Timpanogos Cave National Monument Photo: RuggyBearLA / CC BY 2.0
United States › Utah

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

ByWilderness Experts

Timpanogos Cave is a chain of three limestone caves high on the wall of American Fork Canyon, reached by a steep paved trail that climbs about 1,100 feet (335 m) above the river. A ranger-led tour winds through rooms decorated with helictites and other formations.

Fast facts

  • Established: 1922
  • Size: about 250 acres (101 ha)
  • Caves: Hansen, Middle and Timpanogos caves, linked by tunnels
  • Cave trail: 1.5 miles (2.4 km) each way with about 1,100 feet (335 m) of climbing
  • Gateways: American Fork, Alpine and Salt Lake City
  • Managed by: the National Park Service, within Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

The landscape

American Fork Canyon cuts deep into the Wasatch Range below Mount Timpanogos. The caves formed in limestone along a fault high on the canyon wall, and they are known for helictites, formations that twist in every direction instead of hanging straight down. Inside, it stays at about 43-48°F (6-9°C) all year.

Best time to go

The caves are open from about late May to early October. Summer mornings are best for the climb, which is hot and sunny in the afternoon. Fall colours in the canyon are good in late September.

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Getting there and around

From I-15, take exit 284 and drive about 10 miles (16 km) east on Highway 92 into American Fork Canyon. The visitor center and trailhead are on the canyon floor. A Forest Service recreation fee applies to the canyon road.

Things to do

Book a cave tour, then walk the paved Cave Trail up the canyon wall; allow about three hours in total, including the tour of about an hour inside. The Canyon Nature Trail along the river is an easy walk near the visitor center.

The cave tour itself is easy once you reach it. For bigger hikes, trails to Mount Timpanogos, one of the highest peaks in the Wasatch, start higher up the canyon in the national forest.

Staying safe

The Cave Trail is steep and exposed to sun and rockfall; carry water and do not linger under the cliffs. It closes in lightning and high wind. Bring a jacket for the cold cave. Children must stay on the trail, which has drop-offs.

Know before you go

Tickets are required for cave tours, which charge a fee and often sell out, so reserve ahead on Recreation.gov. This page is a general overview, not a live conditions report, so confirm the season and tour availability with the National Park Service before you go.

Navigation
Coordinates
40.4404, -111.7094
Magnetic declination
10.6° E (2026)

Set this declination on your compass, then align it to the map's north lines; it is the angle between true north and magnetic north, refreshed each year.

How declination works, and how to navigate with a map and compass

7 places in Timpanogos Cave National Monument

A spread of the park’s main places shows straight away, and the rest appear as you zoom in. You can also search above, or pick any place from the lists below, and the map will go to it. Places in bold, marked , have a short description.

Getting there 2

Park entrance

Visitor centre

On the trail 3

Route

Picnic sites

Sights 2

Points of interest

Map data comes from third-party sources and may be incomplete or out of date, so carry a current official map (terms).

Trip types
Day hikeCave tours

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Terrain
MountainsForestRivers
Key hazards
Steepexposed trailRockfallHeatLightningCold cave
Best seasons
Summer, Early fall
Difficulty
Moderate
Access / trailheads
I-15 exit 284, then about 10 miles (16 km) east on Highway 92 into American Fork Canyon.
Water
At the visitor center; carry water on the trail.
Cell / satellite coverage
Patchy in the canyon.
Nearest ranger / SAR / emergency
Emergencies: 911. Visitor center: 801-756-5239.
Permits & regulations
Cave tour tickets required (Recreation.gov), often sold out. Forest Service recreation fee for American Fork Canyon.
Leave No Trace
Stay on the paved trail, never touch cave formations, and pack out all waste.
Conditions by month

October This month

Average high60°F(15°C)15°C(60°F)
Average low39°F(4°C)4°C(39°F)
Rainfall2.3 in(59 mm)59 mm(2.3 in)
Daylight, mid-month11 h 12 minSunrise 7:36 a.m., sunset 6:48 p.m.

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Averages for 1991–2020 from NOAA U.S. Climate Normals, measured at the Timpanogos Cave station at 5,510 feet (1,679 m)1,679 m (5,510 feet). Higher trails run colder, by about 3.5°F for every 1,000 ft (2°C per 300 m)2°C for every 300 m (3.5°F per 1,000 ft) of climb. Daylight runs from sunrise to sunset on the 15th, on the park’s own clock, for a level horizon. Valleys and slopes facing away from the sun are in shade earlier.

Before you go Conditions, permits, fire bans and closures change constantly — we summarise and link out, but always confirm with the managing agency first.
Official monument website → Last verified 2026-09-30

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Straight-line distance between park centres. Road distance is usually longer.

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