Explore Timpanogos Cave National Monument in Utah

There’s something fun about standing in a hole in a mountain and turning out all the flashlights so you can feel just how dark, dark can be. The rock formations of stalactites and stalagmites are interesting to look at as well. Timpanogos Cave National Monument is a fun cave tour for the whole family. You can learn about the geology and formation of the cave, and urban legends about the heart of the cave.

If you’re wanting to explore Utah’s Timpanogos Cave, here are a few tips you need to know to maximize your visit.

COVID-19 UPDATE: Masks covering both mouth and nose will be required throughout the entire cave tour, as well as at the cave entrance and exit, inside its visitor’s center and restrooms. Masks are not required while hiking up and down the paved trail.

Reserve Your Tickets in Advance

Tours of the cave are typically available between Memorial Day (late May) and Labor Day (early September). In 2020, due to concerns of COVID-19, tours were cancelled. But this year (2021), they are resuming ranger-guided cave tours on May 28. But showing up and expecting to take the guided tour may end up in disappointment.

You should purchase tickets online in advance of your visit. You can also purchase them by calling (877) 444-6777 between 10:00 AM and Midnight EST. Tickets are available up to 30 days in advance, and with the popularity of the cave, you’ll need to plan ahead. You ONLY need a ticket if you plan to tour the cave. There are other activities available at the National Monument – Canyon Nature Trail and Swinging Bridge Picnic Area – with no entrance fees.

Tours are generally offered every 15 minutes from 7:00 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. during the summer season. Tour groups are limited to 16 people.

You can take your chances and arrive early on the day you want to tour the cave. Any unsold tickets are available at the visitor center. But if there aren’t any tickets available for that day, you won’t be touring the cave. Tickets are NOT available at the entrance to the cave – so check the visitor center BEFORE you make the hike up to the cave entrance.

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If you’re kids like doing the Jr Ranger Program, pick up the booklet when you grab your tickets and help them fill it out during the tour. When you return to the visitor center, turn in the booklet and have them take the Jr. Ranger oath.

Getting to the Cave

Timpanogos Cave National Monument is about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City. The easiest and most direct route to take is from I-15 – the main thoroughfare running through Utah. Take Exit 284 (Alpine-Highland exit) and head east for about 10 miles to the visitor center.

If you’re coming from the south, you can take State Road 146, accessible from State Road 114 or Highway 89 in Orem/Pleasant Grove area.

The road up American Fork Canyon does connect to Highway 189 on the way to Heber City. It’s slow going because of the windy road and scenic drive. But it is possible – during the summer months – to use that as an access point if you’re coming from Heber City/Park City.

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Along the route, you’ll need to stop at the US Forest Service information station on the way to Timpanogos Cave. The National Monument is surrounded by the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. American Fork Canyon leads up to a scenic drive, fishing and hiking at Tibble Fork and other outdoor activities. But if your only stop is Timpanogos Cave, let the person at the information station know and you won’t have to pay the fee.

Hiking to Timpanogos Cave

The 1.5-mile hike up the mountain starts and ends at the visitor center. When you purchase your tickets, you’ll be given a start time. That’s the time when you should check in at the visitor center and begin your hike up the mountain. Plan on 3-4 hours for your entire visit, which includes the hike up the mountain, the tour of the cave and the hike back down.

Utah’s summer temperatures can be 100+ degrees. And the hike uphill to the cave entrance can be a little steep. However, the trail is paved the entire way up the mountain. That makes the hiking a little easier, but if you’re trekking up in the heat of the summer, bring enough water for each member of your group. If you don’t, you could end up in a dangerous situation with dehydration.

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Just because the trail is paved, doesn’t mean a wheelchair or stroller can make the trek to the top. The steep slopes make it too dangerous for wheeled vehicles. As you get near the top, be sure you follow the signs to the entrance and start of the cave tour. A trail does lead from the cave exit to the trail, and if you end up at the exit, you’ll have to back track to the entrance.

Guided Tour of Timpanogos Cave

When you reach the cave entrance, find a spot to wait for the start of your tour time. When it’s time, the ranger will invite the group into the cave. You’ll get a few instructions before you’re taken into the cave.

One thing to be prepared for: If you wore a backpack up the trail to carry water or snacks, you’ll have to wear it on your front. Why? Because you don’t want to swing around and miscalculate the size of your back and scrape up part of the rock wall. Or even worse, break off a stalactite.

During the tour, there are lights running the length of the cave. You can bring a flashlight with you, especially if you have a person who wants the security of their own flashlight. One portion of the tour includes a “Just how dark is dark” portion. It doesn’t last long, but when all the lights go out, it’s so dark you can’t even see your hand in front of your face.

After the tour, take the paved trail back down the mountain to the visitor center.

The Details

Address: Alpine Loop Road, along Utah State Road 92 (10 miles east of I-15).

Cost: There is no cost to enter the National Monument. The only cost is for cave tours. $12.00 for ages 12+, $7 for ages 2-11, $2 for children under age 2. Senior/Access Pass holders get 50% off tour prices.

Hours: Tours are offered every 15 minutes from 7 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Website: https://www.nps.gov/tica/index.htm

Phone: (801) 756-5239

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