A spectacular area to drive through, especially during the autumn season when the leaves change color, is American Fork Canyon in Utah County. Known as the Alpine Loop Scenic Highway, this route is quite popular for tourists visiting Timpanogos (pronounced "tim-pa-no-gus") Cave National Monument along with many locals seeking an escape into the mountains. This canyon offers many recreational opportunities that include biking, camping, fishing, and of course, hiking. North of American Fork Canyon in the Lone Peak Wilderness Area lies a prominent point known as Box Elder Peak – not to be confused with the Box Elder Peak in the Wellsville Mountains. Situated between the Pfeifferhorn and Mount Timpanogos, Box Elder Peak is often overlooked for these higher, more popular peaks. Although there are several routes up this mountain, the easiest approach is from the Granite Flat campground area, which is located just above Tibble Fork Reservoir.
To reach American Fork Canyon from I-15 coming from the north, take the Timpanogos Highway exit (Exit 284) and turn left (east) onto SR 92 to the mouth of the canyon (about 7.5 miles). If coming from the south along I-15, take the Pleasant Grove Boulevard exit (Exit 275) and turn right (northeast) onto Pleasant Grove Boulevard. At the next traffic signal turn left (northwest) onto 2000 West, which turns into North County Boulevard to the Mount Timpanogos LDS Temple. Continue following this road northward to 11000 North (SR 92) and make a right (east) turn towards the mountains (about 6.0 miles from Exit 275). The last time I went through the entrance station into American Fork Canyon, it was $6.00 per vehicle for a one-to-three day pass. I understand that this fee is waived if you are visiting Timpanogos Cave National Monument only, or if you have purchased an "America the Beautiful" Parks Pass. Keep in mind that all money collected at the entrance station remains in the area to maintain facilities, improve visitor services, and protect natural resources, including wildlife. About 2.25 miles beyond the entrance station is the Timpanogos Cave Visitor Center off to the right (south). At approximately 4.7 miles, take the left (north) fork onto SR 144 and continue about 2.5 miles past Tibble Fork Reservoir. Take the hairpin turn to the left that swings you to the west and continue through the Granite Flat Campground guard station where there is parking near the trailhead on the right (north).
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View of Box Elder Peak from the
Granite Flat Campground |
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A hiking directional sign located on
the north saddle of Box Elder Peak |
The trail begins by climbing up the Deer Creek drainage into the wilderness area through a relatively forested section. After nearly a mile, the trail crosses into more of a meadow area with small ponds off to the left (south). It is not uncommon to see wildlife here as deer and moose typically frequent this area. At a point where the trail splits, take the right (north) fork that begins a steeper ascent up the north slope of the canyon. During spring runoff, many of the small drainages here are flowing with water, but conditions often become much drier later on. Be sure to bring plenty of water to accommodate for this along with sunscreen – as most of the remainder of this hike is unshaded from the sun. Before reaching the north saddle, the trail crosses a huge rock slide area that extends almost to the bottom of the drainage. Once on the north saddle, the main trail continues into Dry Creek Canyon towards Horsetail Falls and Alpine while the trail leading south along the ridge continues to Box Elder Peak. This south trail follows the saddle approximately 0.7 miles and descends just over 200 feet elevation before the final one-mile climb up the north ridge to the summit. As you ascend the north ridge, an impressive view of an anticline can be seen by looking west across the north cirque of Box Elder Peak. Distance from the Granite Flat parking area to the 11,101-foot summit of Box Elder Peak is approximately 5.2 miles one-way with an elevation gain of just over 4,500 feet. This takes into account a 1,650-foot gain after a 210-foot loss.
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An anticline viewed from the
north ridge of Box Elder Peak |
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View looking southward towards
the north face of Mount Timpanogos |
