Mount Timpanogos

Mountain Wasatch Range peak popular for hiking and alpine wildflowers

Rising above Utah Valley near Provo, Mount Timpanogos draws hikers to the Timpooneke and Aspen Grove trails for alpine meadows, seasonal wildflowers and a steep summit scramble; nearby Timpanogos Cave National Monument and valley panoramas make it a popular day trip.

Main image

Mount Timpanogos is a prominent peak in Utah’s Wasatch Range, rising to 11,752 feet (3,582 meters) above Utah Valley. It is one of the range’s most visited mountains for hiking and mountaineering.

Hiking routes approach from the west via American Fork Canyon (Timpooneke trailhead) and from the south via Aspen Grove; both routes are commonly used and can be long, strenuous day hikes or overnight trips. The upper mountain features alpine meadows, talus slopes and a narrow, partially exposed summit ridge that requires a short scramble.

The mountain has long been a regional landmark and recreation destination; trails and mountain facilities developed through the 20th century as outdoor recreation in Utah expanded. Seasonal trail use peaks in summer when snow has melted from higher elevations.

Mount Timpanogos rises on the western edge of the Wasatch Range above cities and suburbs of Utah Valley, near American Fork, Orem and Provo. The mountain dominates valley views and is accessed from canyon roads that cut into the range from the valley floor.

  • Elevation: Summit elevation is 11,752 feet (3,582 meters), making it one of the highest peaks in the Wasatch Range and a prominent landmark above Utah Valley.
  • Season and route notes: Best hiking season is late spring through early autumn; snow can persist on higher slopes into summer and the final sections near the summit include steep talus and a short exposed scramble.

What to See #

  • Timpooneke (American Fork Canyon) trailhead: Timpooneke (American Fork Canyon) trailhead provides the most direct access to the summit and is widely used by hikers seeking a multi-day or long day route.
  • Aspen Grove trailhead: Aspen Grove (south/southeast approaches) trailhead offers an alternate route with classic alpine meadows and seasonal wildflower displays.
Mount Timpanogos
Mount Timpanogos (American Fork Canyon area), Utah, USA
40.3908, -111.6458

How to Get to Mount Timpanogos #

Mount Timpanogos is accessed from the Utah Valley side via American Fork Canyon (State Route 92). From Orem/Provo drive east onto SR‑92 (American Fork Canyon road) toward the Timpooneke trailhead; the drive from Provo/Orem to Timpooneke generally takes about 25-40 minutes. From Salt Lake City expect roughly a 45-60 minute drive.

There is parking at the Timpooneke trailhead and other trailheads (e.g., Aspen Grove) where the hike begins; the summit approach is a multi‑mile hike from these trailhead parking areas (trailheads are essentially at the start of the walking route).

Tips for Visiting Mount Timpanogos #

  • Use the Timpooneke (American Fork Canyon) trailhead for the standard summit route; its trailhead parking fills early so plan to arrive before dawn on busy summer weekends.
  • Book Timpanogos Cave National Monument tours in advance if you want to visit the cave complex separately - tour availability is limited and runs on a schedule that can differ from hiking access.
  • Start early to avoid Wasatch afternoon thunderstorms and be aware that lingering snow/ice can persist into summer on higher sections; many hikers underestimate alpine weather and elevation gain on the upper slopes.

Best Time to Visit Mount Timpanogos #

Plan visits in mid-summer (July-September) for the clearest, safest hiking conditions.

Summer (best for hiking)
July-September · 0-25°C
Trails are generally clear of snow, wildflowers appear in early summer, and conditions are most favorable for day hikes.
Winter and spring snow season
October-June · -15-5°C
Heavy winter snow and late-season snowmelt make routes snowy, icy, or closed; winter skills and equipment are required.

Weather & Climate near Mount Timpanogos #

Climate

Mount Timpanogos's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -13°C to 20°C. Moderate rainfall (590 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
20°
Warmest Month
-13°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-12°

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-13°

Weather

54 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-12°

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-10°

Weather

43 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-6°

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
20°

Weather

47 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
20°

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
16°

Weather

47 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3° 10°

Weather

50 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-8°

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -12°C. The wettest month with 55 mm of rain.

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-12°

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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