Twisty helictites growing off a stalactite

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

National Monument ยท Utah

NPS/Ryan R Maurer

๐Ÿ“ StateUtah
๐Ÿ›๏ธ TypeNational Monument
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Entry$12
๐Ÿƒ Activities4
Official NPS Website โ†’

National monument in Utah, United States

Timpanogos Cave National Monument is a United States National Monument protecting the Timpanogos Cave Historic District and a cave system in the cliffs of American Fork Canyon in the Wasatch Range, near Highland, Utah, in the United States. The site is managed by the National Park Service. The 1.5-mile-long (2.4ย km) trail to the cave entrance gains 1,092 feet (333ย m) in elevation, but it is paved and fairly wide, making it accessible for most people. The three caves of the system, one of which is specifically called Timpanogos Cave, are only viewable on guided tours when the monument is open, usually from May through September depending on snow conditions and funding. There is the standard tour going through the cave system, and an Introduction to Caving tour that teaches Leave No Trace caving and goes further into Hansen Cave.

WikipediaWikidataSource: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

About Timpanogos Cave National Monument

The visitor center, caves, and cave tours have not yet opened for the 2026 season. Hike your way past stunning vistas to explore a hidden underground world. Taste the thrill of caving as you twist and bend to enter beautifully decorated rooms. Learn the science behind formations and hear stories of cave exploration and preservation. Experience and discover as you go โ€“ geologic mysteries await

Park Photos

Twisty helictites growing off a stalactite
Visitors gaze at delicate cave formations in Timpanogos Cave's Chimes Chamber
Two cavers look at large formations in Hansen Cave
Utah Valley beyond the steep cliffs and fir trees of American Fork Canyon
White-orange quartzite surrounded by greenery stands against a blue sky

Activities

Operating Hours

Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is currently open for the season.

montuewedthufrisatsun
7:00AM - 5:30PM7:00AM - 5:30PM7:00AM - 5:30PM7:00AM - 5:30PM7:00AM - 5:30PM7:00AM - 5:30PM7:00AM - 5:30PM

Cave Tours

Cave tours are available generally late-May through early October.

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7:00AM - 3:30PM7:00AM - 3:30PM7:00AM - 3:30PM7:00AM - 3:30PM7:00AM - 3:30PM7:00AM - 3:30PM7:00AM - 3:30PM

Picnic Areas

Picnic areas and Canyon Nature Trail are open year round (weather permitting). For up to date information, visit https://www.nps.gov/tica.

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Sunrise - 10:00PMSunrise - 10:00PMSunrise - 10:00PMSunrise - 10:00PMSunrise - 10:00PMSunrise - 10:00PMSunrise - 10:00PM

Administrative Building

Please Note: Visitors interested in cave tours are not required to stop at this building. Weekend closures of this facility do not affect cave tour operations. This administrative building contains the PIV/CAC credentialing station and park administrative offices. During the winter season, we recommend calling in advance to ensure staff availability. The building is closed on all federal holidays.

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9:00AM - 4:00PM9:00AM - 4:00PM9:00AM - 4:00PM9:00AM - 4:00PM9:00AM - 4:00PMClosedClosed

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Timpanogos Cave National Monument?

Timed Entry Reservation - Location: $12.00. Open seasonally depending on weather. Caves cannot be accessed without a ticket. Tickets are between $2.00 and $12.00 depending on age and are 50% off for the passholder only with a Senior or Access Pass. This tour spends 55 minutes inside of the cave system with a ranger walking along a 1/3 mile trail. There are multiple stairs and places you must bend and twist. Visitors on this tour will see Hansen Cave, Middle Cave, and Timpanogos Cave. Timed Entry Reservation - Location: $17.00. Open seasonally depending on weather. Caves cannot be accessed without a ticket. Spend an hour inside the Timpanogos Cave System with a ranger on a lantern guided tour. Discover what early explorers experienced as they traveled through the dark passages of the cave. Hear stories of early exploration and marvel at the caveโ€™s geology by the glow of your lantern and experience the caves in a way that hasn't been done in decades. This tour is limited to those 7 years of age and older. Timed Entry Reservation - Location: $22.00. Open seasonally depending on weather. Caves cannot be accessed without a ticket. With a helmet and headlamp you are ready to experience Hansen Cave in its natural state. With a ranger, you'll scramble and sometimes even crawl on the trail leading to Hansen Cave Lake, along the same route Martin Hansen conducted tours in the late 1800s. The tour is considered strenuous. Must be 14 years of age or older to participate.

