Mount Timpanogos Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

A beautiful trail with stunning views of the Wasatch range as you climb through open meadows and aspen forests past a number of small waterfalls until ascending to the summit of Mt. Timpanogos.

Timpooneke Trail #053 is a beautiful trail that climbs steadily up the Giant Staircase to connect in with both the Timpanogos Summit Trail #054 and the Mount Timpanogos Trail #052 trail. A couple of waterfalls can be seen from this trail.

The Timpooneke Trail #053 begins at the large parking lot and stock loading ramp in Timpooneke Campground in the South Fork of American Fork Canyon, Highway 92, Alpine Scenic Loop. It begins in an aspen forest and goes past a beautiful forest meadow and mountain stream. Approximately 1-1/2 miles from the beginning, the trail passes Scout Falls where there is a rustic overlook. For those desiring only a short run, this is a good turnaround point.

The trail continues up the Giant Staircase, passing a number of small falls and open meadows. As the trail climbs higher, it crosses a number of rocky slopes, eventually entering a large open basin below the final ridge to Emerald Lake. But before this final ridge climb, take a right on Timpanogos Summit Trail #054.

The Summit Trail proceeds across a large rocky slope at an easy grade but then becomes steeper on the many switchbacks up to the summit house where spectacular views can be seen in every direction.

Once beyond the summit of Mount Timpanogos, you can either turn around or continue and make your way down the Snowfield Descent. Be prepared with the proper safety equipment and knowledge before attempting a descent over the snowfield above Emerald Lake.

Once at the base of the Snowfield Descent, make your way over the ridge to your left on the Mount Timpanogos Trail #052 to rejoin the Timpooneke Trail #053 and return to the trailhead.

Timpooneke Trail and the Timponogos summit are known for providing hikers close encounters with Mountain Goats. While they can be cute, please avoid all contact or attempts to touch the wildlife. Hikers nearing the summit may have the opportunity to spot the American Pika, as well as Uinta Ground Squirrels. In the lower, woody elevations, Mule Deer, Elk, Moose, Bobcat, and Mountain Lion. Black Bears have been known to visit American Fork Canyon on occasion, but they are rare.