Thank so much!! You’ll come to a signed fork in the trail, where the blue and purple trails split on the map shown above (click on the map for a larger version). Dogs are also able to use this trail. Hey Hilary – I think the wildflowers up there peak around late July. Hike Timp, Utah's truly classic hike. Timpanogos for the first time. One of the best times to hike is when the wildflowers are out, which is late July or early August, depending on conditions. In the end we couldn’t decide if that was a good or a bad choice. It’s a bit shorter and less steep than the Aspen Grove route, … image: snowbrains. I’ll start with a list of items that you should take on this hike. Benches are provided where you can wait in a shaded cavern just in front of the cave. Despite this, we were hoping for a bit more privacy. I hope to do this hike 23-24th. I figured all of these people must be on to something, so a couple of weeks ago, my friend Calah and I decided to hike it together. The second tallest peak in the Wasatch, Timpanogos offers hikers sparkling alpine lakes, a remnant glacier, a herd of mountain goats, and magnificent views in all directions. On the map we followed the red line back towards the Upper Basin and then cut up the Aspen Grove (purple) trail through boulder field towards the saddle. Would this trip be do-able in March for an winter / spring overnight trip? But I bet fall is super pretty up there. Mid-summer temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees. By the time we reached the saddle, it was about 6am, and once you move up the saddle, the ridgeline blocks your view of the sun. Timpanogos (11, 752 ft) ... Technically, a glacier is a "slowly moving mass or river of ice formed by the accumulation and compaction of snow on mountains or near the poles." People are encouraged to wear sweaters or jackets and wear closed-toe shoes. Copyright © 2020 Utah.com. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The Visitor Center and trailhead are on your right as you drive up American Fork Canyon. The trail is paved. Once you reach the upper basin, you have a decision to make. Other than these areas, campsites were not obvious and the rocky terrain left few flat options for tents. The first half of trail is heavily forested with the occasional open view of the canyon on your left. Most people camp near the lake or near the shelter that is often staffed with a volunteer from the Timpanogos Emergency Response Team. From I-15, take the Alpine-Highland exit onto Hwy 92 and follow it east 10 miles to the Visitor Center. It took us 2-3 hours to reach the top form Emerald lake, but if there is snow you can slide down in about 20 minutes, make it fun and alot easier than hiking back down. GOT QUESTIONS? My name is Kristen, and this is my outdoor blog. Tour tickets may be purchased up to 30 days in advance by calling (877)444-6777 or by visiting recreation.gov. The trail is steep but it is not very long and so virtually anyone can make the hike if they just take it slow. The temperature inside the cave averages 45 degrees year-round. And even if water hadn’t been an issue, there were very few established campsites on the Timpooneke Trail, and Emerald Lake was a nice place to spend a couple of hours once we dropped our packs. Our initial plan was to camp somewhere in the Upper Basin and continue up the Timpooneke Trail in the morning. Utah Travel Hey Yok – Thanks so much! Now 15 years later, prioritizing that critical connection with nature continues to improve my life. Visitor Center I don’t believe so, but doublecheck on the Forest Service website. The trail never seemed too steep or intimidating, and my hunch is this trail is also less busy. … Conquer the most famous summit of Utah Valley. Thinking about going weekend, did you happen see any good spots to set up a hammock? Then it was off to bed early so we could wake up in time to hike to the summit for sunrise. The Timpooneke trailhead is located in American Fork Canyon, next to the Timpooneke … It also makes it awkward for other people who want to come out on the island and enjoy the lake. Clothing: Make sure to bring lots of layers, as well as rain gear. The trailhead is located in American Fork Canyon, at the Timpooneke Campground, along the Alpine... Timp Saddle. Those in a group hike to the cave mouth, making sure they arrive before their tour is scheduled to begin. Upper Falls at Timpanogos Falls The trail to these falls lies along the Mount Timpanogos Trail that begins at Aspen Grove. I recently wrote a post on my new favorite lightweight backpacking gear. On the other hand, the wildflowers along the Timpooneke summit route were the most vibrant we saw on our entire hike…so maybe it was worth it. You then descend along the same trail you hiked up. The now mostly vanished and … LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW, TWEET ME, OR WRITE ME A POST ON FACEBOOK. Make sure to enjoy some snacks, take a bunch of