Mt. Timpanogos is a super popular hike in the Wasatch and probably the number one hike done in Utah. My first time on this mountain, while I was on vacation in Utah, I ran into 150 college students coming up the trail at 3 a.m. The upper region of Mt. Timpanogos actually has 5 peaks, 4 of which I suggest for this mega climb. The other is the North Peak, a good climb from the Timpanooke Trail. If you have already done the true summit, next time back I suggest one of these other peaks.
From the parking area, hike up the Aspen Grove trail (the one closer to the parking lot entrance). The first mile is really easy, climbing gently through forests and sometimes on pavement. Near a small waterfall, the trail does and abrupt switchback where a short scramble is required, very strange since you were just hiking on pavement! I only bring this up because in the darkness of night, this obstacle is not very apparent. Once past, the nice trail is obvious for several miles as it climbs to the meadows and the shelter at 10,400 feet. As you get near the shelter, the scramble route up Roberts Horn can begin anywhere. The slopes are open and not too steep. Descend the southeast ridge of Roberts Horn to the saddle above the shelter if you are headed to the true summit. The basin on the north side of the true summit of Timpanogos can hold snow so expect it in late fall or spring climbs. Since 2 trails access the summit from the shelter, a loop can be done. No trail exists from the south saddle to Mt. Timpanogos South Peak but the route is easy class 2 scrambling on rocks. East Timpanogos is an easy climb up from Hidden Lakes if you have the time on your way down. From its summit of East Timp, you look straight down 3,800 feet to the parking area, pretty cool.
Distance: 10+ miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 6,800 feet with all 4
Summit Elevations: 11,749, 11,722, 10,993,10,791 feet
Access: Paved
Mt. Timpanogos, South Timp, East Timp & Roberts Horn
WillhiteWeb.com
Access:
Route:
Access Mt. Timpanogos from Highway I-15 using exit 272 and driving east along highway 52 (800 North in Orem) to the junction with highway 189, the Provo Canyon road. Go East on 189 for 7 miles to the turnoff for Hwy 92 and Sundance Ski resort. This is just after a tunnel. Drive up until you come to a fee booth and look for parking just beyond in a lot at the left. Parking can get crazy on weekends, arrive early.
Near the start, a view of Roberts Horn
View SE during the first few miles of hiking
Looking North on lower trail
Looking up to the snowfield route from the shelter
Things get interesting once you reach the shelter
North Timpanogos from shelter area
Utah Lake and Lake Mountains
Looking north to the North Timp. and Lone Peak
Summit Building
Looking north to the peaks of Little Cottonwood Canyon area.
Roberts Horn from the shelter area.
From the shelter, you can do the snowfield route or the gap route.
Climbers working their way to the gap.
The summit from the gap, looks a bit intimidating.
From the gap, looking down at Roberts Horn and East Timpanogos
At this point, I was able to take off the crampons and walk up to the summit
Looking down the east face to the shelter, Roberts Horn and East Timp
Looking south from the summit with Timpanogos South Peak on left
On top of Roberts Horn with East Timpanogos behind.
East Timpanogos from the gap
From Mill Canyon Peak Trail
Fire Lookout History:
In 1927, a lookout was constructed on Timpanogos. On September 24, the Ogden Standard newspaper reported, “Under the direction of Ranger V.N. West, the lookout station atop Mt. Timpanogos has been completed, reports E.C. Shepard, Wasatch forest supervisor. The station is constructed of glass and steel and is 12,008 feet above sea level. Dugway mountain, 90 miles away in the West desert, is the most distant point to be seen in this direction, while Kings Peak, 72 miles to the east, is also visible."
There may also have been arrows bolted to the framework as airline markers.