45°F
inside, all year
Timpanogos Cave National Monument
Utah
55 min
on the main tour
$12.00
adult ticket
A national monument in Utah whose caves are reached by a steep paved 1.5-mile trail climbing 1,092 feet, followed by a 55-minute ranger tour at about 45°F.
The story
Martin Hansen conducted tours in Hansen Cave in the late 1800s. The monument celebrates its 100th birthday. Lantern tours let visitors experience what early explorers experienced in the dark passages of the cave. The Introduction to Caving Tour follows the historic cave path up and over boulders, down a rope, and deep into Hansen Cave. The monument prohibits boots, clothing or gear that have been in any other cave or mine to help prevent the spread of White Nose Syndrome.
History source: nps.gov.
What you'll see
- