Scout Falls is a lovely trail up American Fork Canyon. You can also get to it from Provo Canyon. It begins at the Timpooneke Trailhead at the base of Mount Timpanogos. This trail does have elevation gain, but is not very steep. Higher near the top there are some wet parts of the trail from little waterfalls. You can stop on rocks to cross on drier ground. It also has one place where you have to climb up over some tree roots, to a higher ledge.
The trail begins at the Timpooneke Trailhead in American Fork Canyon, which is also accessible from Provo Canyon through the Alpine Loop. This trailhead splits left on Salamander Flat to Island Meadows, splits right on Chris Flat for Julie Andrew’s Meadow and Scout Falls Viewpoint, but you will want to continue straight on Timpooneke towards Scout Falls and Mount Timpanogos.
Kids can do this hike if you take your time. The views are so beautiful!
Be sure to stop and look out at the views behind you. they are spectacular!
This is really a beautiful trail in all directions.
When you are nearly to Scout falls the trail splits for a viewpoint of the falls. It is a beautiful view and certainly worth the small detour (unless it is September or October. Scout Falls becomes small enough that you cant see it well from below by then).
There are small logs blocking the path so people will know it’s not the trail. Some hikers are confused and scale up the rocks and shale from this spot, but I don’t recommend it. look at the stunning view of the falls from below and then backtrack to the trail.
Up on this part of the trail are the wet parts of the trail. There are a few bridges and rocks skip over the other spots.
Ws also saw patches of snow, even though it’s June.
Continue up the trail one more switchback to give you a higher view of multiple falls.
There is a large tree with huge roots that you will need to climb over to get to the falls.
Here is my seven year old for perspective. At the top of the tree roots is the path to the falls, next the rocky ledge.
Alex found a little photo spot under the outcropping. The second photo shows this spot from closer to the falls.
The falls are magnificent!
These photos below were taken in late September. You can see that several of the waterfalls dry up and there is only the closer one left. The falls aren’t as spectacular then, but the fall leaves are!
Sometimes moose and deer can be found on this trail, but we just saw mountain chickadees and tent caterpillars.
Until this year I had never had cell service on this trail or most of American Fork Canyon, only much higher on Mount Timpanogos. This year I had nearly constant service for calling or spotty service for texting (I have Verizon).
If you want to add on to your hike, an additional half mile farther beyond Scout Falls is the first meadow, or this can be a small 5-10 minute detour on your hike up Mount Timpanogos. Other hikes nearby are Scout Falls, Viewpoint, Island Meadow and Julie Andrew’s Meadow.
Stats: Distance – 3.0 miles roundtrip
Approximate hiking time – 2 to 4 hours
Elevation gain – 825 feet
Difficulty – Moderate
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks.
Bathrooms – At the trailhead
Seasons to hike – May – October
Permits needed – $6 fee paid at ranger booth (or National Parks pass)
Pets allowed – Yes
Map to Timpooneke Trailhead
