How do I get to Timpanogos Cave National Monument?
From I-15: If you are arriving via Interstate 15, take Exit 284 (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: From Heber City or driving through Provo Canyon - Travel U.S. 189 through Provo Canyon, turning west onto Orem 800 North (UT 52), then after 2.4 miles turn right onto State Street (Hwy 89). After 3.8 miles, turn onto Pleasant Grove 100 East (UT 146). Stay on this road for almost five miles, as it turns in Canyon Road and takes you to the mouth of American Fork Canyon. When the road ends, turn right into the canyon (UT92) and drive up the canyon to the visitor center.
An alternate way to travel is through Provo Canyon traveling on U.S. 40 or U.S. 189, but 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 recommended on the Alpine Scenic Loop. This route, while more scenic, takes more time. The Alpine Scenic Loop is closed during the winter. more...
When are the caves open?
The caves are open for cave tours mid-May through mid-October, weather permitting. The cave trail and caves are closed in the winter. more...
What are the Visitor Center hours?
The visitor center is open May through mid - October from 7:00 am - 5:30 pm. more...
How much does it cost for a cave tour?
$12.00 for adults (12 and older)
$7.00 for juniors (ages 2-11)
$2.00 for children (ages newborn-1)
$22.00 Introduction to Caving Tour
$6.00 for seniors with Golden Age or Senior Passes, and for persons with Golden Access or Access Passes. more...
Does my America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass or my Annual Pass for Military cover cave tour fees?
No. Although your American the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass and your Annual Pass for Military will cover the fee to enter American Fork Canyon and for entrance fees to other National Parks, the pass does not cover use fees, such as cave tours. more...
Does the monument give senior or other discounts?
Half-off cave tour price is available to those holding a Golden Age or Senior Pass and Golden Access or Access Pass.
Are group discounts available?
No.
Can I purchase cave tickets in advance?
Yes. Because cave tour tickets frequently sell out, especially on weekends and holidays, advance purchases are encouraged. Tour tickets may be purchased up to 30 days in advance online through www.recreation.gov or by calling at (877)444-6777.
Can the caves be entered without a guide?
For the protection of the caves and visitors, all visitors touring the caves must be with a guide and have a cave tour ticket.
Are the caves and cave trail wheelchair accessible?
Due to the steep grade of the cave trail and the narrow passages and stairs in the caves, the caves and cave trail are not wheelchair accessible. A free, full length cave tour is available to view on this website, as well as displays about the cave at the fully accessible visitor center.
Where do you get tickets and start the hike?
Cave tour tickets may be purchased through www.recreation.gov. Any remaining tickets for the day become available for purchase when the visitor center opens that day, either in person or online at recreation.gov. The cave trail starts at the visitor center.
Is there a fee to hike on the cave trail?
No. A fee is required for a cave tour, but not to hike the cave trail for exercise or for a nice canyon hike.
How long is the hike and cave tour?
You should plan on three to four hours for the cave tour and hike. One and a half hours to hike up, an hour in the caves, and half to one hour to hike down.
The trail is 1-1/2 miles long. No strollers (or other wheeled vehicles including wheelchairs) are allowed on the trail, due to the steep grade. Pets are also not allowed on the cave trail. Service animals are allowed on the cave trail and in the caves, as per the Americans with Disabilities Act; emotional support animals are not allowed. All children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. It is advisable to bring plenty of drinking water, as no drinking water is available on the trail or at the caves. Bring a jacket or sweatshirt; it is 45 degrees in the cave.
Can we take pictures in the caves?
Yes. Camera tripods or monopods are not allowed in the caves.
What other items are not permitted in the cave?
Walking sticks, baby strollers, pets, food, candy, tobacco, or drink are not permitted in the cave. Canes needed for mobility are allowed.
What should I bring to visit the caves?
The caves are around 45oF (11oC) year round, so a light jacket or long-sleeved shirt is recommended. The trail and cave features are electrically lit, but bring a flashlight if you like. Wear good shoes for the long hike up to the caves, and bring plenty of water to drink.
Where are the caves? Can they be seen from the Visitor Center?
The caves are located 1,092 feet above the visitor center, on the same side of the canyon, but cannot be seen from the visitor center. The entrance shelter can be seen from various points along Highway 92, or from the Canyon Nature Trail.
Why do I have to wait before hiking up to the caves?
There are only 16 people allowed per tour and the waiting area just outside the caves does not accommodate large groups for long periods of time.
Can we bring food on the cave trail?
Visitors are welcome to bring snacks and eat along the trail. Food or beverages are not allowed inside the caves. Benches are available along the cave trail.
What else can I do at the park?
The visitor center has an exhibits, a man-made cave, and a book sales area. A free Junior Ranger booklet is available upon request at the visitor center. The Canyon Nature Trail, a ¼ mile walk, begins across the street from the visitor center at the crosswalk. Free ranger programs including evening programs on Saturdays, and Junior Ranger programs on Saturdays, offered from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Two picnic areas are located in the monument: River View Picnic Area is across the street from the visitor center (park at the visitor center and use the crosswalk), and Swinging Bridge Picnic area located ¼ mile down the canyon on the north side of the road (parking on site or park at the visitor center and walk down the Canyon Nature Trail).
Can I fish in the monument?
Yes, but you do need a valid state fishing license.
Does Timpanogos Cave National Monument offer evening programs and Junior Ranger programs?
Yes. Evening programs are offered Saturday at 7p.m. at the visitor center (unless otherwise noted), starting Memorial Day running into September. Junior Ranger programs are offered on Saturdays, Memorial Day through Labor Day. For more information check this website, the schedule in the canyon newspaper, or call the Visitor Center at 801-756-5239.
Does the Monument have picnic areas?
Two picnic areas are located in the monument: River View Picnic Area, across the street from visitor center and Swinging Bridge Picnic Area, ¼ mile down the canyon on the north side of the road. Both picnic areas can be used free of charge. Up the canyon many picnic areas are available in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest (North Fork Road), for a fee.
Are there any campgrounds at the Monument?
No. Campgrounds are located in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest farther up the canyon. Reservations can be made with Recreation.gov at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Little Mill Campground is the closest to the monument. For more information on camping in the surrounding forest click here.
