Contact: Michael Gosse 801 756-5239
Timpanogos Cave Trail Rehabilitation Work During WeekdaysCaves and Cave Trail Open Weekends and Holidays
Timpanogos Cave National Monument Superintendent Denis Davis announced that beginning September 2, 2008 the Monument will begin a major rehabilitation of the cave access trail. Due to the rugged terrain, steep cliffs, and exposure, visitors cannot be safely routed around trail rehabilitation equipment and work. Park staff and the Intermountain Region’s project manager concluded that the only acceptable alternative was to close the trail during the week when trail rehab work is underway. The trail is the only access to the cave, so cave tours will not be conducted during weekdays.
After the Labor Day weekend, the trail and cave tours will be open for visitors on weekends and federal holidays until the normal closure for winter weather. The visitor center and concessions operations will remain open on a daily basis to serve American Fork Canyon visitors and school groups. The visitor center hours will be 8:00am to 5:00pm daily. The last regularly scheduled evening program for the summer season will be September 1, 2008 Labor Day. Evening programs will continue to be offered bi-monthly throughout the winter, and will resume on a weekly basis again next May. This season the last day for cave tours is scheduled for October 19, 2008.
“We looked at several alternatives of completing this important cave trail rehabilitation work and selected the one that had the least visitor impact while providing for a safe work place environment for staff, contractors and equipment,” said Superintendent Davis. “We appreciate the community support and understanding for the inconvenience this season, so that we may offer a safer and more enjoyable trail next season.”
“With the fall colors and seasonably cooler temperatures approaching, American Fork Canyon is a beautiful and pleasant place to spend some time,” said Superintendent Davis. “In addition to driving the Alpine Loop road, a hike up the trail to Timpanogos Cave can provide a wonderful view of the canyon and bright foliage. You do not need to pay for a cave tour if all you want to do is hike the trail on weekends. An autumn picnic at Swinging Bridge Picnic Area is a delightful way to relax and enjoy the season.”
Timpanogos Cave will continue offering advance ticket sales until October 5, after that, tickets will be available on a first-come first-served basis until October 19 when the caves are closed for the season. Tickets can be purchased over the phone in advance of the tour day by calling the visitor center at (801) 756-5238 and using a credit card. Ticket prices are $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for juniors (ages 6-15), $3.00 for children (ages 3-5), and children 2 and under are free. Seniors (age 62 and over) with a Golden Age Passport or Senior Pass are $3.50. Cave tours are limited to 20 participants per tour. Hiking the 1.5 miles to the cave is considered moderately strenuous, gaining over 1,000 feet in elevation. The cave tour and hike takes approximately three hours. The cave temperature is a cool 45 degrees Fahrenheit; light jackets, plenty of drinking water and sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
For more information about Timpanogos Cave National Monument please call (801)-756-5238 or (801) 756-5239. - NPS - |
Last updated: February 24, 2015