| Mount
Timpanogos is an 11,749 foot peak which is located between
Provo Canyon and American Fork Canyon. It dominates the eastern
flank of the Wasatch front, south of point of the mountain, and is a major landmark in the region.
The caves on the North side have some spectacular formations and are
part of the Timpanogos Cave National
Monument. The mountain itself has spectacular falls, alpine
scenery and a permanent snowfield or glacier.
Mountain goats are commonly found here, usually on Robert's Horn.
There
are 2 routes up the mountain. One route is 7.5 miles each
way and the other is 8-9 miles each way. Some hikers like
to use two cars in a shuttle system, and hike up one trail and then hike down the
other.
The
Mount Timpanogos Trailhead starts close to the campground,
near Aspen Grove. This trail switchbacks up the mountain until
hikers arrive at the Emerald Lakes and the hut.
At this point the hikers are over 10,300 ft.
From here, the trail crosses a small ridge into an adjoining
basin and works its way up to the saddle. At the saddle,
the two trails come together for the final stretch to the
summit. The connector between the two basins can be a bit
heart-stopping as it traverses the narrow ridge. Although it is possible to hike up the snowfield, this
is not recommended. The scenery on the hike is spectacular and the views
from the summit phenomenal.
The
Timpanooke Trail is a very nice trail. This trail is basically
a giant-size staircase, as you hike up a series of ridges, each followed by a more level section. There are waterfalls, alpine scenery, and
a small forest. This trail goes to the Timpanogos basin where
hikers are greeted with stunning views of the mountain, saddle,
and the surrounding area before it works its way up to
the saddle and from there to the summit.
Many
hikers like to slide down the snowfield or glacier. The Forest
Service recommends against this as people have been hurt.
The descent can be dangerous, with many rocks embedded in the ice. This said, many people are able
to slide down or otherwise work their way down safely without
any problems. Sliding down can be a lot of fun, but care should
be exercised.
There
are a number of dangers on the mountain, such as altitude sickness, dehydration, exposure, and falling. Hikers should be
prepared for conditions, and never hike this mountain in a thunderstorm.
Other
items of note: A B-25 crashed on the mountain. Parts of the
wreckage can still be seen. The
Sundance film festival is held at the base of Mt. Timpanogos.
Location: Wasatch front, south of Point of the Mountain, north of Provo, Orem.
The trailheads are accessed via the Alpine loop. (Located between
Provo and American Fork Canyon)
|
