Mount Timpanogos is an iconic view from the Heber Valley and a favorite hike among locals. It has the best of what hikes in the Wasatch Range have to offer: wildlife like mountain goats and moose, wildflowers, waterfalls, a lake, and a view that’s hard to beat. Taking on average 8 – 12 hours to hike, it is a challenge, but well worth it.
Be Prepared
Mount Timpanogos is a hike of over 14 miles round trip with 4,425 – 5,375 elevation gain, depending on the trail. I recommend bringing at least 2 liters of water and a water filter to refill at Emerald Lake. Leave early to avoid hiking up the exposed cliff at the end of the trail in the heat of the day, and pack enough snacks to keep your energy up and a blister kit just in case.
The peak can be windy and chilly, so bring a jacket so you can take your time enjoying the view. If you want to catch the wildflowers at their peak, the best time to hike Timpanogos is mid to late July. This hike can be done in a day, though many people backpack and stay the night.
Choose Your Trail
If you want to reach the summit of Timpanogos, there are two trailheads you can take: Timpooneke or Aspen Grove. Both are beautiful hikes, but the differences below will help you choose. They meet near the top of the mountain at the saddle, and you may enjoy the hike so much that you come back for the other route.
Timpooneke Trailhead
Don’t wait until the last minute to decide on which trail to take, or you may miss your chance to use the Timpooneke trailhead. Parking spaces are limited, so if you are hiking on Saturday, Sunday, or a holiday, you will need to reserve a spot beforehand at recreation.gov. Most parking reservations are released a month before, and the rest are released two days before. Check the website for release times and be ready at your computer because they go quickly, especially the spots released two days before.
The Timpooneke trail has less elevation gain than the Aspen Grove trail, but it is still non-stop uphill the entire way. You will climb over the “Giant Steps” created by glaciers and pass through a large meadow full of wildflowers. Although you will see some wildflowers on the Aspen Grove trail, if you are there for the flowers, Timpooneke is the best option. This trail has a few fun detours to take along the way if you have the energy.
Scout Falls Detour
Scout Falls is just a few yards off the main trail, and it is an enchanting little waterfall, so don’t skip checking it out! There are moss gardens on the cliff face, and you can walk right under the falls. You know you are going the right way if you have to climb over a bunch of exposed roots. Just 1.4 miles from the Timpooneke Trailhead, Scout Falls is a pleasant hike if you are not feeling up to the strenuous climb to the summit.
Emerald Lake Detour
Emerald Lake is a worthwhile stop on your way to the top, especially if you need to filter water. If you are on the Timpooneke trail, it will add a couple of miles to your trek, but you pass right by it on the Aspen Grove trail.
Bomber Peak Detour
In 1955, a World War II bomber crashed on Timpanogos while on a training flight. You can still see remains of the crash in the Timpanogos Basin. Much of the crash may be covered in snow depending on the time of year. Remember to be respectful to the site and leave the wreckage as it is. You can also find the wreckage from the Aspen Grove trail.
Aspen Grove Trailhead
The Aspen Grove Trailhead is the original path to the summit of Mount Timpanogos. If you just want to go to Emerald Lake and not the summit, this trail is the most direct route. It also goes by other water features like First Falls and Timp Falls. Another advantage is that you don’t need to reserve a parking spot ahead of time. It shares the lot with the Stewart Falls trailhead, so be sure to take the right split in the trail so you don’t need to do any backtracking. Stewart Falls is another excellent hike to try if you end up back in the area.
Reach the Summit
After a long, strenuous trek up the mountain, you will reach the saddle right before the peak, which is a great place to take a break and admire the stunning view. The final climb to the top is worth it, though, with even more expansive views of Utah Lake, Kennecott Copper Mine, the Great Salt Lake, the Heber Valley, and Deer Creek.
Personal Observations from Nancy’s Summit on August 17, 2024
My 25-year-old son and I summited Mt. Timpanogos a year ago. We took the Aspen Grove Trail, which is located near Sundance Resort and a shorter drive for those of us who live in the Wasatch Back. We left my house at 3:00 am, and the parking lot was almost full by the time we arrived about an hour later. It was still pitch black outside and I will never forget the surreal view of the hikers already midway up the mountain. All you could see were the lights of their headlamps. Many people start the hike at midnight to arrive at the summit by sunrise.
The day we summited was not that warm, and I brought more water than I actually needed (about 2 liters). We used hiking poles, which were especially helpful on the way down. Although it is a challenging hike, it’s not very steep until you get past the saddle. We saw kids under 10 who made it to the top.
Kelsey is right about the views. They are spectacular.
We saw some clouds rolling in, and I suggested to my son that we high-tail it to the bottom. But it’s a long way down. Even though we were efficient in our hiking speed, a thunderstorm rolled in as we arrived back to the tree line. The last 3 hours of our hike were spent in the pouring rain, slipping in mud, and avoiding the lightning cracking above our heads. Our total time was just over 9 hours, which was pretty impressive with a stop for lunch at the top.
Would I do it again?
Once you pass the tree line, the hike is not very pretty. It’s full of boulders and snow, even in the summer. The hike to Emerald Lake is beautiful, and I would likely stop there. But you must summit Timpanogos at least once to take in the view and for the bragging rights!
Have you done it? Any insider tips?