Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Fun quick hike. The cave was pretty cool and all the stories that came along with the tour were worth listening to. A great place for kids.

Love this hike, but there’s a couple of things to know.
First, the things to love:
Beautiful scenery, fantastic views, paved path (which is nice if you don’t want to be hiking over ankle-​breaking loose terrain), very kind park rangers, so many places to enjoy the view, and strenuous — don’t let anyone tell you differently! This is an intense hike (albeit short). You will be gasping for breath at times. I completed it in 38 minutes which is pretty good time and even then I needed to stop and get my breath. It’s great exercise with much better views than the gym. It’s a great 2 or 3 hour activity.
The keeping it real points:
It’s a bit shocking to me how many people bring their kids (and, apparently, every kid they ever knew — place is packed with kids). And YOUNG kids. If you go to the government’s site, they caution about bringing kids because, I would think, it is 1. strenuous 2. major drop-​offs along the trail 3. the trail is fairly narrow and I saw more than one kid running ahead or joking around which is pretty dangerous stuff when people have to pass each other at 6,000 feet up. So, to keep it real: there’s way too many kids along this hike.
Other things to keep in mind: I’m not kidding when I say it is strenuous. The park rangers who give the tours have to hike up it and I saw a few of them leaning against the mountain gasping for breath.
The cave itself is interesting, but don’t expect dazzling colors or gems or anything. It’s white and brown. Next time I go, I’m going to just do the hike (you don’t need tickets for just the hike or reservations) and skip the cave.

3.5 stars
«A okay.»
Go earlier in the morning if you want to make a reservation for a tour of the caves. All cave entry is tour-​only. You can call ahead to make reservations if you know what time you’ll make it out there.
While buying tour tickets, we were told that there was a small hike circle on the other side of the road, which we checked out, but it was very small area. Walking on the bridges over the water on this side of the road was cool. The rapids with tall trees towering over makes for a nice view.
Hiking up to the cave took about 45 minutes and we took a lot of photos along the way. There are benches as you hike up, which are a good spot to do a mandatory water drinking session. A lot of people tend to carry water and forget to drink it, so this can be helpful. I went through 48 ounces of water on this hike. I love water so I drink more than most people. The rangers recommend 32 ounces. There is a bathroom at the top. It took 20 minutes to come down.
The tour guide was knowledgeable of the history and geology of the cave and was likeable. He kept lamenting about human impacts on naturally occurring phenomena, which became a little excessive. We did have kids in the group so I can understand hitting on that for them. I just wanted more information on the caves, less of the semi-​human-​shaming. This is coming from somebody who has spent months living in a tent and strictly applies the «bring it in, take it out» rule, so I feel that the «don’t touch fragile formations — Humans touch and ruin nature» reminder every 5 minutes is a little much.
I have a knee that gives me issues about once a year when I run down some mountain or canyon beyond a certain incline angle, so I wore a brace on both of my knees. The top of this hike is very steep, so my knee got weird as soon as I started going down. I’m kind of surprised it was designed so steeply in that area. That section is all switchbacks, which I wish they’d just added in an additional switchback or two to help relieve the incline.
As far as caves go, I would say that Carlsbad is much better, but this is still really cool. The lighting in the cave could be improved to better show off the formations. If you’re in the area, it’s worth seeing. Going up will take you a while, but is definitely do-​able for anybody. There was a 75 y/​o lady making the hike, so you can also do it. Just be careful coming down at the top-​most area.

I have visited the Timpanogas Cave National Monument three times during my life. It seemed like an effortless hike when I was a youth and twenty something year old. But, now in my 50s and in not such great physical shape, I found the hike to be a bit strenuous. Luckily I had plenty of water and the temperature was only in the upper 80s. The hike was beautiful with great vistas of the canyon and into Utah Valley. Once inside the cave I was glad I had brought a pull over long sleeve shirt as it was in the mid 40s inside and the perspiration I had worked up on the hike up became chilling. The cave was beautiful with helectites, stalagmites and stalactites and other lovely cave formations. I didn’t recall the cave being so narrow in places and you do have to duck and bend around the natural formations in many places as you climb through the cavern. It was a treat to re visit this lovely environ and the beauty in the cave and on the hike made every step worth it. Hopefully I’ll still be able to make it up when I’m in my 70s like one fellow in our group.

This is an amazing and cheap tour, and also a great hiking experience. The hike up top is not easy, and unless you’re in decent shape I wouldn’t recommend. Once you make it though, you get to see the cave, and it’s simply incredible. They take you through different caves and tell you stories. Be careful not to touch anything, but it’s hard to squeeze through, so it helps to be skinny at times as you squeeze through narrow pathways. And then you get to hike back down. Great way to pass a few hours.

Beautiful drive. Not too bad of a hike… ok so I may have been bent over a few times sucking wind because I was new to the state and the altitude kicked my butt but not tooooo bad! Breathtaking scenery and even a few benches to rest on along the way. Watch your footing it gets narrow! Cave was cool (literally) and a little claustrophobic but learned a lot!

worth every penny for the «Hansen cave» tour. You pay extra, but with a personal guide and the ability to go off the beaten path– truly worth it!

If you’re planning on taking a tour and actually being able to see the cave I suggest calling ahead to make a reservation! We made that mistake the first time we showed up! we ended up making an early reservation for another day and it worked out perfectly.
The hike up is very scenic but grueling! Please be warned that there are some steep slopes at certain points. I recommend bringing more than one water bottle for the hike. If you have time, a half frozen bottle would be great. once you reach the top it is well worth it because it’s so cool up there. Especially if you take the tour of the cave! bring a jacket as well if you’re going on the tour. We hiked up on a hot 100+degrees day and all 12 of us were cold five minutes into the tour.
Once you return to the bottom they have a nice snack shop with Gatorade and soft serve ice cream as well. Definitely a nice treat to have after you’re done.

