Pine Hollow is the name of a trailhead partway up American Fork Canyon and a beautiful place to hike. From the parking lot there is already a stunning view!

Directions

The Pine Hollow Trailhead is 6.9 miles from the entrance of American Fork Canyon. It can be accessed through Provo Canyon and the Alpine Loop, but that way it’s nearly 20 miles. The restroom here has a mural inside it!

The Pine Hollow Trail heads up and then loops around.

It begins by the restrooms and immediately crosses the street and heads up the hill. Keep an eye out for the actual trail that heads off to the left and then switchbacks to head to the right.

Along this stretch 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.

This is looking back the way you come.

The trail continues through the pines.

Soon you arrive at a meadow.

The wildflowers bloom in June. Here are more along the trail.

At the far side there is a fork in the trail. You can go either direction, but this description will be clockwise, which I recommend. Turn left at the far side.

Continue along the path through the pine and aspen trees.

Keep an eye out for mountain bikers and dirt bikers. It’s not too hard to share the trail.

Soon you come to a second meadow.

You head through the trees again.

As the trees open up you will get a spectacular view of the mountains!

Below you can see the Salamander Flat Campground. The trail winds down there.

Walk through the Salamander Flat Campground and look for the trail on the far side.

The trail starts to head uphill through the aspens on the other side of the campground. Then continue through the pines and aspens back to the original trail.

Then you head back down the way you came. 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. There is also Mutual Dell Camp.

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 – $10 fee paid online or at ranger booth (or National Parks pass)
Pets allowed – Yes

Other trails nearby are the Island Meadow, Snow Gauging Trail, Scout Falls or the first meadow, and Tibble Fork Loop.