Contact Info
Box 200
American Fork, UT 84003
- Phone:
- 801-756-5238
- Phone:
- 801-756-5239
Basics
- Location:
- Off State Road 92 in American Fork Canyon, on the slopes of Mt. Timpanogos
- Type:
- National Park
Description
Timpanogos Cave National Monument sits high in the Wasatch Mountains. The cave system consists of three spectacularly decorated caverns. Each cavern has unique colors and formations. Helictites and anthodites are just a few of the many dazzling formations to be found in the many chambers. As visitors climb to the cave entrance, on a hike gaining over 1,000 feet in elevation, they are offered incredible views of American Fork Canyon.
The monument opens approximately mid-May and closes again in mid-October when inclement weather makes hiking dangerous. Tickets for the cave tours must be purchased at the visitor center before hiking to the cave. Tickets cannot be purchased once you have reached the cave entrance. You do not need to purchase tickets if you would like to just enjoy the hike. In summer, all tours usually sell out by early afternoon so advance reservations are recommended.
Hours + Fees
Hours:
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Season:
Details
Additional Details:
American Fork Canyon Fee:
- $6.00 per vehicle - 3 Days
- $12.00 per vehicle - 7 Days
- $45.00 per vehicle - Annual
Cave Tour Fees:
- $8.00 for adults (16 and older)
- $6.00 for juniors (ages 6-15)
- $4.00 for children (ages 3-5)
- Free for infants, but still require a ticket (ages 2 and under)
The first cave tour hike time is at 7:30 am with a cave tour at 9:00 am. The last cave tour hike time is 4:30 pm with a cave tour at 6:00 pm.
After Labor Day the Visitor Center hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
For the protection of the caves and visitors, all visitors touring the caves must be with a guide and have a cave tour ticket.
Due to the steep grade of the cave trail and the narrow passages and stairs in the caves, the caves and cave trail are not wheelchair accessible. A full length cave tour is available to view at the wheelchair accessible visitor center.
A fee is required for a cave tour but not to hike the cave trail for exercise or for a nice canyon hike.
You should plan on three hours for the cave tour and hike. One and a half hours to hike up, an hour in the caves, and 1/2 hour to hike down.
The trail is 1-1/2 miles long. No stollers (or other wheeled vehicles including wheelchairs) or pets are allowed on the cave trail. All children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
It is advisable to bring plenty of drinking water, as no drinking water is available on the trail or at the caves, and bring a jacket or sweatshirt; it is 45 degrees in the cave.
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
Timpanogos Cave National Monument is located in the Wasatch Mountains in Northern Utah, approximately 40 miles south of Salt Lake City.
From I-15
If you are arriving from the north or south on Interstate 15 take Exit 284 (Alpine-Highland exit), then turn east on State Highway 92 and proceed ten miles (16km) to the monument.
From U.S. 40 or U.S. 189
If you are arriving from Heber City or Provo Canyon traveling on U.S. 40 or U.S. 189, take State Highway 92, passing by Sundance Resort and over the mountainous scenic route known as the Alpine Scenic Loop. Because of the narrow and winding road, buses and large vehicles over thirty feet are not allowed to travel on the Alpine Scenic Loop. The Alpine Scenic Loop is closed during the winter.
