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Timpanogos Cave National MonumentAerial view of Mt. Timpanogos
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Timpanogos Cave National Monument
Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

How do I get to Timpanogos Cave National Monument?

From I-15: If you are arriving from the north or south on Interstate 15 take Exit 284 (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 recommended on the Alpine Scenic Loop. The Alpine Scenic Loop is closed during the winter.

 

When are the caves open?

The caves are open for cave tours early May through early October, weather permitting. The cave trail and caves are closed for the winter.

 

What are the Visitor Center hours?

The visitor center is open daily from 7:00 am - 5:30 pm. The first cave tour hike time is at 7:30 am with a cave tour at 9:00 am. The last cave tour hike time is 4:30 pm with a cave tour at 6:00 pm. After Labor Day the Visitor Center hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

 

When is the busy season?

Memorial Day through Labor Day. 

 

How much does it cost for a cave tour?

$7.00 for adults (16 and older)

$5.00 for juniors (ages 6-15)

$3.00 for children (ages 3-5)

Free for infants (ages 2 and under)

$3.50 for seniors with Golden Age or Senior Passes. Half price for persons with Golden Access or Access Passes.

 

Does my America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass cover cave tour fees?

No. Although your American the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass will cover the fee to enter American Fork Canyon and for entrance fees to other National Parks, the pass does not cover use fees, such as cave tours.

 

Does the monument give senior or other discounts?

Discounts, ½ off cave tour price, are available to those holding a Golden Age or Senior Pass and Golden Access or Access Pass. 

 

Are group discounts available?

No.

 

Can I purchase cave tickets in advance?

Yes. Cave tour tickets can be bought up to 30 days in advance over the phone with a credit card or in person. Advance tickets are for specific tours throughout the day. A .50 transaction fee is added per person if purchased over phone.

 

Can the caves be entered without a guide?

For the protection of the caves and visitors, all visitors touring the caves must be with a guide and have a cave tour ticket.

 

Are the caves and cave trail wheelchair accessible?

Due to the steep grade of the cave trail and the narrow passages and stairs in the caves, the caves and cave trail are not wheelchair accessible.  A full length cave tour is available to view at the wheelchair accessible visitor center.

 

Where do you get tickets and start the hike?

Cave tour tickets can be purchase at the visitor center. The cave trail starts at the east side of the visitor center.

 

Is there a fee to hike on the cave trail?

No. A fee is required for a cave tour but not to hike the cave trail for exercise or for a nice canyon hike. 

 

How long is the hike and cave tour?

You should plan on three hours for the cave tour and hike. One and a half hours to hike up, an hour in the caves, and 1/2 hour to hike down. 

 

The trail is 1-1/2 miles long. No stollers (or other wheeled vehicles including wheelchairs) or pets are allowed on the cave trail. All children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.  It is advisable to bring plenty of drinking water, as no drinking water is available on the trail or at the caves, and bring a jacket or sweatshirt; it is 45 degrees in the cave.

 

Can we take pictures in the caves?

Yes, flash recommend. Camera tripods are not allowed in the caves.

 

What other items are not permitted in the cave?

Walking sticks, baby strollers, pets, food or drink are not permitted in the cave. 

 

What should I bring to visit the caves?

The caves are around 45oF (11oC) year round, so a light jacket or long-sleeved shirt is recommended. The trail and cave features are electrically lit, but bring a flashlight if you like. Wear good shoes the long hike up to the caves and bring plenty of water to drink.

 

Where are the caves? Can they be seen from the Visitor Center?

The cave is located 1,065 feet above the visitor center, on the same side of the canyon, but cannot be seen from the visitor center. The entrance shelter can be seen from various points along Highway 92.

 

Why do I have to wait before hiking up to the caves?

There are 20 people per tour and a small waiting area at the entrance to the caves.

 

Can we bring food on the cave trail?

Visitors are welcome to bring snacks and eat along the trail. Food or beverages are not allowed inside the caves. Benches are available along the cave trail.

 

What else can I do at the Monument?

The visitor center has a 22-minute introductory video and a book sales area. The Canyon Nature Trail, a ¼ miles walk, is across the street at the pedestrian bridge. Brochures are available in English and Spanish. Two picnic areas are located in the monument: across the street from the visitor center and Swinging Bridge Picnic area is located ¼ mile down the canyon on the north side of the road.

 

Can I fish in the monument?

Yes, but you do need a valid state fishing license.

 

Does Timpanogos Cave National Monument offer evening programs and Junior Ranger programs?

Yes. Evening programs are offered Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights. Junior Ranger programs are offered on Saturdays, Memorial Day through Labor Day. For more information please call the Visitor Center at 801-756-5238.

 

Does the Monument have picnic areas?

Two picnic areas are located in the monument: Canyon View Picnic Area, across the street from visitor center and Swinging Bridge Picnic Area, ¼ mile down the canyon on the north side of the road. Up canyon many picnic areas are available in the Uinta National Forest (North Fork Road).

 

Are there any campgrounds at the Monument?

Campgrounds are located in the Uinta National Forest further up the canyon. Reservations can be made with Reserve USA at www.reserveusa.com or by calling 1-800-280-2267.

Mt Timpanogos  

Did You Know?
At an elevation of 11,750 ft, Mt. Timpanogos is the 2nd highest mountain in Utah’s Wasatch Range. The word Timpanogos (tim´p?­no´gas) comes from the Timpanogots Ute tribe who lived in the surrounding valleys from A.D. 1400. The name translates as rock (tumpi-), and water mouth or canyon (panogos).

Last Updated: March 12, 2008 at 11:43 EST