Pine Hollow is the name of a trailhead partway up American Fork Canyon. From the parking lot there is already a stunning view!
The Pine Hollow Trail begins by the restrooms and immediately crosses the street and heads up the hill and to the right. All along there are beautiful views of Mount Timpanogos.
There isn’t much shade for the first 3/4 mile until you get father around the mountain. Then there are trees to give you shade most of the rest of the hike.
This view is looking back from where we came, both on our way and return at sunset. The trailhead is around the mountainside to the right.
The trail continues through the pines to a fork in the trail. You can go either direction, but this description will be clockwise, so we turned right and went through the meadow.
Continue along the path through the pine and aspen trees. Eventually you will circle around to the Salamander Flat Campground. Then head to the left to continue the loop.
The views from Salamander Flat Campground are spectacular! Since the road was closed beyond Pine Hollow, there was only one couple we saw camping. Do you see them to the right?
The trail starts to head uphill through the aspens on the other side of the campground.
There are more lovely mountain views!
You will come to a meadow just after you’ve started heading downhill again.
Then continue through the aspens back to the original trail.
Since it was sunset when we returned I noticed the cabins there in the canyon. I knew there were cabins just south of Tibble Fork and others near Aspen Grove, but I didn’t know there were any near the Pine Hollow Trailhead. I think it’s Mutual Dell.
The wildflowers are so beautiful on this trail. These photos were taken a couple weeks ago, so they should all be blooming now.
This is also an amazing winter hike!
Stats: Distance – 4.5 mile loop
Approximate hiking time – 3 to 4 hours
Elevation gain – 1300 feet
Difficulty – Moderate
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks.
Bathrooms – At the trailhead
Seasons to hike – Year round (microspikes or snowshoes in winter)
Permits needed – $6 fee paid online or at ranger booth (or National Parks pass)
Pets allowed – Yes
Here is the All Trails map to get a visual. The parking lot is the lowest elevation.
Other trails nearby are the Snow Gauging Trail, Scout Falls or the first meadow, and Tibble Fork Loop.