Located in American Fork, Utah, Timpanogos has been awing visitors for over 100 years. This National Monument preserves this impressive cave system that is only accessible via a steep hike up the mountain.
Visitors here are afforded beautiful views of the canyon and impressive formations throughout the various caves. Getting here is an adventure, both hiking to and visiting the caves. We help you plan your trip, including what to book.
Enjoy!
About Timpanogos Cave National Monument
Designated in 1922, Timpanogos Cave National Monument preserves three main caves, Hansen Cave, Middle Cave, and Timpanogos Cave, interconnected via man-made tunnels. The caves are known for their rare formations—helictites, flowstone, and the iconic “Heart of Timpanogos.
The caves are impressive. They are small, but the formations are different than most other caves (at least that I’ve seen). It’s worth a visit even if you’ve visited other caves in the National Park System.
Visiting the cave does require extensive hiking. You’ll travel about 3 miles during your cave tour, so be sure you’re prepared and fit before visiting these caves.
Best Time to Visit Timpanogos Cave NM
Due to snow and trail conditions, the monument is only open seasonally, typically mid-May through late September.
Summer is the peak time to visit. However, Utah summers are hot, and the trail is very exposed. The only way to access the trail is via the 1.5-mile-each-way trail, which is paved but steep. There are spots along the trail that require you not to stop, so be sure to heed warnings.
How Long to Spend at Timpanogos Cave National Monument
Plan to spend about 3-4 hours at the National Monument. Most tours are about 3.5 hours long, including the 1.5 – 2-hour round-trip hike and 55 minutes in the cave.
I would buffer in some time to be early for your tour and some time to check out the visitor center and store.
Things To Do at Timpanogos Cave National Monument
Beyond the cave tours below, there isn’t much else to do at the national monument. Technically, there is a hiking trail, but its sole purpose is to deliver you to the cave entrance. The Trail does afford some beautiful views of the area, but I wouldn’t take the time if you cannot secure a cave tour ticket.
Cave Tours
The caves are only accessible on ranger-led tours. They are the main attraction of a visit to Timpanogos Cave NM (I mean, it’s even in the name!).
Note: The monument prohibits any clothes, shoes, or gear (including cameras) that have been in any cave or mine at ANY TIME. Please adhere to the rules. This is to protect bats from the spread of white-nose syndrome, which has been devastating bat colonies across the Americas.
Below are several options for cave tours. Any are worth doing, but not all are offered daily. Cave Tours meet at the visitor center, and I recommend arriving at least 15 – 30 minutes before your tour, especially if you require additional time to walk up to the cave.
Note: Due to the steep nature of the trail to the cave, strollers and wheelchairs are not allowed. Visitors can use a baby backpack or carrier. However, external frame carriers are prohibited in the cave. Infants may be carried through the cave in front packs.
Cave Tour
This is the standard and most popular tour. The full tour is about 3-3.5 hours long, with about 55 minutes in the cave. The cave tour takes you through the three main chambers in the cave. Each room is impressive, and the trail is paved and relatively easy to walk.
This tour is limited to 16 persons.
Centennial Lantern Tour
Only held in the early morning, the Centennial Lantern Tour allows you to experience the caves by lantern light. The tour was started to celebrate the 100th year as a national monument (established in 1922). It’s a throwback to how cave tours once were.
Tours are limited to 16 persons and held twice daily.
Introduction to Caving Tour
The most intense of the tour options. This is part tour and part education caving. This tour also requires special equipment (some of which you must bring, and the rest provided by the National Monument).
The tour requires bending, crawling, and climbing, so you’ll need to be fit and prepare for potentially claustrophobic situations. It is limited to 5 persons (ages 14+).
Tour de Cuevas en Español
Only head weekly on Sundays. The National Monument offers two tours each Sunday in Spanish. This tour is otherwise the same as the above Cave Tour, visiting the three chambers of the main cave area.
Where to Stay
There is no lodging at the National Monument, so we helped pull together various options nearby. Provo or Salt Lake City tend to have the best hotel options.
Camping
- Little Mill Campground: 27 total sites. This is the closest campground to the monument and has a variety of sites available. We recommend reserving ahead during peak season.
