You’ll Never Forget This Two Day Hike On Utah’s Most Stunning Mountain

There are two ways to hike Utah's trails. You might be the kind of person who chooses the most challenging route. You hike with the final goal in mind, climbing as quickly as you can to reach the summit. Or, maybe you tend to take the easier route, even if it's a bit longer. You enjoy the views along the way, stop to rest and eat a granola bar, and meander along the trail, reaching your destination whenever you get there.

The journey to the summit of Mount Timpanogos has two trails: the Aspen Grove trail, which is about 8.5 miles each way, or Timpooneke Trail, which is 7.5 miles each way. Both are beautiful, and well worth your time, but here we'll focus on the slightly longer, but less steep, Timpooneke Trail.

The Timpooneke Trail starts at the Timpooneke Campground, off Utah SR 92.

Click here for the map and directions.

The trail is 14.5 miles roundtrip, with an elevation gain of 4,668 feet. While you can complete this hike in one day, many people choose to camp overnight along the way.

This trail is considered strenuous, but it's also incredibly beautiful. You'll usually see wildflowers all summer long.

You'll also see waterfalls along the way. This year was particularly wet, so the falls are still pretty impressive, even this late in the summer.

Camp overnight in the saddle - a gorgeous, green depression sitting in the shadow of the sheer rock face above. Campfires aren't allowed up here, and you'll want to practice Leave No Trace principles to keep this area pristine for those who follow.

As you near the top, you'll come to a snowfield that never melts.

Mountain goats rule Mount Timpanogos! You'll certainly come across a few during your hike.

As you approach the summit, you'll climb near the spine. This part of the hike is particularly hot on summer days.

The view from the top makes all the work getting here well worth it! You'll see the entire Utah Valley, and Utah Lake.

Here's the view of the east side of the summit. Mount Timpanogos stands at 11,752 feet and is the second highest summit in the Wasatch Mountain Range, and the ninth highest in Utah.

Much of the Timpooneke Trail is in full sun exposure, so make sure to bring plenty of water and use lots of sunscreen. It's often windy up there, and temperatures can fluctuate a lot. Dress in layers so you'll be comfortable for the entire trip.

Please remember to be a good steward of Utah's natural wonders. Carry out all trash that you carry in, and never vandalize our wilderness areas. Let's keep the Timpooneke Trail beautiful so that all Utahns can enjoy it.

Have you hiked Mount Olympus? Tell us about your trip! Which trail did you take, and did you do it in one day, or two? We love to hear about your experiences.