What are the best activities at Timpanogos Cave National Monument?

Popular activities at Timpanogos Cave National Monument include: Caving, Guided Tours, Hiking, Junior Ranger Program.

What is the weather like at Timpanogos Cave National Monument?

Although inside the caves its always 43-48 F, temperatures on the cave trail can range from the 30s up to above 100 degrees F, depending on time of year. Carrying drinking water is a necessity, especially in summer. In the mountains, weather sometimes presents interesting challenges. The cave and cave trail do not close due to rain, unless that rain is heavy enough to bring rockfall. They will close due to high winds/rockfall, or in lightning storms. Call the visitor center if you have specific concerns.

How do I get to Timpanogos Cave National Monument?

From I-15: Take Exit 284 (Alpine-Highland exit), turn east on State Highway 92 and proceed ten miles (16km) to the monument. UT 40 or U.S. 189: Travel UT 189 through Provo Canyon, west on Orem 800 North (UT 52). After 2.4 miles turn right on State Street UT- 89. After 3.8 miles, turn onto Pleasant Grove 100 East (UT 146). Stay on this road for almost five miles, as it turns in Canyon Road and takes you to the mouth of American Fork Canyon. Turn right up American Fork Canyon to visitor center.

Entrance Fees

Timed Entry Reservation - Location$12

Open seasonally depending on weather. Caves cannot be accessed without a ticket. Tickets are between $2.00 and $12.00 depending on age and are 50% off for the passholder only with a Senior or Access Pass. This tour spends 55 minutes inside of the cave system with a ranger walking along a 1/3 mile trail. There are multiple stairs and places you must bend and twist. Visitors on this tour will see Hansen Cave, Middle Cave, and Timpanogos Cave.

Timed Entry Reservation - Location$17

Open seasonally depending on weather. Caves cannot be accessed without a ticket. Spend an hour inside the Timpanogos Cave System with a ranger on a lantern guided tour. Discover what early explorers experienced as they traveled through the dark passages of the cave. Hear stories of early exploration and marvel at the caveโ€™s geology by the glow of your lantern and experience the caves in a way that hasn't been done in decades. This tour is limited to those 7 years of age and older.

Timed Entry Reservation - Location$22

Open seasonally depending on weather. Caves cannot be accessed without a ticket. With a helmet and headlamp you are ready to experience Hansen Cave in its natural state. With a ranger, you'll scramble and sometimes even crawl on the trail leading to Hansen Cave Lake, along the same route Martin Hansen conducted tours in the late 1800s. The tour is considered strenuous. Must be 14 years of age or older to participate.

Weather

Although inside the caves its always 43-48 F, temperatures on the cave trail can range from the 30s up to above 100 degrees F, depending on time of year. Carrying drinking water is a necessity, especially in summer. In the mountains, weather sometimes presents interesting challenges. The cave and cave trail do not close due to rain, unless that rain is heavy enough to bring rockfall. They will close due to high winds/rockfall, or in lightning storms. Call the visitor center if you have specific concerns.

Directions

From I-15: Take Exit 284 (Alpine-Highland exit), turn east on State Highway 92 and proceed ten miles (16km) to the monument. UT 40 or U.S. 189: Travel UT 189 through Provo Canyon, west on Orem 800 North (UT 52). After 2.4 miles turn right on State Street UT- 89. After 3.8 miles, turn onto Pleasant Grove 100 East (UT 146). Stay on this road for almost five miles, as it turns in Canyon Road and takes you to the mouth of American Fork Canyon. Turn right up American Fork Canyon to visitor center.

๐Ÿ“ View on Google Maps โ†’

Location

State(s)
Coordinates40.4404, -111.7094

Official Resources

NPS Official Website