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Description
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.
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Park Information
Operating Hours, Seasons:
The cave and cave trail are open from early May to early
November, weather permitting. The Visitor Center is open daily, during the
cave tour season, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Visitor Center winter
hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. everyday except Thanksgiving Day,
December 25, and the visitor center closes early on December 24.
Entrance Fees
American Fork Canyon Entrance Fee
$3 - 3 Days
$10.00 - 14 Days
$25.00 - Annual
-Entrance into American Fork Canyon is necessary to reach
Timpanogos Cave National Monument.
Cave Tour Fees
Adult 45-60 minutes, adult (age 16 and older) - $6
Junior - (6-15) - $5
Child (3-5) - $3
Infant (0-2) - Free
Other
Cave Tour Information
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Directions:
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.
Weather & Climate:
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:
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.
Other
Cave Tour Information
Cave tour tickets frequently sell out,
especially on weekends and holidays. Tour tickets may be purchased up to
30 days in advance by calling the visitor center at 801-756-5238 and using
your Mastercard or Visa. Tour tickets may also be purchased in person at
the visitor center up to the day of the tour, if still available. Tickets
must be purchased at the visitor center before hiking to the caves,
tickets cannot be purchased at the cave entrance. Gift certificates are
available.
Introduction to Caving Tour, 90 minutes,
(age 14 and up) $15
- One time The
Introduction to Caving Tour introduces visitors to the sport of caving and
caving ethics. Although it is not a wild caving experience, the tour does
require bending, crawling, and passage through tight spaces. The tour is
limited to five people, age 14 and older. Please call the visitor center
for more information and to reserve tickets, 801-756-5238.
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