Great hike to the cavern. Don’t go if you are even slightly claustrophobic.

In Utah for business. Decided to hike and check out the caves. The hike is up 1000 ft and fairly steep in spots and fairly strenuous. They say to allow 1 ½ hours to hike up and 30 minutes down which is about right. Beautiful hike and the caves are nice… not the best, but worth the hike and definitely worth seeing. Kids may want a light jacket for inside the cave. You can take good pics in the cave. A storm rolled through while we were in the cave and caused many rock slides and rangers had to assist everyone back down the trail. Great time and beautiful scenery. Recommended!!!

I will say this is worth the hike. If you can get up there, you will be astounded by the cave. I have always loved caves. Now the hike was a bit strenuous, so you need to be prepared to climb with a good amount of water. Make sure to take breaks though, if you need to, because you don’t want to tap out early.
The ranger was extremely knowledgeable and friendly, which was great since she made it all that much more interesting going through the cave. So if you manage to get here, ask for the tour guide Ranger Molly, she does know her stuff and won’t bore you.
There are so few words that I can say to express how beautiful this cave was. Granted the narrow passages were difficult to maneuver, but that was only because I am tall and I have some broad shoulders, it didn’t take away from my amazement. I recommend this place, highly

amazing view, clean air, and relaxing atmosphere. We ran into a ranger and he was pretty chill.
btw: no cell reception! so dont bring your iphones and expect you can tweet about you doing the duckface in front of the cave.

Was able to celebrate the cave’s 90^th anniversary while I was there. What an amazing story behind the cave’s existance. Hansen Cave discovered by a M. Hansen who decided to follow mountain lion tracks in the snow and then the Timpanogos Cave discovered by two 14 year old boys. It fascinates me to listen and learn about things like this, how back in those times, without all the technology we have these days, or the luxury of comfy shoes, clothes, a camelback, flashlights, etc. this was discovered. The trail to the cave is paved, and climbs almost 1,100 feet and is considered strenuous, although I did see many kids, and seniors hiking this. The actual cave is 6,700 feet high. The hike to the top was a bunch of switchbacks, and a steady climb gave me a decent workout and the views were amazing into the American Fork Canyon. Once you reach the top you’re led through the 3 system cave by a NPS guide who gives you history behind the cave and the different systems found in the cave. It’s truly mind blowing. The cave is open early May to early October and we caught it the last week it was open. I was freezing, so bring lots of layers if you go this time of year. It’s usually colder in the cave as well (although I did see people in shorts & shirts and flip flops, it’s 38 degrees, they clearly aren’t from the desert)! Plan to go early and stay an afternoon as they only allow 16 people per tour group, we showed up at 10:30am and couldn’t get into the tour until 2:30, they give you and hour and a half to hike to the entrance. Entrance fee is $ 7 and is not covered by a Golden Eagle pass.

Pat and I took the kids to Timpanogos Caves several years a go and what a treat. The hike to the caves is fairly strenuous, However the end result is well worth the trek. The view is stunning as you walk up a paved trail to the caves.
Once inside the caves the air is cool and damp. Visually engaging and thought provoking… You will soon find yourself in a completly different world… Stalactites and Stalagmites… Tan creamy colors. With hints of Naples Yellow… Maybe some Burnt Sienna. You will not be disappointed on this journey!
Oh, and bring a sweater for the caves!

Soooo beautiful! Easy drive from SLC. Park is gorgeous and well-​maintained. Hike for cave tour is a killer but worth it.

Ya– this place is pretty awesome. This was the eye opener that I’m not in as good of shape as I thought. Dang that hike was something else. But well worth it. Inexpensive and fun day !!!

The park is absolutely beautiful! If you plan to hike to the caves, get there early. Especially if it’s a holiday weekend. We arrived around 11, but had to take a 3:30 cave tour because of the crowd.
Leave plenty of time for the hike/​climb, especially if you are out of shape or from a lower elevation. As another reviewer said, the hike was a bit strenuous, but doable. Well worth it!

The hike up to the cave is about a mile and a half. You might get really tired if you’re out of shape. I thought the best part of the cave tour was when they turned out all the lights to show how dark a cave can really be. I have never been in an area that dark in my life. It’s even darker than when I close my eyes in a dark room with no windows. PITCH black! I am less impressed with this cave only b/​c I have been to a bigger cave with bigger stalactites in Vietnam. However, I still think it is worth seeing and the view from the hike is stupendous!

A hike to the cave is an annual event for our family. The paved trail is a little steep, but there are plenty of places to rest. The cave itself is beautiful! And the cool temperature is welcome after the hike up.
Our family loves this hike. And, from the age of three each of our kids has been able to make it to the cave on their own.
If you haven’t been to the cave, make it a point to go!

Head up American Fork Canyon and Mt. Timpanogos. Approximately 40 miles south of Salt Lake City. There you will find a small, 250 acre National Park. One of the most beautiful in the country. Hike up the mile & a half trail (yes, UP THE TRAIL!) The trail gains over 1000′ of elevation in that short distance. Be sure to wear good hiking boots and bring water and a light jacket. At the end of the trail you will enter a spectacular cavern with three beautiful chambers. It’s always cool inside, so this is where you will really need that jacket.
If you are going, be sure you go in the summer. Believe me this place is closed in the winter. In this country and in this snow you probably couldn’t even find the trail. The Park is open from May to Labor Day and there are tours provided. The trail has multiple switchbacks with benches and views. I know, I sat down more than once to «enjoy the view.» Actually, if you are in reasonable shape, it is an easy climb on a good trail.
The inside of the cave is as all caves of this magnitude are — — SPECTACULAR! Don’t miss this one.