Everything you need to know about the iconic Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Timpanogos Cave National Monument is a must-see for avid hikers and adventure junkies. This trail-and-cave combo holds rich historical significance and is sure to be a memorable experience for everyone. Its history extends all the way back to the Gold Rush prospecting era, even though the cave was not discovered until much later. The paved hiking trail is perfect for adventurers of all ages. It boasts beautiful views of the Mt. Timpanogos valley, and the fact that only parts of it have guard rails gives the whole experience a slightly more dangerous vibe. The constant incline of the trail provides a great workout, while the cave at the top serves as a great opportunity to cool off. Some locals use the trail as their morning workout, and they love seeing their little slice of heaven enjoyed by people from all over the world. Don’t miss out on your chance to hike in one of the most beautiful areas of the country and see one of the best-preserved caves in the world.

The History

Timpanogos Cave was discovered by accident in the summer of 1913. Two teenage boys, who were on a tour of a nearby popular cave, left their group to go exploring on their own. After traipsing around in the Utah wilderness, they noticed an odd-looking rock. When they tried to dig it out of the sand, the rock tumbled backward into a black hole that seemingly came out of nowhere. This hole would eventually become Timpanogos Cave! The boys kept it a secret for eight years. During that time, the newly discovered cave was only a rumor, and the boys never returned to it again. In 1921, curiosity got the best of an adventure addict named Vearl Manwill. He was determined to find out if the rumors were true. Ironically, Vearl re-discovered Timpanogos Cave the same exact way the boys did eight years ago: by attempting to dig a rock out of the sand, only for it to tumble back into a dark opening. Ever since, the contents of Timpanogos Cave have been preserved, and over 80,000 hikers tour the cave yearly.

Hitting the Trail!

Now for the exciting part… Before you tighten your hiking boots and start pounding the pavement, be sure that you reserve your tickets in advance. The cost is $8 for adults 16 and over, $6 for children ages 6-15 years old, $4 for children 3-5 years old, and free for any child under 3! The day of your hike, you can pick your tickets up from the Visitor’s Center, which is where the trail begins and ends. The trail is paved asphalt, but it is a constant incline all the way up to the cave entrance, so it is not for the faint of heart. The whole hike is approximately 3 miles and takes about 3 or 4 hours to complete, including the cave tour. Something important to keep in mind about the hike is that parts of the trail are exposed to the valley. Basically, keep a close eye on children and stay away from the edge of the trail: the drop-off is steep, and a few people have died from accidental falls. Along the way, there are plenty of areas to take breaks, drink water, and enjoy the beautiful views.

The Cave Tour

The cave tour can host up to only 16 people at a time, due to the confined space. The entrance to the cave is at the end of the trail. There are plenty of lockers for you to stow backpacks, water bottles, or any other personal belongings that you’d like to leave behind. If you don’t feel comfortable leaving your backpack behind, the tour guides recommend that you simply wear your backpack in front of you. The cave can get pretty narrow at spots, so bring only the essentials. There are also bathrooms outside the cave entrance, so you’re not caught in between a rock and a hard place if you have to go. Also, the tour guides suggest wearing a headlamp, but it isn’t necessary; both the front and back guide wear headlamps, so there is plenty of light. During the tour, be sure that you don’t touch the walls of the cave. This ensures that the natural beauty is preserved, and tours can continue for as long as possible. Wear a sweater, too! Temperatures in the cave can dip to 40 degrees.

How to Get There

Timpanogos Cave is located in northern Utah, about half an hour southeast of Salt Lake City. If you’re tech-savvy, use your favorite maps app to find your way to the Visitor’s Center. If you prefer to get places the old-fashioned way, take note of which direction you are coming from. If you’re coming from Salt Lake City, take I-15 south. Take exit 284 for Highland/Alpine. When you get off the exit, turn left onto UT-92 East, also known as Timpanogos Highway. Stay on this road for 12.5 miles. You’ll reach a ranger station where you will need to buy a 3-day pass, which is only $6. After purchasing your pass, continue straight for 2.3 miles, and the parking lot will be on your right.

