Mount Timpanogos

The Mount Timpanogos area is one of the more popular attractions along the Wasatch Front with Timpanogos Cave up American Fork Canyon and the Sundance Mountain Resort up Provo Canyon.  Though not the highest point in the Wasatch Range, Mount Timpanogos (referred to by many locals as simply "Timp") stands as a prominent landmark against the Utah Valley and beyond.  The name comes from the Timpanogos Tribe who were an indigenous people of Shoshone descent that lived in the area before the coming of the Mormon Pioneers.  Examining the outline of the mountain reveals the legendary character of a sleeping princess – lying on her back with her long hair flowing downward and knees bent upward.  At one time there used to be an annual "Timp Hike," which would literally draw thousands of people onto the mountain slopes in one day!  This obviously resulted in adverse effects to the delicate ecosystem – consequently, it was discontinued in 1970.  By 1984 the area was officially designated a wilderness area to protect the environment.  While the route to the summit of Mount Timpanogos is not particularly difficult, it is a long hike that requires a full day and strong perseverance.  Bring plenty of water along with protection from the sun as the upper parts of the trail extend above the timberline and have no real water sources.  This post describes the Timpooneke Trail, or northern route to Mount Timpanogos, which provides the least amount of elevation gain to the summits.

To reach the Timpooneke trailhead 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 American Fork 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 previous time I entered American Fork Canyon, the entry fee was $6.00 per vehicle for a one-to-three day pass, unless you have an "America the Beautiful" Parks Pass.  Proceed up the canyon past the Timpanogos Cave Visitor Center (about 2.25 miles further) and stay right (east) along SR 92 to about 8.1 miles beyond the entrance station.  Turn right (northwest) onto the Timpooneke road and drive approximately one quarter-mile to the parking area on the left (south) at the trailhead.  This area can become quite congested with vehicles, especially on weekends – so plan accordingly.

Scout Falls near the lower
part of the Timpooneke trail

Approaching Timpanogos Basin
with main peak in the background

The trail begins at the informational signs, where there is also a trail registry for registering your names.  It never hurts to take a few moments and absorb the information on these signs as it may save you some trouble down the road.  Upon entering the Mount Timpanogos Wilderness Area a little ways past the signs, the trail continues to the edge of a large meadow where it begins to ascend around the west side.  At around 1.4 miles along the trail at the end of the first full switchback is a sign that indicates the access to Scout Falls.  This is a nice spot for a rest, and depending on the season there can be huge amounts of water flowing over the edge – creating a thunderous roar.  Back on the main route above Scout Falls, the trail enters a basin area and eventually curves northward for about one-half mile before turning southward again across talus slopes.  Being on northerly and easterly facing slopes, snow often remains in this area well into the summer months.  When hiking across any snowfield, be cautious not to slip and fall into possible hidden voids that may exist beneath the surface.  At approximately 4.8 miles along the trail, the Timpanogos Basin is reached as you transition from pine forests to alpine tundra.  Elevations in this basin area can range anywhere from 10,000 to 10,600 feet.  During the 1950s an Air Force B-25 bomber crashed northwest of Timpanogos Basin just below the Middle Summit – killing everyone on board.  Parts of the wreckage can still be found by following the right (northwest) fork of the trail at the "Toilet" sign for about 0.75 miles along the terrace.  Since the accident, the Middle Summit of Mount Timpanogos is often referred to as "Bomber Peak."

One of two engines from a B-25 bomber
that crashed on Mount Timpanogos

The main peak of Mount Timpanogos
as viewed from the ridge saddle

About 500 feet along the left (southwest) fork of the trail from the "Toilet" sign is another junction that determines the route to the summits, or to Emerald Lake.  Take the right (northwest) fork towards the summits, which ascends up the ridge to the west approximately 1.5 miles further to reach the saddle.  Once at the ridge saddle, while most hikers elect to go on to the main summit, you can also hike to the other summits as well along the summit ridge.  Keep in mind, however, that there are no clearly established trails to the other summits – and that a greater amount of time and effort will be required to reach them.  At the main summit of Mount Timpanogos is a metal hut that allows some protection from the elements while taking in the panoramic views below.  Do not take shelter in this hut during a thunderstorm though – as it becomes a prime attraction for lightning.  Distance from the trailhead to the 11,749-foot main summit of Mount Timpanogos is approximately 7.2 miles one-way with an elevation gain of about 4,400 feet.

The metal hut at the main
summit of Mount Timpanogos