Plunge deep into the caves of the Wasatch mountains with an experienced guide, or take it easy with a simple picnic under the trees.
The underground caves are one of the main attractions of Timpanogos Cave National Monument in American Fork Canyon. This corner of the Wasatch Mountain State Park is popular with hikers and explorers, as well as lovers of wildlife and nature.The 101-hectare park has three main underground sites to explore. Hansen Cave is named after the explorer Martin Hansen, who discovered it in 1887. Man-made tunnels have since been constructed to link it to Middle and Timpanogos caves, making it possible to visit all three caves on a single tour and see the spectacular helictites that spring from the cave floor in a riot of calcite crystals.The caves are only accessible as part of an official tour led by an experienced park ranger. Tours run daily throughout the summer months and last around one hour. You’ll need to wear sensible shoes to hike the 2.4-kilometre trail to the start of the cave complex, reaching heights of 2,000 metres above sea level in places. Bring a torch to illuminate the extraordinary rock formations and colourful crystals of the cave interiors.If you prefer to stay above ground in the great outdoors, there are plenty of trails which offer spectacular views over the Utah Valley and bring you in close contact with the birds and mammals of this rugged terrain. Keep your eyes peeled for mountain lions and moose, scan the horizon for falcons and try to spot dainty, colourful hummingbirds as they flit from tree to tree.Timpanogos Cave National Monument is a 40-minute drive from Salt Lake City and is not served by public transport. Tours should be booked in advance, especially at peak times. Vehicles are charged a park entrance fee, which is valid for several days. Items such as clothing, cameras and rucksacks that have previously been used in a cave or mine should not be taken into the park, to prevent the spread of a disease that affects bats if in doubt, ask before you visit. The park is closed at night and during the winter months.
