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.

 

 

 

 

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Basic Information on Timpanogos Cave National Monument
The cave and cave trail are open from early May to early November, weather permitting. The Visitor Center is open daily, during the cave tour season, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Visitor Center winter hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. everyday except Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and the visitor center closes early on December 24.

What is the Nearest Airport to Timpanogos- The closest major airport is Salt Lake City International Airport, and is 45 minutes away by automobile.

How to Drive to Timpanogos- From I-15: If you are arriving from the north or south on Interstate 15 take Exit 287 (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.

Weather & Climate
Ranging from 5,500 to 6,700 feet in elevation, summer days are warm (80's to upper 90's) and nights are moderate (50's). Afternoon thundershowers are common during mid-to-late summer. Spring and fall are milder with highs generally in the 60's and 70's. Daytime winter highs average less than 50 degrees. Snowfall is usually moderate with frequent thaws. The caves are 45 degrees (eight degrees Celsius), 100 % humidity year round, a jacket or sweatshirt and suitable walking shoes are recommended.

Accessibility
The visitor center, snack bar/gift shop, restrooms, picnic areas, and drinking fountains are wheelchair accessible. Because of the steep incline of the cave trail and the narrow passages in the caves, wheelchair access to the caves is not possible. However, a 45 minute video of an actual cave tour is shown upon request at the visitor center. A 22-minute closed-captioned orientation video is also shown in the visitor center.

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Where to Stay at Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Campgrounds and Camping at Denali National Park
There are no camping facilities found within the park.

 

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What to Do in Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Activities
Cave Tours:
National Park Rangers guide visitors on hour-long, interpretative tours through the caves. Tours are conducted throughout the day, during the cave tour season, with a limit of twenty people per tour. The cave entrance is a 1.5 mile walk from the visitor center and rises 1,065 feet (324.6m), it is considered a strenuous hike. For everyone's safety, pets and wheeled vehicles (baby strollers) are not allowed on the cave trail. Allow three hours round trip for the hike and cave tour and come prepared with good hiking shoes, a light jacket or sweatshirt (cave temperatures are forty-five degrees), and plenty of drinking water (no drinking water is available along the cave trail or at the caves). The Introduction to Caving Tour is a special tour introducting visitors to the sport of caving and caving ethics. Please contact the visitor center for more information, 801-756-5238.

Picnic Areas and Nature Trail: Picnic facilities and a 1/4 mile nature walk are available in the monument.

Fishing: Fishing is permitted in the American Fork River with a valid Utah fishing license.

Surrounding Area: Many recreational opportunities are available in the area, including, backpacking, day hikes, camping, skiing, scenic views and drives, snowmobiling, rockclimbing, and horseback riding. Handouts available at the visitor center identify and describe camping, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities in the area.