Twisty helictites growing off a stalactite Photo: NPS/Ryan R Maurer

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

National Monument · Utah

The visitor center, caves, and cave tours have not yet opened for the 2026 season.

  • LocationAmerican Fork, UT
  • Entrance $12 timed entry reservation - location
  • HoursDaily, 7:00AM - 5:30PM
  • Weather now42°F Patchy rain nearby
  • Alerts 3 active alerts

Overview

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 – geologic mysteries await

Topics
  • Animals
  • Caves, Caverns and Karst
  • Explorers and Expeditions
  • Forests and Woodlands
  • Fossils and Paleontology
  • Geology
  • Industry
  • Logging and Timber Cutting
1 more topics
  • Native American Heritage
Visitors gaze at delicate cave formations in Timpanogos Cave's Chimes Chamber
Timpanogos Cave's beautiful Chimes Chamber is filled with delicate cave formations — NPS/Ryan R. Maurer

Alerts (3)

Park ClosureTrail Closure - Rock Fall

Due to extensive rock fall on the Cave Access Trail the tours and caves are temporarily closed.

CautionTickets are required to enter Timpanogos Cave Reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations are the only way to ensure a spot is available for your party. Pleas… Read more

Reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations are the only way to ensure a spot is available for your party. Please plan accordingly by visiting Recreation.gov to secure your tickets in advance. Availability of walk-up tickets is not guaranteed.

InformationWNP Bookstore is Cashless The Western National Parks (WNP) bookstore has moved to a cashless operation at Timpanogos Cave National Monument. Purch… Read more

The Western National Parks (WNP) bookstore has moved to a cashless operation at Timpanogos Cave National Monument. Purchases can be made with credit and debit cards as well as contactless payment methods including Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay.

Things to Do

3 experiences from the National Park Service, plus every activity offered in the park. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.

  • Three people looking over a railing at glowing cave formations

    Cave Tour

    Reservation required Fee applies

    Join a ranger for a 55-minute cave tour through the Timpanogos Cave system. Enjoy the cool, damp, air, marvel at the delicate, colorful, formations and learn about the million-year process that has…

    • 3-4 Hours
    • Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Guided Tours
    Learn more about Cave Tour on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
  • Young boy walking up trail with backpack and jacket

    Hike the Cave Trail

    The Timpanogos Cave Trail is 1.5 miles each way and gains 1,100 vertical feet. Hike past thousands of years of geologic history while enjoying breathtaking vistas and the natural sounds of the park…

    • 60-150 Minutes
    • Year-round
    • Timpanogos Cave Trail Head
    • Hiking
    Learn more about Hike the Cave Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
  • Two steps leading up to a bridge next to a sign reading "Canyon Nature Trail"

    Walk the Canyon Nature Trail

    Take a walk along the American Fork river on the north side of the canyon. This side of the canyon features wildlife and plants not found on the south side. There are several interpretive signs along…

    • 30-60 Minutes
    • Year-round
    • Canyon Nature Trail Trailhead
    • Hiking
    Learn more about Walk the Canyon Nature Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)

Showing 3 of 3

Activities in the park

Pick one to find other parks that offer it.

Facilities & Services

Find tours, tickets and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.

Tours & Tickets

  • Timpanogos Cave National Monument Tours

    Ticket Facility

    NOTICE: You must stop at the visitor center before starting your hike to the cave. The Cave Tour Time you select begins at the visitor center, NOT at the cave…

    Details

    Overview:

    NOTICE: You must stop at the visitor center before starting your hike to the cave. The Cave Tour Time you select begins at the visitor center, NOT at the cave entrance.The Timpanogos Cave System is accessed by hiking a strenuous 1.5 mile paved trail with an elevation gain of 1,100 vertical feet. ALL visitors are required to have a ticket, including infants.

    Located high on the steep rocky slopes of American Fork Canyon in the shadow of Mt. Timpanogos in Utah's Wasatch Range are three limestone caves: Hansen Cave, Middle Cave and Timpanogos Cave. These exquisite caverns are decorated with an elaborate display of helictites, anthodites and other formations in a variety of colors. Timpanogos Cave National Monument preserves these caves and their fragile underground wonders for you and for future generations to enjoy.