On the other hand, if you are coming from the south, take I-15 north. Take Exit 275 for Pleasant Grove Blvd and turn right as soon as you get off the highway. When you reach the first stoplight, turn left onto 2000 W/N County Blvd, and stay on this road for 5.5 miles. The name of this road changes a few times along the way, so don’t be alarmed, just continue straight. Turn right onto UT-92 North and follow it for 6 miles. This is where you’ll reach the fee station and continue straight to the parking lot.

It’s easy to see that the Timpanogos Cave provides unforgettable experiences for people of all ages. Whether you’re young or old, or you enjoy beautiful views rather than dangerous risks, there is something for everyone. If you arrive prepared, your experience as a whole will be satisfying. You’ll get breathtaking views, an invigorating hike, and an exciting cave tour. Some important things to remember that seem like random tidbits of information are as follows: Reserve your tickets before you leave. You can reserve your tickets by visiting the Timpanogos Cave website.




Only bring the essentials with you: water, a sweatshirt, and a camera if you’d like to capture the views you’ll see along the way.

Be prepared for parts of the trail that are exposed to the valley. Tell any children coming with you to stay away from the edge of the path.

Lastly, have fun! The Timpanogos Cave is a memorable experience. Enjoy every bit of it.

9 Spring Family Activities in Utah County

Spring in Utah County is no doubt accompanied by loads of fun activities. However, if you are looking forward to some family bonding time, you might be interested in exploring family-friendly activities. Below is a list of 9 affordable family activities you can do while in Utah County.

1. Learn about Utah’s History

Utah County is home to the Native American tribes who besides their fascinating culture also happen to be the state’s original habitats. Therefore, it is no secret that Utah’s cultural history is one of a kind and visitors flock there all year round to explore it.

From well-preserved rock art messages in the ancient dwelling sites and sacred places to the free traditional exhibits at the local museums, you are bound to be captivated by Utah County's rich culture. If you are looking for a memorable experience with your loved ones in Utah this spring, make sure you check out these local museums:

• Provo DUP
• Lehi Hutchings Museum
• Lehi Family Search Center
• Camp Floyd State Park

2. Explore Thanksgiving Point

Thanksgiving Point is a nonprofit garden, farm, and museum complex situated in Lehi, Utah. Initially founded by Alan and his wife Karen in 1995 with the aim of giving back to the community, this spot is now a perfect place to make memories with your family and loved ones.

It has over four different family venues to explore at a relatively cheap price. You can, however, choose to pay $30 (per person) for the Explorer Pass that allows you to visit all their spots in one day.

Of course, there are numerous venues to explore, but if you are looking for an epic spring experience for your family, we would suggest these venues:

• Farm Country
• Butterfly Biosphere
• Museum of Ancient Life
• Ashton Gardens
• Museum of Natural Curiosity

3. Hike Your Way through Utah

With springs bursting back to life and terrain being coated with green growth, Utah County presents no better time to explore and document its beauty.

Another reason why you will enjoy hiking Utah in spring is that the weather is just perfect: it is neither too cold nor too hot. You can, therefore, tag your family along without worrying much about dehydration.

Because of its terrain, Utah is home to tons of hikes. However, if you are looking for family-friendly treks, we would suggest these:

• Dripping Rock
• American Fork Canyon Nature Trail
• Battle Creek Falls
• Buffalo Peak
• Grotto Falls

4. Explore Utah County Parks

Utah County is home to numerous awesome parks. So if you are looking forward to having some memorable spring moments with your family, we advise you to explore some of its great parks. Most of them have playgrounds where you can have an interactive experience with your little ones.

