The Visitor Center at Timpanogos Cave National Monument is open from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM from mid-May to Labor Day, and from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM during the winter months. After Labor Day, hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and closes early on December 24.
There is no entrance fee to enter Timpanogos Cave National Monument, but cave tour tickets are required: $12 for ages 12 and older, $7 for ages 2-11, and $2 for children under 2. Senior/Access Pass holders get 50% off.[,]
From Provo, take I-15 to Exit 284, then east on State Highway 92 for 10 miles, immersing yourself in the scenic American Fork Canyon.
Parking is available near the visitor center and along UT-92. The main parking lot is 2.3 miles past the fee station on the right. It accommodates cars, smaller RVs, and motorcycles. No overnight parking is allowed, and there are no parking fees within the monument, though a $6 3-day pass is required for American Fork Canyon.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
Tucked away in the majestic Wasatch Range of Utah, Timpanogos Cave National Monument is a testament to the natural splendor and geological intrigue of the American West. Located in American Fork Canyon, this national monument protects a stunning cave system that beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
The journey begins with a 1.5-mile hike up a paved trail, gaining 1,092 vertical feet to an elevation of 6,730 feet. This strenuous ascent is rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the canyon below and the surrounding mountain landscape. The trail, though challenging, is well-maintained and offers informative signs about the local flora, fauna, and geological formations.
Upon reaching the cave entrance, visitors are greeted by ancient fossilized shells and coral embedded in the smooth Deseret limestone cliff, a poignant reminder of the area’s ancient shoreline. Inside the caves, guided tours reveal an underground world of helictites, anthodites, and other formations in a kaleidoscope of colors. The cool, damp air of the caves provides a refreshing respite from the summer heat, and the ornate rooms filled with jagged rock pillars and niter-encrusted rocks are nothing short of mesmerizing.
During the summer months, when the monument is open, visitors can enjoy the standard cave tour or the more immersive Introduction to Caving tour. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bats that peacefully rest during visiting hours.
After exploring the caves, travelers can unwind in the nearby town of Highland, Utah, where local eateries and artisan shops offer a charming retreat. For those seeking more adventure, the surrounding Wasatch Range provides endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and scenic drives.
In the evenings, the area transforms as the sun sets over Mount Timpanogos, casting a golden glow over the landscape. It is a place where nature’s beauty is both profound and accessible, making Timpanogos Cave National Monument an unforgettable destination for any traveler seeking an immersive and enriching experience.
- Area (mi²)
- 1
- Annual visitors
- 110 000
- Established year
- 1922
Top 3 Facts about Timpanogos Cave National Monument
The cave system features helictites, hollow, twisted, spiraling formations of calcite or aragonite, created as water travels through tubes and evaporates, leaving mineral deposits at the end, with the cave’s average temperature maintained at 7°C (45°F).
In this rugged canyon, elevation shifts from 5,000 to 8,000 feet, creating diverse habitats for mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and black bears. The American Fork River supports brown and rainbow trout, while the skies are filled with broad-tailed hummingbirds, peregrine falcons, and bald eagles. Unique flora and fauna thrive here, with cave spiders, centipedes, and occasional bat roosts adding to the rich biodiversity. This natural tapestry is adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and the renowned helictites, making every visit a captivating experience.
At the foot of the 11,750-foot Mount Timpanogos, a limestone cave system thrives, its interiors a constant 45°F, despite exterior temperatures ranging from the 30s to over 100°F. The caves, carved by ancient underground streams, feature delicate helictites, stalactites, and flowstones, set against pink and white crystal-filigreed walls.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Ranger-led Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Scavenger Hunts
- Family Camping & Overnight
- Volunteer & Stewardship
- Youth Conservation
- Scouting Partnerships.
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Visit during the summer season, avoiding mid-summer heat. Book guided tours in advance, especially for the popular Alpine Loop event. Bring water, hiking shoes, and layers for the 1.5-mile paved trail and 45°F cave temperatures. Plan for a 3-hour commitment, including rests and meals beforehand.
Pack Appropriately
Pack layers for changing temperatures, sturdy shoes with good grip, a helmet, headlamp, and extra batteries. Bring a waterproof bag with essentials like a first-aid kit, snacks, and a map. For longer stays, include camping gear and biodegradable wet wipes. Check the weather forecast before heading out.
Respect Wildlife
Respect the fragile ecosystem by not touching formations or removing plants. Keep a safe distance from wildlife, especially during hot summers and sensitive nesting seasons. Leave nothing behind but bubbles in the river.
Stay Informed
Exercise caution on trails and ledges, avoid unstable terrain, and stay informed about weather conditions. Carry a first-aid kit and know emergency contact numbers: 911 or park rangers. Check fire restrictions and park rules before your visit.
Seasons
Visit in spring, from May to June, when temperatures rise from 40°F to 70°F. Hike a strenuous 1.5-mile trail to explore three caves with unique speleothems. Educational field trips start in May, adding an educational layer to your adventure. Plan ahead, as tours often sell out quickly.
Hike a strenuous 1.5-mile trail to explore three limestone caves, adorned with helictites and anthodites, during the summer months of May to September. Temperatures soar to over 100°F on the trail, but the caves remain a cool 45°F. Advance tickets are essential as tours often sell out, especially on holidays and weekends.ниця
Experience the crisp autumn air and cooler temperatures (45-50°F) on a strenuous 1.5-mile hike to explore an underground world. Cave tours close mid-October due to unpredictable weather, making September a prime month to visit before the season ends.
Visit in winter (Dec-Feb) for a serene, snow-covered landscape with temperatures nearing 0°F. Though cold, the stable 45°F cave temperature offers a unique respite, making it a captivating winter destination.
Where to stay
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Timpanogos Cave National Monument has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The closest city to Timpanogos Cave National Monument is American Fork, Utah, which is located near the monument in the Wasatch Mountains. It is also about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City and a short drive from Provo.
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Dogs are not allowed on the trail or in the caves, but service animals are permitted. Service animals in training and emotional support animals are not allowed.
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Parking is free, and there are no charges for driving through the area or using the picnic areas. However, visitors must stop at a US Forest Service information station on the way.
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Yes, guided tours are available, led by park rangers, and they are offered daily throughout the summer season. These tours are 55 minutes long and include a 1.5-mile hike to the cave. Tickets can be purchased online up to 30 days in advance.