pics, and sign the trail register in the wind shelter before heading back down. There are two main trails to reach the summit. However, we found that there was no water available anywhere along the Timpooneke trail, except for a few streams at the very beginning. However, a fee is charged for ranger-led tours of the Timpanogos … The starry night images you tend to post really pop. We really lucked out and got to hang out with the family in the photo below. so maybe next time…. Winter mountain conditions prevail. A guide takes you through the caverns and you exit not far from where you came in. Michael tries to use a saucer sled to slide down the glacier of mount timpanogos only to lose it. Hiking Tour groups are limited to 20 people. Forest: Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest District: Pleasant Grove Ranger District Description: Mount Timpanogos is located in the Wasatch Mountain Range within the Mount Timpanogos … After passing through meadows filled with wildflowers, the trail climbs to what is known as the Timp Saddle. My wife and boys were out of town on Saturday, which gave me the opportunity to hike Mt. Then once you reach the lower basin, the views start to open up. My goal at Bearfoot Theory is to empower you with the tools and advice you need to responsibly get outside. * You can not add any links to your comment as was previously mentioned above, Hiking Mount Timpanogos: A Timpooneke Trail Guide, new favorite lightweight backpacking gear, Best Day Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Although Timpanogos … On weekdays you may be able to join the next tour if you just arrive at the visitor center and pay your fees. You then descend along the same trail you hiked up. I’m waiting for the trees to turn to do the Aspen Grove Trail. The trail is perfectly manicured for 96% of the hike with only one loose rock section just before you get on the summit ridge. Cave Entrance There is a steep line on the looker's left while looking directly out of the shelter. It’s also likely that there will be other people with the same idea, so just look for other lights ahead of you on the trail to make sure you are on track. Hey there! The north peak of Timpanogos, at 11,441 feet is a considerably larger … You can leave a comment, but you wont be able to add any links. Doing this tonight!!! Mount Timpanogos Trails. It’s actually looking a lot like fall up there! We got off track a few times, but it’s hard to get too lost as long as you keep going up towards the ridge. A guide then leads the group through the cave. Hikers on the trails climb through montane forest, subalpine and alpine zones. Yesterday on the blog I shared a post about my favorite lightweight backpacking gear. The … I saw only 1 child out of the nearly 200 people along the trail. I grew up at the base of Timp, but have never climbed it. If any of them appear aggressive, give them their space and make sure to control any dogs that you bring hiking with you. The two trails are nearly the same length. Roberts, who had been born in Provo in the shadow of Mount Timpanogos, observed the procession and envisioned a similar event for his hometown. Timpanogos Hike To Emerald Lake is a 10.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Aspen Grove, Utah that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. Hope that’s helpful! There are many waterfalls and snowfields to see, as well as lots of beautiful wild flowers in May & June! On the way back down, we decided to take the Timpooneke Trail back to Emerald Lake because it was much less steep than the way we came up. While most people tackle this trail in one long day, … The only way down the Timp Glacier is to slide down the steep face on your … One person we met on the trail had a dog that chased after a goat and ended up getting gored. For easy and lightweight backpacking meal ideas, see this post. We quickly got dressed, put on our headlamps, and set off. If I were do to this backpacking trip all over again, I would hike up the Aspen Grove Trail instead. Since moving to Utah, dozens of people have told me that Mount Timpanogos is their favorite peak to hike in the greater Salt Lake region. Timpanogos Caves … Timp and the Great Salt Lake is nearly 10x as large as Utah Lake. That said, you can’t really go wrong with either trail, and I look forward to going back again and starting from the Aspen Grove side. Let me start by saying this is not a hike on which to take your young family. So we decided our best option was to camp near Emerald Lake for easy water access. There is no charge for driving through the area, using the picnic areas, or hiking within Monument boundaries. Most of the goats we encountered didn’t seem bothered by us, although there were a few that seemed slightly territorial. I did this hike in late July. SpyHike 4,306 views. