Timpanogos Falls is a family-friendly hike to two spectacular waterfalls in the Alpine Loop near Sundance, Utah! Beyond the second waterfall the trail gets steeper and continues all the way up to the summit of Mount Timpanogos, which is 15.7 miles round trip! These first two falls make a great moderate hike.
Directions
Begin at the Aspen Grove Trailhead. This trailhead is located up Provo Canyon just past Sundance Ski Resort. This trailhead has a fee of $10 or a National Parks Pass. It does not require reservations, but does get crowded, especially on weekends. The Aspen Grove Trailhead is also the start of the beautiful Stewart Falls hike, which is the trail to the left. For Timpanogos Falls and Mount Timpanogos, take the trail that heads straight further to the right.
You will pass the ranger station as you enter the trees. You can sign your name on the registry if you wish. Sometimes a ranger or search and rescue team member is manning the station. The trail is clear as it passes through pines, aspens, and over a little bridge.
There is one turn off that you won’t want to take. It is the Lame Horse Trail that switches back and forth up and up a challenging route to the stunning Primrose Overlook. You will want to continue straight towards Mount Timpanogos.
Along the way you might find wildflowers.
Sometimes there are many butterflies!
As you continue, you get impressive views of the mountain above. This trail doesn’t have shade the second half, so it’s better to go in the morning or evening.
If you look behind you can see beautiful views of Sundance below.
Soon you can see the first Timpanogos Falls.
Be careful about climbing down around the base of the falls as there is stinging nettle. If you do happen to brush against some, be sure to rinse it with water. It will make it feel so much better! Here are a few more of First Timpanogos Falls.
Some people mistakingly turn around after the first waterfall, but it is only 0.2 more to the second falls. It’s only one additional switchback. As you begin it, you can turn around and see both falls.
This part of the trail has big leaves. Depending on the season there might be water on the trail.
You can see the second falls from this trail.
Soon you arrive at glorious Timpanogos Falls Two. It seems like it should have a more impressive name.
If you go early in the season then there might still be snow.
On a hot day it’s nice to get close and feel the spray of the falls.
Be sure to notice the little trickling waterfalls to the left of the falls. That wall of greenery to the left of these falls is always so lush and green!
This hike in an avalanche area, so be careful hiking it in winter, but it does look cool. We hiked this in 2020 when there was hardly any snow, but a dusting. Most of the winter this would be too dangerous to hike.
If you hike higher beyond the second falls, the Timpanogos trail gets steeper. There are many more beautiful waterfalls, and Emerald Lake before reaching the top of Mount Timpanogos. Here is a peek.
Here are a few more of the Timpanogos Lower Falls trail!
Stats: Distance – 2.4 miles roundtrip
Approximate hiking time – 1 to 3 hours
Elevation gain – 554 feet to first waterfall and 770 feet to second
Difficulty – Moderate (mostly easy)
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks
Bathrooms – At the trailhead
Seasons to hike – May – October
Permits needed – $10 fee paid at ranger booth (or National Parks pass)
Pets allowed – Yes
