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Introduction

The United States Congress designated the Mount Timpanogos Wilderness (map) in 1984 and it now has a total of 10,518 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Utah and is managed by the Forest Service.

Description

On the front range of the Wasatch Mountain Range, just south of Lone Peak Wilderness (see above), and situated between American Fork Canyon on the north and Provo Canyon on the south, Mount Timpanogos Wilderness offers abundant rugged terrain embellished with waterfalls and summer wildflowers. You'll find forget-me-nots, alpine buttercups, bluebells, and columbine blooming in high canyon meadows. There are also outstanding glacial cirques and moraines (rocks formed into loose ridges by glacial activity). A perpetual snowfield located near Emerald Lake is a popular glissading area.

Below the tree line are forests of aspen, Douglas fir, subalpine fir, limber pine, Gambel oak, maple, and chokecherry. You'll have an excellent chance of spotting Rocky Mountain goats in the Emerald Lake region, as well as mule deer, elk, moose, mountain lions, black bears, and several species of raptors. In early summer the rapidly melting snow can cause dangerous high water stream crossings. As this flowing water melts snow and ice beneath winter created avalanche piles it often creates snow bridges. You should avoid exploring or playing on these dangerous bridges because if they collapse you may be killed or injured.

There are about 17 miles of maintained trails from two trailheads: Timpooneke and Aspen Grove. Both lead to the summit of Mount Timpanogos, otherwise known as "Timp," at 11,753 feet. The stretch between Timpooneke and Aspen Grove is 12 miles long and passes through the heart of the area. Horses are allowed only on the Timpooneke Trail to Emerald Lake. No campfires are allowed in this heavily frequented area.

Planning to Visit the Mount Timpanogos Wilderness?

• Print a fact sheet
• General things to consider when visiting any wilderness
• Regulations
• Contact the Forest Service

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Mount Timpanogos Wilderness.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.