Elevation gain:5,384ft
Mileage: ~15 Miles RT
Summit: 11,752ft, the 2nd highest mountain in Utah
Difficulty: Hard, strenuous – due to altitude, elevation gain, and ~1.5 miles ea way of an unstable, tortuous, talus field
Happened to be in the area and made the spontaneous decision to hike Mount Timpanogos via the Aspen Grove Trailhead. So glad I did. By far, Mount Timp (as the locals call it) is my new, all-time favorite hike / peak. And I’ve done a ton of hiking across the country and around the world. I couldn’t stop smiling all the way to the 11,752-foot summit and back. Ok, maybe my smile was a bit of a grimace through the 1.5 miles back and forth across the treacherous talus strewn avalanche field. Rest assured, the grimace quickly reverted to ear to ear, exuberant glee once I reached the summit and then again as I descended back down to the lake.
What’s make Mount Timpanogos so wonderful, you ask? Well, the title gave it way, but in case you missed it:
- Abundant colorful, wildflowers of more varieties than I’ve ever seen
- Dazzling waterfalls around nearly very switchback
- Pristine alpine lake and snow field a couple miles from the summit
- Muscular mountain goats guarding the upper slopes and frolicking by the lake
- 5,384 ft elevation gain in altitude delivers a fitness challenge and solid workout
- Sweeping views of Utah Valley from the saddle and spectacular panoramic views from the summit
This hike had it all—absolutely enchanting.
Started the trail in a steady rain, and walked up a verdant paved path for about a mile and a half or so before the pavement gave way to the elements. Plentiful wildflowers and sparkling waterfalls distracted from the effort of the climb and the sun’s radiance soon highlighted all of the beauty, mist rising. The trail is easy to follow with plenty of switchbacks to help mitigate the elevation gain. It felt almost tropical at times.
The lovely Hidden Lake Basin and Emerald Lake are destinations for many, including the mountain goats.
Those who push on beyond the mile and ½ talus torture field and onward and upward still, are well rewarded at the summit.
Pay your respects to the kings of the mountain along the way. If you have good eyesight, you might spy the summit hut from thousands of feet below. It’s a bit daunting and exciting because it seems so far away, almost out of reach.
From the summit, you’ll take in dizzying 360 degree views of Utah Valley and Utah Lake to the west, Lone Peak and American Fork Twin Peaks to the north and expansive views everywhere in between.
Disclaimer: I experienced Mt. Timp in her July glory. I was told by locals that I wouldn’t recognize her in the Fall when the waterfalls are dry, the wildflowers have disappeared, and the green meadows have turned to yellow hay. Others report that Fall colors are nice here. Someday, perhaps I’ll be back to see for myself. In the meantime, if you’ve been in another season, let me know what it was like.
Notes: I’d say hiking shoes are a must to navigate the talus field. There were some hard core, ultra runners in trail runners. (I know – WOW!) Hiking poles are also a nice to have, given the elevation gain and loss. Layers are always smart at altitude. Be aware of weather changes and avalanche danger.
Getting there: I-15N to Pleasant Grove, exit 275. Follow N County Blvd and UT-92 E to the Aspen Grove Trailhead.
Stay tuned: I’ll be posting the videos soon!
Happy trails!