- Mt. Timpanogos Campground: 27 sites. Further down the Alpine loop road. Requires reservations in peak season. First come, first serve otherwise.
- Granite Flat Campground: 52 sites. About 6 miles from the National Monument. Recommend reservations in peak season. Seasonal campground.
Hotels
- Sundance Mountain Resort: Beautiful Resort, but it is only convenient to the monument when the Alpine Loop Road is Open.
- Hyatt House – Pleasant Grove: Great option located relatively close to American Fork Canyon. Very clean.
- Springhill Suites – Provo: One of my favorite Marriott brands. Good location in Provo with clean, nice rooms. Pricier than some others, though.
- Marriott Salt Lake City: Pricy Marriott with a central location in Salt Lake City. It’s a good option, especially if you can find it for a deal.
- Bposhtels Salt Lake City: Hostel Option close to downtown SLC. Dorm options
RV Parks
- Lake Shore RV Park: 11 full and 17 partial hookups. Spots are located along Utah Lake.
- Provo River Resort: A mix of RV spots, lodging, and even some teepees. The resort is pricier but has options like a sauna and fly fishing. Beautiful location along Provo River
- Salt Lake City KOA: Located close to SLC. The largest of the options listed and with the most amenities. But also the farthest from the park.
Basic Information
Below is basic information about the Timpanogos National Monument, including hours, visitor center, and other information for visiting.
Visitor Center
The visitor center is located at the base of the mountain before ascending to the cave. It has information, a small store, exhibits, cave tour sales, and the passport stamp.
Fees
Entrance to the National Monument is free. However, cave tours do have an added cost. Prices depend on the tour booked.
Cave Tour Tickets
All tickets can be booked either in person at the visitor center or ahead of time on Recreation.gov. I recommend booking ahead, as tickets can sell out. Tickets are released 30 days before the tour date, and additional tickets are released a week before.
Cave Tour
- Adult (12+): $12
- Child (2 – 11): $7
- Infant (under 2): $1
Centennial Lantern Tour
- General Admission (7+): $17.00
Introduction to Caving Tour
- Adult (14+): $22.00
Tour de Cuevas en Español
- Adult (12+): $12
- Child (2 – 11): $7
- Infant (under 2): $1
Address
- 2038 Alpine Loop Road American Fork, UT 84003
Hours
- Daily during the cave season: 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Timpanogos Cave NM is open seasonally, and the weather determines the operating dates. The Season tends to run from mid-May/June to Late September/October.
Passport Stamp
Yes, there is a passport stamp located in the Visitor Center.
Website: Official NPS Website
Getting To Timpanogos Cave National Monument
Getting here isn’t too bad, but access is seasonal and weather-dependent. There are many great options to stay in the area and lots to do in the region. The park is a great day trip from Park City or Salt Lake City.
By Car
The monument is located in American Fork Canyon and is an easy drive from Salt Lake City or Provo.
Distances from Nearby Places:
- Provo, UT – 21 miles (30 minutes)
- Salt Lake City, UT – 35 miles (45 minutes)
- Park City, UT – 55 miles (1-2 hours)
Note: The Alpine Loop Road is narrow and winding. Trailers or RVs over 30 feet are not allowed on the canyon road.
By Air
Salt Lake City (SLC) is the best airport for those visiting Timpanogos Cave. It has the most flights in the region and often the best car rental prices. It takes about 45 – 1 hour to drive from the airport to the National Monument.
Tips & FAQs
- The Monument prohibits any shoes, clothing, or gear (including cameras) that have been in ANY cave or mine at ANY time. Please follow the rules and protect the bats.
- Every visitor (including infants) must have a ticket.
- Budget at least 45 minutes to an hour to arrive at the cave entrance.
- Do not stop in the yellow or red areas along the hiking path. There is a risk of rockfall.
- Book your cave tickets ahead of time on Recreation.gov; they do sell out.
- The cave temperature is 45°F, 7°C. I recommend bringing a light jacket or sweatshirt.
- Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F (38°C) on the trail. Bring water. The trail is steep, too.
Leave a Reply