At the end of the day, you will have not only bonded with them but will have also given them a lifetime memory. We recommend the following playgrounds:

• Cory Wride Memorial Park (Eagle Mountain)
• All Together Playground (Orem)
• Neptune Park (Saratoga Springs)
• Wines Park (Lehi)
• North Park (Spanish Fork)
• Discovery Park (Pleasant Grove)

5. Spend a Family Day at BYU Outdoors Unlimited

Brigham Young University avails numerous recreational opportunities to visitors, students, and the entire Utah Valley community. From mountain biking, rafting, skiing, backpacking, or a day off with your family at the park on Saturdays, you can be guaranteed of an epic experience.

Outdoors Unlimited is open throughout spring from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday but remains closed on Sundays. Below are some of the spots you can choose to explore once at BYU:

• BYU Botany Pond
• BYU Bean Museum
• BYU Museum of Paleontology
• BYU Museum of Art
• BYU Museum of People and Cultures
• BYU Planetarium

6. Go For a Picnic

Generally speaking, Utah County has lots of beautiful places perfect for a family outing. Come spring, the beauty is magnified making the experience uniquely different altogether. Although the complexity and nature may vary, these spots below will guarantee you a great time with your family:

• Salem Pond (Salem)
• Highland Glen Park (Highland)
• Nielson’s Grove Park (Orem)
• Red Ledges Picnic Area (Spanish Fork)
• Bicentennial Park (Provo)

7. Take a Drive through Provo Canyon

A drive through Provo Canyon exceeds your simple nature drive. With its breathtaking natural scenes and wildlife, you are assured of a satisfactory experience with your family members.

The deer, elk, and moose sightings are experiences you don’t want to miss. Along your way, you can choose to stop and hike Bridal Veil Falls before heading to the Vivian Park and driving through the South Fork Road to the end as you head home. The experience is simply awesome.

8. Visit the Provo Beach Resort

The Provo Beach Resort has tons of family activities such as bowling, indoor wave machine, miniature croquet, ropes course, arcade games, a carousel, and a toddler town. The wide range of activities ensures that there is fun for everyone, especially for kids. So make sure you tag your little ones along.

The recreational activities are relatively cheap. However, we would recommend you purchase the day pass which gives you day-long access to all activities in the Resort. Explore their official website to acquaint yourself with the offers and activities they have lined up this spring.

9. Indoor Swimming

It sometimes stays cold in Utah, even through April, making outdoor swimming less pleasant. But if you are in for some swimming activities and can hardly wait for summer, we would advise you to try some indoor swimming activities. Check out these spots:

• Provo Rec Center
• Lehi Legacy Center

The best thing about family spring activities in Utah County is that they are relatively cheap and less crowded. You can, therefore, be guaranteed of a wholesome family bonding experience within the scope of your budget. Even so, make sure that you plan your activities early in advance so as to make the most of it. Make sure you explore the respective official websites to book your tickets and acquaint yourself with the lined-up activities.

20 Fun Facts About Utah County

If you are a Utah County resident, there’s definitely plenty to be proud of. Not that the rest of Utah is boring, but there are fun and interesting things that make Utah County especially unique.

Here are 20 fun facts you should know about Utah County:

1. Utah County is the second most populous county in the State

As per the 2010 census, there were 140,602 households, 114,350 families, and 516,654 people residing in Utah. These statistics rank the county as the second most populous in the State.

2. Utah County is the 16th largest in area in the State

The U.S. Census Bureau revealed that the county has an area of 2,144 square miles (5,550 square km) placing Utah County as the 16th largest county statewide. Of the total square miles, 2,003 square miles (5,190 square km) are land while the remaining 141 square miles (370 square km) are water.

3. The county’s name originates from the Native American ‘Ute’ tribe

The State of Utah was created in 1850 and named after the Spanish name ‘Yuta’ from the Ute tribe which simply translates to ‘people of the mountains’ in English. The county is among the seven counties in the US to have the same name as their state. The other 6 include Hawaii, Idaho, Oklahoma, Iowa, Arkansas, and New York. 

4. Provo, Utah is the County Seat

Located 43 miles (69 km) south of Salt Lake City, Provo is the third-largest city in Utah and the largest city in Utah County. This city also happens to be the County Seat (administrative center).

5. Utah County is home to approximately 20% of Utah’s population

Utah County holds 19.6% of Utah’s total residents. When merged with the Salt Lake County (with 36.7% of Utah’s population), the two counties make 56% of the total population of Utah.

6. Utah County is the fourth fastest-growing county in the country

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Utah County has grown by 17.4% since the 2010 census –ranking it fourth in terms of growth rate in the entire county. The other three fastest-growing counties include Wasatch, Morgan, and Washington counties.

7. Utah County is the youngest median age county in the State

The county has an average age of 24.4 making the county youngest in the entire state. It is followed by Cache County with an average age of 25. Utah County is also the sixth youngest county in the country, right behind the Chattahoochee County in Georgia.

8. The county has new population estimates of 606,425

According to new population data estimates released on July 1st, 2017, Utah County came in at 606,425. That is a 17.4% increase from the 2010 census data which recorded 516,654 total residents.

9. The first large manufacturing plant in Utah was based in Utah County

According to the Utah State Historical Society, Provo Woolen Mill was the first large manufacturing plant in Utah. Lehi in Utah county also happens to be home of the first large-scale sugar factory built in 1890.

10. The county has the 8th–highest median income in the state

Utah County has a median household income of $64,321 – ranking it eighth as the county with the highest median income in the state. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Summit County recorded the highest median household income of $91,470. Piute County registered the lowest median household income at $37,112.

11. Utah County records the lowest percentage of Veterans compared to other counties in the State

With 15, 285 veterans in Utah County, it equals to only 2.5% of the county’s total population – which is the lowest percentage in the entire state. The Cache and Wasatch counties follow with 3% and 3.1%, respectively.

Piute County recorded the highest percentage of veterans at 11.3%.

12. The county’s residents are more educated than the National average

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 87% of the nation’s adults over the age of 25 have graduated from high school. Utah County happens to record a higher national average at 93.6%. Statistics also reveal that 38.1% of Utah County residents have at least a Bachelor’s degree – compared to the 30.3% across the entire country, and 31.7% in the state.

13. 10.1% of Utah County’s residents are non-religious

Of the total population in Utah County, 88.1% are Churchgoers and 1.8% belong to other religions. The remaining 10.1% are non-religious.

14. Utah County is among the three most generous counties in philanthropic donations

Researches and reports on the charitable giving in the United States named Utah County as one of the most generous counties in philanthropic donations –alongside Madison, San Juan, and Idaho Counties.

15. The first JB's Big Boy was opened in Provo, Utah

Before you take your next trip to the Big Boy's Burger and Shakes for a hamburger, is it worth knowing that their first food restaurant was opened in Provo? Well, thanks to Provo and its residents.

16. Utah County is referred to as the most Republican County in the United States

Reports reveal that Utah County has only supported a Democrat for president nine times since Statehood. It has never supported a Democrat for president since the year 1964. All the six Senators of the county, as well as all the other 12 representatives, are all Republicans.

17. The county has three School Districts

Utah has three school districts namely Provo, Alpine, and Nebo. To overview its tertiary institutions, the county has two universities: Utah Valley University and Brigham Young University. It also has one technical college: the Mountainland Technical College.

18. The Hispanic or Latino Race accounts for the second largest population in Utah County

The Hispanic or Latino race accounts for 10.8% of the population in Utah County. The Caucasian race tops with 89.4%. The remaining population constitutes of 0.6% American or Alaska Native, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.8% Native Hawaiian, and 4.6% of other races.

19. A Boxing Match was once held at the bottom of Utah Lake

Of course, Utah Lake is now filled with water. But in 1935, there was a boxing match that was staged at the bottom of the dried up lake.

20. Springville City was initially called Hobble Creek

The early settlers used to call the now Springville City ‘Hobble Creek’ as horses would be hobbled and left by a nearby stream. ‘Hobbling’ simply means tying up with some mobility.