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from June until October. I discovered the power of the outdoors in my 20s, at the time I needed it most. Hope y’all have a great weekend. Very scary if you’re not into heights, loose jagged rocks, etc. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from April until October. Best Hikes in Utah: 14 Epic Trails for your Bucketlist – MAPPED! Thanks so much for your tips! You'll move over smooth rock, which is wet in spots. At mile 5.5 … You can ride your horse or hike. If not, is there a better spot you would recommend? The weather can change in an instant up there and you want to be prepared for the worst. A perhaps little known fact is that... Timp Glacier concept art- mid-1800s. The wildflowers in the upper basins, particularly the Timpanogos Basin, are incredible. Timpooneke Trailhead. Again, the finishing climb up timpanogos is spectacular, and you'll understand why many people claim it to be the best hike in Utah. 14 miles 5140 ft gain - Out-and-Back Trail. Generally what settings are you using for these shots: something around an f/18 with a 15 sec speed? I hope all the pioneer crowds stay down in the valley. Have fun! In general, campsites were not obvious and the rocky terrain left few options. So after hanging out at Emerald Lake, we searched around for a bit and found a quiet spot off the trail to set up camp. This trailhead can be found at the Timpooneke Campground. For those of you who like to eat fresh, I’m also currently working on putting together a few posts on simple backpacking recipes like the veggie curry shown in the photos above. Did you have the option to go down the glacier into Emerald lake? We spent our night whipping up some homemade veggie curry, listening to tunes, playing a fun dice game called Farkel, and drinking a little whiskey. If you live here and haven’t done Timp or you are here on vacation, it is definitely a mountain worth doing. Pets are not allows on the trail or in the caves. Hiking along the ridge after the summit, looking at the Timp Glacier which we would use as a quick descent route. Hey! Difficulty: Trail Conditions. Flying in from the East Coast with my son and want to to this hike. Hi. It added at least 2 miles since since we had to backtrack through the upper basin to grab our gear which we left at our campsite. Between the scenery, wildlife, and summit views, I see why Timpanogos is a local favorite. Mount Timpanogos is beautiful to hike! Backpack the second highest mountain in Utah's Wasatch Range. The Aspen Grove Trail goes right by Emerald Lake, and the lack of water on the Timpooneke Trail meant we had to hike the extra distance to Emerald Lake anyways. Thank you for posting this excellent description of your Mount Timp hike. It has been called ``the best hike in Utah'' and most visitors usually confirm that this majestic mountain lives up to that honorary title because of the spectacular bird's-eye views, refreshing waterfalls, flowers and mountain goats it contains. In the hike… The hike is a total of 13-15 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of approximately 4,400-4,900 feet depending on which trailhead you take. Hiking Mt. You info has helped out a lot! After a short bit, the trail curves to the right making its way up a large rock field and continues climbing across the valley until you get your first glimpse of Timpanogos. TIMPANOGOS LOOP HIKE: See route section for a description. Hike Mount Timpanogos via Aspen Grove. The view you have from the saddle and the summit is not Salt Lake Valley, but is actually Utah Valley (and it’s beautiful freshwater Utah Lake). Located along the southern end of the Wasatch Mountain range, Mount Timpanogos is the most popular mountain peak hike in the state of Utah, and routinely sees hundreds of hikers scaling the trails on any … As a day hike, however, the summit route from the Timpooneke Trail is a bit easier. It took us about 30 minutes to hike the final 0.6 miles and 600 feet of elevation. The final push to the saddle was short but very steep. Over and out ✌️⛺️, A photo posted by (@bearfoottheory) on Jul 25, 2015 at 8:12am PDT. I haven’t done a timelapse yet, but I’m taking a photography workshop next week where I hope we talk about how to do them. You may want to double check your definition of of scrambling. It was pretty chilly and VERY windy once we made it up to the saddle. There is still a large snow patch where you could link up about ten turns on the “Timpanogos Glacier… At 11,752 feet, it’s the second-highest peak in the Wasatch and is known for its vibrant wildflowers, resident mountain goats, and sweeping views. Camping here violates Leave No Trace principles which require tents be at least 200 feet from the water. Salt Lake Valley is 15-20 miles to the north of Mt. Looking south from the summit. It’s very obvious once you are there. The blue Timpooneke Trail Summit route is the easiest and most direct way to reach the summit from that split in the Timpooneke Trail. I have hiked it a few time, and brought a tarp.