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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.
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Park Information
Operating Hours,
Seasons: 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.
Entrance Fees
American Fork Canyon
Entrance Fee
$6 - 3 Days
$12
- 7 Days
$45 - Annual
-Entrance into American
Fork Canyon is necessary to reach Timpanogos Cave National Monument.
Cave Tour Fees
Adult 45-60 minutes, adult
(age 16 and older) - $7
Junior - (6-15) - $5
Child (3-5) - $3
Infant (0-2) - Free
Other Cave Tour Information
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Directions:
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.
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.
Other Cave Tour
Information
Cave tour tickets frequently sell
out, especially on weekends and holidays. Tour tickets may be purchased
up to 30 days in advance by calling the visitor center at 801-756-5238
and using your Mastercard or Visa. Tour tickets may also be purchased
in person at the visitor center up to the day of the tour, if still
available. Tickets must be purchased at the visitor center before hiking
to the caves, tickets cannot be purchased at the cave entrance. Gift
certificates are available.
Introduction to Caving
Tour, 90 minutes, (age 14 and up)
$15 - One time
The Introduction to Caving Tour introduces
visitors to the sport of caving and caving ethics. Although it is not
a wild caving experience, the tour does require bending, crawling, and
passage through tight spaces. The tour is limited to five people, age
14 and older. Please call the visitor center for more information and
to reserve tickets, 801-756-5238.
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