The Utah Cave Tour At Timpanogos Cave National Monument That Belongs On Your Bucket List

If you've ever visited Timpanogos Cave National Monument, you know what a thrill it is to take the cave tour with a park ranger. You'll see all kinds of cool helictites, anthodite crystals, cave drapery and more on the standard tour that takes you 1/3 of a mile into the deep, dark cave.

*The cave isn't open quite yet, but we're putting this one on our bucket list for later this summer! In the meantime, you can hike the cave trail up to the tunnel gate.

You'll find Timpanogos Cave National Monument in American Fork Canyon. Typically, the park recommends that you purchase cave tour tickets in advance. When you arrive, check in at the Visitor Center before starting your hike.

The hike up to Timpanogos Cave is strenuous and sun-exposed. Make sure you have plenty of water with you, and take your time.

The trail itself is free, and open most of the year. It's a great workout...

...and the canyon views are absolutely stunning!

Once you reach the top, you'll wait outside the door to meet your park ranger for a cave tour.

The cave maintains a temperature of 43-48 degrees Fahrenheit, so you'll want to bring a jacket along, even on a hot, summer day.

The knowledgeable ranger will point out lots of interesting cave formations as you make your way 1/3 of a mile into the cave.

You'll get a close-up look at stalactites, which grow from the top of the cave, as shown here, and stalagmites, which form on the cave's floor and grow upward.

The most popular stalactite formation in the cave is called the "Heart of Timpanogos" which is seen on the tour of Timpanogos Cave. It's actually formed by several stalactites that fused together over the years, and it resembles a human heart.

Other formations include cave popcorn...

...and frostwork, which is very delicate and intricate.

Your ranger guide will use her flashlight to point out interesting formations along the way.

Plan three to four hours for your cave experience, which includes the hike up, the cave tour, and the hike back down the mountain.

The regular cave tour is $12 for guests ages 12 and older; $7 for children 11 and younger. Seniors tour the cave for just $6.

Have you visited Timpanogos Cave National Monument? Tell our readers about your experience in the comments!

Learn more about Timpanogos Cave National Monument on its website, and stay up-to-date on the cave's opening on its Facebook page.