6th Annual Timpanogos Cave Hike
Meet-n-Greet outside Visitors' Center – 8:30 – 9:00 am
Post-event activity for those interested (see below) - 9:00am
Event Description:
The Annual Timpanogos Cave Hike started in 2010 as a part of the Utah Valley Hiking Series and has continued every year since then. The event used to be the actual hike to the cave with the cave tour being an optional post-event activity. But due to recent changes in geocaching rules, “moving” events like hikes are no longer allowed. So this event is now a meet-n-greet at the Timpanogos Cave visitors center (conveniently also at the start of the trail to Timp Cave.)
So we will gather outside the visitors center (in the area just east of the main entrance) from 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. for idle meeting and greeting. If you feel like bringing a little breakfast something to share, you are more than welcome to do so. I would bring something, but getting three little cachers up and ready for the event (and post-event hike and cave tour) will be more than enough to fill my morning before the event. That’s what the event is. Anyone who shows up between those times and meets and greets is welcome to log an “Attended” for the cache. There will be a logbook to sign, though signing it is not required according to official geocaching rules. We will be meeting at the benches just east of the main entrance to the visitors center. At 9:00 a.m. the event is over and you are free to return to your regularly scheduled programming. My three little cachers and I will leave to hike up the trail and go on the Timp Cave tour. Anyone who would like to join us for the hike and/or the cave tour is welcome to join. We’ll be attending the 11 a.m. tour (cave entrance time) if anyone would like to join us there. (That's the time we will enter the cave. Look at the announcement in the logs below for SUPER IMPORTANT info about "tour times" before buying your tickets.) Tickets are required and can be purchased up to 30 days in advance. They also sell out quickly.
Post-event Hike/Tour Description
The estimated time for the hike is 90 minutes but I’ll be allowing an extra half hour to accommodate my three little ones with plenty of time to look at the signs at the top and have a snack before the tour. This should be plenty of time for anyone to get to the cave, regardless of your fitness level. The tour takes an additional hour.
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.
If you do want to go on the tour, I’m going to go for the 11:00 a.m. tour (9:30 hiking start time). If you buy tour tickets, be careful to specify the time you want the tour to start. (Sometimes they state the time to start hiking as opposed to the time you enter the cave.)
Additional info for those not familiar with Timpanogos Cave:
Details
Distance: 1.5 miles each way
Elevation Gain: ~1,100 feet
Trailhead Elevation: ~5,700 feet
Top Elevation: ~6,800 feet
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.
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 (801-756-5238) or
online up to 30 days before your visit. 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