Mount Timpanogos from the Aspen Grove Trailhead is known for its series of waterfalls and mountain goats. It is a little steeper than the route up Mount Timpanogos from the Timpooneke Trailhead, but spectacular!
Mount Timpanogos (affectionately referred to as Timp) is a favorite mountain in Utah and is popular for hiking. If you can arrange a shuttle, I recommend hiking up the Timpooneke Trail and down the Aspen Grove trail.
Aspen Grove to Mount Timpanogos Peak
This trailhead shares the parking lot with the beautiful Stewart Falls. One mile into the trail you run into one the first waterfall and then one more 1/4 mile switchback and you would be to one of my favorite waterfalls! These two falls are the destinations of the great family-friendly hike Timpanogos Falls!
After the second falls the path gets a bit steeper. Continue switchbacking up the somewhat steep hill to see waterfalls all the way up! You also get a lower view of Robert’s Horn (a lesser sub peak of Mt. Timpanogos) then the Primrose Overlook hike offers.
This trail is steeper than the Timpooneke side, but the waterfalls are amazing! Here are just a few of the dozen or more.
Every few minutes you pass another stunning waterfall!
Often you have to cross the stream, but the water is shallow and there are stones to step on. If it were earlier in the year then there would still be snow. Be very cautious. You don’t want to be stepping on any snow with water running underneath. This year the snow melted especially early, so we didn’t encounter anything but tiny patches until near the top.
After five miles and an elevation gain of 3,500 feet, you will reach Emerald Lake. The snow around it remains year-round.
Some hikers make the lake their destination. If you choose to continue to the saddle or onto the peak, micro-spikes and hiking poles would be super helpful, because you’ll probably have to walk through some of the snow field. Here are two views looking opposite directions. This snowfield is here year round.
If you are lucky, you might get a chance to see a mountain goat!
After you get across the snow field then you will ascend to the saddle. This first photo is looking across the snow from the base of the saddle towards Emerald Lake.
This image was taken in the meadow from the Timpooneke Trail, but it gives you a good view so you can see the lake on the left with the glacial ice all around. You can see the snow field across the middle and on the right you can see the saddle of Timp. See how it’s lower over there? The peak is the tallest part more towards the middle.
The saddle is a great place to take in the views. Many people also choose to have this be their destination. The first is looking out at Utah Lake and the surrounding cities. The second is looking behind Timpanogos towards Heber.
The trail to the peak from the saddle is nearly a mile and quite narrow. Watch carefully for switchbacks. There is one section that is really steep almost like high stairs.
When you arrive at the top you can see the iconic shed.
Here is a panoramic photo taken from the summit looking north.
To the west you see the valley below and to the east you look down on Emerald Lake, Robert’s Horn and down towards Sundance. In the distance you can see Deer Creek Reservoir and part of Jordanelle Reservoir.
You can choose to descend back down to Aspen Grove or if you have a shuttle car you can hike down the Timpooneke Trail.
Aspen Trail to Timpanogos Summit
Stats: Distance – 15.7 miles roundtrip (0.9 less to Saddle) 10.3 to Emerald Lake
Approximate hiking time – 8-12 hours
Elevation gain – 5377 feet
Difficulty – Difficult
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks, narrow rocky trail at the end
Bathrooms – At the trailhead
Seasons to hike – June – October
Permits needed – $6 fee paid at ranger booth (or National Parks pass)
Pets allowed – Yes
If you like challenging hikes and peaks, try some of these:
