Mount Timpanogos Wilderness offers rugged alpine landscapes with lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and diverse wildlife, making it a prime destination for hiking, climbing, and backcountry exploration in Utah’s Wasatch Range.
The Mount Timpanogos Wilderness encompasses approximately 10,800 acres in the Wasatch Range east of Utah Valley. Centered around Mount Timpanogos, the second-highest peak in the Wasatch at 11,752 feet, the wilderness area features steep granite cliffs, wildflower-filled meadows, glacial cirques, and cascading waterfalls. It is part of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and serves as a critical habitat for species such as mule deer, black bears, mountain goats, and the native Bonneville cutthroat trout in its streams. The area attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round, primarily for hiking popular routes such as the Timpanogos Summit Trail and Timpooneke Trail. Climbing opportunities abound on the mountain’s rugged north face and along the sheer rock formations. The wilderness preserves a sense of solitude while remaining accessible from nearby cities like Provo and Pleasant Grove. Historically, Mount Timpanogos has cultural significance for local Native American tribes, including the Ute, and its name derives from a Ute word meaning "rock canyon". Visitors enjoy the scenic Alpine Loop Drive as a gateway, with rich spring wildflowers, summer alpine hikes, and winter snowshoeing. The blend of high alpine scenery, accessible trails, and ecological diversity makes Mount Timpanogos Wilderness a treasured protected area for both recreation and conservation.
The Timpanogos Summit Trail with expansive mountain and valley views
Alpine wildflower meadows abundant with lupine, Indian paintbrush, and columbine
Timpooneke Trail featuring waterfalls and historic forest cabins
Mount Timpanogos Cave National Monument near the wilderness boundary
The iconic 11,752-foot summit offering panoramic views of Utah Valley and surrounding ranges.
A famous cave system nearby featuring guided tours showcasing limestone formations.
A scenic backcountry trail leading through forests, waterfalls, and to high alpine lakes.