Postcard of Mount Timpanogos, 1950

View of Mount Timpanogos from Provo,Ut

“Mount Timpanogos is the impressive wall that dominates the landscape on the northeast side of Utah Valley. It is one of Utah’s most recognizable mountains, and perhaps Utah’s most popular mountain hiking destination. At 11,749 feet, it is the second-highest summit of the Wasatch Mountains (only Mt Nebo is higher).

Two trails are commonly used to reach the summit. The first is the Aspen Grove Trail, which runs 8.3 miles one way, starting at the Theater-in-the-Pines picnic area on the mountain’s east side. That trail is very scenic and passes several waterfalls.

The Timpooneke Trail also leads to the summit, extending about 7.5 miles one way from the Timpooneke Campground in American Fork Canyon. Horses are allowed on the Timpooneke Trail, but not on the Aspen Grove trail.

Wildflowers are spectacular along both trails, as are fall colors. Wildlife is often seen along both trails, including a herd of mountain goats. A snowfield on top of the mountain never melts (it is commonly called a glacier, but that is technically incorrect). Daytime temperatures along the trail are usually warm during summer, but it can get very chilly at high altitudes during stormy weather and at night, so dress in layers and bring a jacket. Light hiking boots are recommended footwear.” *

Mount Timpanogos is evident of glacial activity that has carved the mountain and surprisingly these glaciers have only recently disappeared as of 1930. However, a large crack that opened below the north slope in 1994 exposed glacial ice underground. Emerald Lake is not far below and it continues to carry the blue hue that comes from melting glacial ice, indicating that the ice is potentially still moving but not at a rate of any note worthy concern.

Those looking for some more history can take a short side path while heading to the summit that passes by the crash site of 1955 B-25 bomber used in World War ll.

Though hiking has always been one of the biggest draws to the mount, it hasn’t always been good for Timpanogos. Before 1970 a hiking event occurred for 59 years known as “Timp Hike”. This wildly popular event brought thousands to the mountain for the day. With the level of popularity, infrastructure was needed to accommodate.  Both of these began to have a negative effect on the environment on Timpanogos. As such, the event was done away with and the mountain declared an official wilderness area by Congress.