Planning a visit to Provo, Utah? Look no further than our FREE Vacation Guide, where you’ll find great ideas for ways to spend your time in Provo! Be sure to download it to find out more about all the interesting things to do near Hines Mansion, including Timpanogos Cave National Monument, and guarantee yourself a great visit!
Take a Guided Tour
Learn the science behind formations and hear fascinating stories of discovery through a guided tour. This is the only way you can enter the Timpanogos Cave National Monument. The ranger-led hike is considered strenuous and the paved trail is about 1.5 miles one way. Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance to avoid long lines! The full round trip takes about 3 hours.
See Limestone Formations
Immerse yourself in soft greens, reds, yellows, and whites as you are surrounded by over 47 formations, including colored stalactites and helicities (hollow limestone spirals which the caves are famous for)! Take in the mirror-like cave pools for a different perspective as they reflect the formations! Stare in awe as you trek through a variety of sizes and shapes of geological wonders.
Find Ancient Fossils
Around 340 million years ago, a warm shallow sea covered most parts of what later came to be Utah. As small marine animals died, all that remained was their skeletons that settled into sediments. At Timpanogos Cave National Monument, the discovery is yours to make when you come across the fossils of long-extinct creatures! Though coral fossils are most commonly found, marine animal fossils are often found at the entrance to the Hansen Cave and inside the cave.
Enjoy an Evening Program
For a unique experience at these caves, rangers also offer free evening programs at the visitor center Friday and Saturday evenings! From snakes to birds of prey, from fire ecology to campfire sing-a-longs, there’s something offered for everyone to enjoy! You can even hear guest speakers tell compelling stories about Timpanogos Cave and learn the history of American Fork Canyon. These programs are held from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Check the park’s Things to Do section for more up to date information.
Kick Up Your Feet After a Day of Hiking
After an exhausting day spent hiking the Timpanogos Cave National Monument, you can come back to find comfort and relaxation at Provo’s only luxury bed and breakfast, Hines Mansion! With 9 luxurious suites of your choosing, you can indulge yourself with all the amenities that we offer, including comfortable robes, a two-person jetted tub, and a delicious hot gourmet breakfast.
Our Winter Dreams room is a favorite among guests. You will feel like royalty, as you soak away your cares in the jetted tub, and sleep in the comfortable queen-sized four-poster bed. With its own private bathroom, among other amenities. After you view the Winter Dreams room, take a video tour of the inn!