If you’ve ever visited Timpanogos Cave National Monument, you know what a thrill it is to take the cave tour with a park ranger. You’ll see all kinds of cool helictites, anthodite crystals, cave drapery and more on the standard tour that takes you 1/3 of a mile into the deep, dark cave.
*The cave isn’t open quite yet, but we’re putting this one on our bucket list for later this summer! In the meantime, you can hike the cave trail up to the tunnel gate.
You’ll find Timpanogos Cave National Monument in American Fork Canyon. Typically, the park recommends that you purchase cave tour tickets in advance. When you arrive, check in at the Visitor Center before starting your hike.
Zack M/Tripadvisor
The hike up to Timpanogos Cave is strenuous and sun-exposed. Make sure you have plenty of water with you, and take your time.
Carl Mazur/Google
The trail itself is free, and open most of the year. It’s a great workout…
Timpanogos Cave National Monument/Facebook
…and the canyon views are absolutely stunning!
bingz/Tripadvisor
Once you reach the top, you’ll wait outside the door to meet your park ranger for a cave tour.
mikey.saltas/flickr
The cave maintains a temperature of 43-48 degrees Fahrenheit, so you’ll want to bring a jacket along, even on a hot, summer day.
pick-uppath/iStock via Getty Images
The knowledgeable ranger will point out lots of interesting cave formations as you make your way 1/3 of a mile into the cave.
Susan M/Tripadvisor
You’ll get a close-up look at stalactites, which grow from the top of the cave, as shown here, and stalagmites, which form on the cave’s floor and grow upward.
pick-uppath/iStock via Getty Images
The most popular stalactite formation in the cave is called the “Heart of Timpanogos” which is seen on the tour of Timpanogos Cave. It’s actually formed by several stalactites that fused together over the years, and it resembles a human heart.
Aaron Hawkins/iStock via Getty Images
Other formations include cave popcorn…
pick-uppath/iStock via Getty Images
…and frostwork, which is very delicate and intricate.
Timpanogos National Monument
Your ranger guide will use her flashlight to point out interesting formations along the way.
Aaron Hawkins/iStock via Getty Images
Plan three to four hours for your cave experience, which includes the hike up, the cave tour, and the hike back down the mountain.
pick-uppath/iStock via Getty Images The regular cave tour is $12 for guests ages 12 and older; $7 for children 11 and younger. Seniors tour the cave for just $6.
Have you visited Timpanogos Cave National Monument? Tell our readers about your experience in the comments!
Zack M/Tripadvisor
Carl Mazur/Google
Timpanogos Cave National Monument/Facebook
bingz/Tripadvisor
mikey.saltas/flickr
pick-uppath/iStock via Getty Images
Susan M/Tripadvisor
Aaron Hawkins/iStock via Getty Images
Timpanogos National Monument
The regular cave tour is $12 for guests ages 12 and older; $7 for children 11 and younger. Seniors tour the cave for just $6.
Learn more about Timpanogos Cave National Monument on its website, and stay up-to-date on the cave’s opening on its Facebook page.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Timpanogos Cave National Monument, 2038 Alpine Loop Rd, American Fork, UT 84003, USA
