National Park Guide - your guide to national parks in America your guide to national parks in america

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Timpanogos Cave National Monument sits high in the Wasatch Mountains. The cave system consists of three spectacularly decorated caverns. Each cavern has unique colors and formations. Helictites and anthodites are just a few of the many dazzling formations to be found in the many chambers. As visitors climb to the cave entrance, on a hike gaining over 1,000 feet in elevation, they are offered incredible views of American Fork Canyon.



Contact Information

R.R. 3, Box 200
American Fork, UT 84003-9803
801-756-5239 - Headquarters
801-756-5238 - Visitor Information


Sponsored Links


Getting There

By Plane
The closest major airport is Salt Lake City International Airport, and is 45 minutes away by automobile.

By Car
From I-15: If you are arriving from the north or south on Interstate 15 take Exit 287 (Alpine-Highland exit), then turn east on State Highway 92 and proceed ten miles (16km) to the monument.
From U.S. 40 or U.S. 189: If you are arriving from Heber City or Provo Canyon traveling on U.S. 40 or U.S. 189, take State Highway 92, passing by Sundance Resort and over the mountainous scenic route known as the Alpine Scenic Loop. Because of the narrow and winding road, buses and large vehicles over thirty feet are not allowed to travel on the Alpine Scenic Loop. The Alpine Scenic Loop is closed during the winter.

By Plane
There is no public transportation to or in the monument.

Getting Around
Utah Highway 92 runs east and west through the monument. Personal vehicles, bicycles, walking and hiking are means of transportation at the monument.

Weather

Ranging from 5,500 to 6,700 feet in elevation, summer days are warm (80's to upper 90's) and nights are moderate (50's). Afternoon thundershowers are common during mid-to-late summer. Spring and fall are milder with highs generally in the 60's and 70's. Daytime winter highs average less than 50 degrees. Snowfall is usually moderate with frequent thaws. The caves are 45 degrees (eight degrees Celsius), 100 % humidity year round, a jacket or sweatshirt and suitable walking shoes are recommended.


Activities

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.
thebackpacker.com If you want more information about backpacking and hiking, give thebackpacker.com a try. From backpacking gear reviews, hiking trail reviews and much more, it covers all aspects of wilderness travel.
  • Auto Touring
  • Caving
  • Educational Programs
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Wilderness Area
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Bird Watching
  • Nature Walks
  • Stargazing

Recommended Activities
Cave Tours:
National Park Rangers guide visitors on hour-long, interpretative tours through the caves. Tours are conducted throughout the day, during the cave tour season, with a limit of twenty people per tour. The cave entrance is a 1.5 mile walk from the visitor center and rises 1,065 feet (324.6m), it is considered a strenuous hike. For everyone's safety, pets and wheeled vehicles (baby strollers) are not allowed on the cave trail. Allow three hours round trip for the hike and cave tour and come prepared with good hiking shoes, a light jacket or sweatshirt (cave temperatures are forty-five degrees), and plenty of drinking water (no drinking water is available along the cave trail or at the caves).
The Introduction to Caving Tour is a special tour introducting visitors to the sport of caving and caving ethics. Please contact the visitor center for more information, 801-756-5238.

Picnic Areas and Nature Trail:
Picnic facilities and a 1/4 mile nature walk are available in the monument.

Fishing:
Fishing is permitted in the American Fork River with a valid Utah fishing license.

Surrounding Area:
Many recreational opportunities are available in the area, including, backpacking, day hikes, camping, skiing, scenic views and drives, snowmobiling, rockclimbing, and horseback riding. Handouts available at the visitor center identify and describe camping, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities in the area.


 

The National Park System includes all US States and even extends to some US Territories. To explore the parks, you may either browse the parks by State or by Name.

Choose Park by State:

Choose Park by Name:

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Find Hiking and Biking Trails
If you like to go hiking or biking, then don't forget to get a map and guidebook. Trails.com offers a great service that allows unlimited downloads of trail guides for a small monthly fee. They even have a 14 day free trial. Whether you are looking for day hikes, backpacking trails, mountain bike routes or just short nature stroll, they cover it all. So let Trails.com help plan your next outing.
RV Information
Are you planning on traveling with your RV? If you are, you should check out the Good Sam Club. The Good Sam Club offers discounts on camping, a free magazine subscription and great tips on traveling with your RV. You can also get a free no-obligation RV Insurance quote . Give them a look and enjoy your trip.
Gear Up For Your Trip
Once you have finished deciding where to go, it will be time to gear up. A great place for adventure travel gear is The National Geographic Store. They have all types of maps and guides to help finalize your vacation plans.