Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Timpanogos Cave National Monument is about 15 minutes from our house located in American Fork Canyon.  It is another breathtaking, beautiful place.  With spectacular canyon vistas, panoramic views of the valley, and vertiginous drops to the valleys below.  This trip was well worth it even though it was more than a nice, leisure walk in the park.

Sophie was a real trouper hiking up the hard-surfaced cave trail to the cave site; although it’s 1.5 miles (2.4 km), it is a very strenuous hike (you can’t really see this from pics) that took us a little more than an hour to walk up and less than an hour to walk back down.  I have to admit I was so proud of little Sophie being able to trek the entire way without the help of Daddy or me, because believe me it was not easy. My aching muscles were quite evident the next day.  Daddy and Sophie were unaffected.

There are 3 caves.  Once you reach the top, tours of of the caves are given every 15 mins which lasts 45 - 60 mins.  The inside temperature is about 45 degrees (7 degrees C).  Aside from seeing the more well-known stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, bacon (draperies), soda straws, popcorn, etc. these caves have another type of formation only seen predominantly in these 3 caves, i.e. helictites--- spiral, worm-like formations that are rare in most other caves throughout the world.

Hope Everyone had a nice Labor Day weekend !!