Celebrate Timpanogos Cave National Monument's 100th Birthday With An Epic Cave Tour
By Courtnie Erickson|Published May 09, 2023
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Timpanogos Cave is one of the most well-known caves in Utah and for good reason. This extraordinary destination in American Fork Canyon is a natural wonder unlike any other in the Beehive State. This incredible cave has not only been attracting and impressing individuals for the past several years but for nearly a century! Timpanogos Cave National Monument just turned 100 years and there’s no better time for a cave tour than to celebrate this monument’s birthday.
The history of Timpanogos Cave doesn’t actually start with this impressive cave. Rather, it starts with the nearby Hansen Cave, which was discovered in 1887 by Martin Hansen. He built a trail up to the cave and offered tours for several years.
In 1913, a group of boys were visiting Hansen Cave, became bored, and started to explore the outside of the cave. They ended up dislodging a rock, which fell into Timpanogos Cave and the group of boys began investigating this new area.
Unfortunately, a rock slide covered the entrance to Timpanogos Cave and it wasn't until 1921 when another individual, Vearl Manwill, found the entrance once again while also exploring the Hansen Cave.
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Manwill and a group of friends began building a trail to the entrance of the cave. Then, on October 14, 1922, President Warren G. Harding declared Timpanogos Cave a national monument, protecting and preserving the cave even more.
Since that time, thousands of people from all over the world have flocked to the cave to experience this unique natural wonder and in 2023, you can as well.
Cave tours at Timpanogos Cave National Monument will begin tentatively on May 31, 2023. Tickets are available to purchase on May 14 and will be available for purchase up to 30 days in advance.
You can participate in a traditional cave tour during your visit or experience the new Centennial Lantern Tour, where you can explore the cave just as visitors did in the 1900s — by lanterns.
Other events to celebrate the cave’s 100-year celebration include Music on the Mountain programs, star parties, and various free Saturday programs for kids and families.
For more information on Timpanogos Cave National Monument, including purchasing tickets and upcoming events, visit the National Park Service website.
Have you hiked to Timpanogos Cave in Utah? Did you know that this was its 100-year birthday? Let us know in the comments! And, check out our feature article for more information on the hike to reach this incredible cave in Utah.
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