4th Annual Timpanogos Cave Hike
Meet outside Visitors' Center - 9:45 am
Start hiking - 10:00 am
Cave tour - 11:30 am
Hike Description
Meet at the Visitors Center at 9:45 am, leave at 10:00 am. Total suggested time for the hike is about 2 hours (round trip). If you go decide to go through the cave, it is an additional hour. If you are a fast hiker, you will have some extra time at the end before we go through the cave. Last year we all made it up there in a bit over an hour, but I put an hour and a half just to be on the safe side.
This is a fairly strenuous hike. It gains over 1,000 feet in elevation over about a mile and a half. I have seen many kids hike it and parents with kids on shoulders or in kid-backpacks. The entire trail is paved, but strollers or pets are not allowed.
The event is solely a hike to the cave and back. Going through the cave is optional. I will include details for that below.
Details
Distance: 1.5 miles each way
Elevation Gain: ~1,100 feet
Trailhead Elevation: ~5,700 feet
Top Elevation: ~6,800 feet
All fitness levels are welcome. The intent of the hike is to get outdoors, visit with other cachers, and hopefully find some caches. Don't worry if you're not in great shape, cachers of all fitness levels are welcome. We typically all stick together in a group and get to the endpoint together.
Hike info from the National Parks Service website
To reach the caves, visitors must hike the 1.5 mile (2.4 kilometer) cave trail. This paved trail rises 1,092 feet (325 meters) and is considered a strenuous hike. Anyone with heart or breathing problems should not attempt the hike. Allow at least 3 hours for the round trip. Individuals under 16 must be directly supervised by an adult at all times. These measures are required due to the sheer drop offs, rockfall and other hazards along the trail. For everyone's safety, pets and all wheeled vehicles (including wheelchairs and strollers) are not allowed on the trail.
For those interested in going through the cave
Cave tours are held every ten minutes. For those interested, let's shoot for around 11:00 am. This should give everyone plenty of time to get to the top.
Cave info from the National Parks Service website
All cave tours are guided by a park ranger. The regular 1,800 foot tour through all three caves lasts about an hour on a surfaced, lighted, and fairly level route. Touring the cool 45° F (8° C), and wet caves requires some bending and crouching.
Tours are conducted daily with a limit of twenty people per tour. Tickets for the tour must be purchased at the visitor center before hiking to the caves. In summer all tours usually sell out by early afternoon. Weekends and holidays are the busiest - buy tickets in advance or arrive early to avoid long delays.
Advance tickets may be purchased over the phone up to 30 days before your visit by calling 801-756- 5238. A non-refundable $.50 service fee is added to each ticket sold over the phone. Advance tickets may also be purchased in person at the visitor center. Tickets may be purchased in advance on the day of the tour until tours are sold out. Bring water, a jacket and wear sturdy shoes.
Additional info can be found on various websites including the National Parks Service website