    Explore an underground world: Taste the thrill of caving as you twist and bend to enter beautifully decorated rooms. Learn the science behind formations and hear fascinating stories of discovery as you journey through natural passageways. After completing the hike, visitors will experience all three caves on a ranger-led tour. The route through the cave is paved, lighted and has several flights of stairs.

    Summary of Fees: Timpanogos Cave



    Tour Name Adult
    (16+)
    Junior
    (6-15)
    Child
    (3-5)
    Infant
    (2 and under)
    Cancellations* Cave Tour $8.00 $6.00 $4.00 $0.00 $0.75 Tour Name Adult
    (16+)
    Junior
    (14+)
    Child
    (3-5)
    Infant
    (2 and under)
    Cancellations* Introduction to Caving Tour $16.00 $16.00 n/a n/a $0.75

    *Customers may request changes at no cost or cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour. Cancellations must be made by calling 1-877-444-6777. Customers who cancel within 24 hours and no-shows will forfeit the tour fee

Other Visitor Services

  • Visitor Center Front View

    Timpanogos Cave Visitor Center

    Facility

    The Timpanogos Cave Visitor Center is located in American Fork Canyon on UT-92. It sits at the base of the cave trail that leads to Timpanogos Cave. The visitor center…

    Details
    The Timpanogos Cave Visitor Center is located in American Fork Canyon on UT-92. It sits at the base of the cave trail that leads to Timpanogos Cave. The visitor center is generally closed when the cave tours are closed. See https://www.nps.gov/tica for the most up-to-date information.

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Daily, 7:00AM - 5:30PM · Visitor Center

Hours by area (4)
  • Visitor CenterDaily, 7:00AM - 5:30PM

    The Visitor Center is currently open for the season.

    Monday7:00AM - 5:30PM
    Tuesday7:00AM - 5:30PM
    Wednesday7:00AM - 5:30PM
    Thursday7:00AM - 5:30PM
    Friday7:00AM - 5:30PM
    Saturday7:00AM - 5:30PM
    Sunday7:00AM - 5:30PM
  • Cave ToursDaily, 7:00AM - 3:30PM

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

    Monday7:00AM - 3:30PM
    Tuesday7:00AM - 3:30PM
    Wednesday7:00AM - 3:30PM
    Thursday7:00AM - 3:30PM
    Friday7:00AM - 3:30PM
    Saturday7:00AM - 3:30PM
    Sunday7:00AM - 3:30PM
  • Picnic AreasDaily, Sunrise - 10:00PM

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

    MondaySunrise - 10:00PM
    TuesdaySunrise - 10:00PM
    WednesdaySunrise - 10:00PM
    ThursdaySunrise - 10:00PM
    FridaySunrise - 10:00PM
    SaturdaySunrise - 10:00PM
    SundaySunrise - 10:00PM
  • Administrative BuildingToday: 9:00AM - 4:00PM

    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.

    Monday9:00AM - 4:00PM
    Tuesday9:00AM - 4:00PM
    Wednesday9:00AM - 4:00PM
    Thursday9:00AM - 4:00PM
    Friday9:00AM - 4:00PM
    SaturdayClosed
    SundayClosed

Entrance fees

  • $12Timed Entry Reservation - Location
  • $17Timed Entry Reservation - Location
  • $22Timed Entry Reservation - Location
Fee details
  • 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 cave’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.

Address

2038 W. Alpine Loop Road
American Fork, UT 84003

Contact the park

Weather & conditions

42°F
Patchy rain nearby · feels like 39°
  • Today 47° 37°
    Patchy rain nearby
    89% rain
  • Tomorrow 50° 32°
    Patchy rain nearby
    36% rain
  • Thursday 63° 32°
    Sunny
    3% rain

Updated 1 hr ago

What to expect by season

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.

Photos

Getting There

2038 W. Alpine Loop Road
American Fork, UT 84003

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).

Full directions

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.

Mailing address: 2038 W. Alpine Loop Road, American Fork, UT 84003

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