Mount Timpanogos via Timpanogos Trail #053

The Timpooneke trailhead is located in American Fork Canyon, next to the Timpooneke Campground. There is a $6 fee to enter the canyon, unless you have a National Park Pass with which you get in free. On the weekends, it may be difficult to find parking at the Timpooneke Campground, so arrive early.

Once on the trail, it’s pretty straight forward. There is a waterfall called Scout Falls 1.4 miles up along the way. There is a sign and a short path to get to the falls. At about 6.5 miles, I reached the Timpanogos Basin. This is where I set up my base camp. In the summer, there are wildflowers covering the entire floor of the basin and is a great place for photography. Remember to practice responsible camping and leave no trace.

From base camp, I lightened my pack and headed for the summit. From the basin, it’s about 1.5-2 miles to the summit. There are mountain goats all along the trail at this point, so keep an eye out. There is a small lookout hut at the summit and views that will take your breath away. The summit is 11,749 feet.

From here you can back track and go back the way you came. Or, you can do what I did, and choose to glissade down the famous Timpanogos Glacier. Keep heading past the summit along the ridge until you come to the top of the glacier. I wrapped a jacket around myself to give me some protection. This is always a blast, but it’s a place where an injury could happen quickly. Use your best judgement and dodge the rocks as best you can! At the bottom of the glacier, there is a small hikers hut and a beautiful emerald lake. If you think you can brave the cold, this is a nice place to have a swim! It’s also a great place to filter some water. There is a trail past the hut that will take you back to the basin, and back to your camp.

The views are absolutely breathtaking. It feels more like hiking in Switzerland than in Utah. The wildflowers in the summer are not to be missed. Indian Paintbrush and Lupine are regulars in the area. There is always good wildlife; from moose to mountain goat. The trail is straight forward and there will be several others on the trail, so it’s hard to get lost.