trail

, which rises 1,092 ft to an elevation of 6,730 feet above sea level.

Is Timpanogos Cave worth visiting?


Timpanogos Cave is a great place to visit

– But its a helluva hike! To make it more enjoyable plan on going in the early morning- before it heats up- you will be hiking on the west side of the mountain so it help avoid the heat later in the day.

How long does it take to hike Timpanogos?

The trailhead for Aspen Grove is just a few miles from Sundance Mountain Resort and Aspen Grove camp area on the UT-92. Plan on arriving early, hiking Timpanogos is typically an all day excursion, taking most hikers

6-10 hours

.

How long does it take to get to the top of Mount Timpanogos?

The summit of Mount Timpanogos is 11,749′, second highest in the Wasatch Mountains. I consider the hike from the Timpooneke Trailhead to be the best hike in Utah. Reaching the summit will require

4 1/2 hours

. The summit is 7 1/2 miles one-way with an elevation gain of 4580′ on a well-maintained trail.

What is the biggest cave in Utah?

Located high in the Uintah Mountains, in the east part of the state,

Little Brush Creek Cave

is the longest cave in Utah. This cave is 5.93 miles long and 658 deep.

Is Timpanogos dog friendly?

Mount Timpanogos Campground is located in Aspen Grove, Utah. It doesn’t seem to be a huge campground, as their website says they have only 13 family campsites available. Speaking of family,

your pooch is allowed to tag along for this one

.

Are there bathrooms at Timpanogos cave?

We have plumbing issues and trash is part of the problem.

Our historic restroom just below the cave entrance

, appropriately named “Last Chance”, was designed and built when only about 10,000 people hiked the trail each year.

How do I prepare for Timpanogos hike?


Bring plenty of water

. If you do not want to carry a lot of water with you, be sure to bring a water filter, but either way make sure you stay hydrated. A pack full of high-energy snacks such as trail mix or beef jerky will keep your strength up for the ascent. Never hike without a small first-aid kit.

What do I need to know before hiking Timpanogos?

For either trailhead, it’s a good idea to start early. Some hikers like to start around midnight and reach the Timpanogos saddle by sunrise, while most others leave early in the day. I would recommend

starting your hike just before dawn

. The earlier you leave, the more shade you’ll have during much of the hike.

How high is Timpanogos?

11,753′

Can you drive up Mt Timpanogos?

Timpooneke Trailhead

The trailhead is located in American Fork Canyon, at the Timpooneke Campground, along the Alpine Loop Road. You’ll have to pay a fee to enter the canyon and park at the trailhead. The campground is signed.

Drive through it to the far side and park in the lot signed as the trailhead

.

What is the deepest cave in Utah?


Neffs Cave
Coordinates 40.676161°N 111.775073°WCoordinates:40.676161°N 111.775073°W Depth 1163 ft (354 m) Length 1700 ft (518 m) Discovery 1949

What is the deepest cave in the United States?


Lechuguilla Cave in Carlsbad, New Mexico

, is the deepest cave in the United States, extending down 1,604 feet. Surveyors have mapped more than 120 miles of cave passageways.

What canyon is Timpanogos cave in?

Timpanogos Cave National Monument includes an impressive cave system known for its colorfully decorated caverns. It is located in

American Fork Canyon

, along Utah’s populous Wasatch Front, and so it attracts a large number of visitors every year. To reach the caves you must hike up a steep 1.5 mile long trail.

Are dogs allowed on the Timpanogos cave trail?


Dogs are not allowed on the cave trail

. There is an on-site kennel with water provided for free if you decide to go on the cave trail.

Are dogs allowed on Mt Timpanogos trail?


Yes, dogs are allowed off leash

. However, only bring your dog if they hike frequently, and are use to that high of mileage and elevation gain.

Are there bears on Mount Timpanogos?

For wildlife on Mount Timpanogos you’ll find mountain goats, elk, mule deer, moose,

black bears

, mountain lions and several species of raptors.

What is the legend of Timpanogos?

The legend is

centered on the outline of a woman that can be seen in the peaks of the mountain, and on the large stalactite called the “Great Heart” that is found inside the caves

. The legend is “Romeo and Juliet”-esque, featuring the Indian warrior Red Eagle and the beautiful Indian princess Utahna.

How tall is Lone Peak Utah?

11,253′

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.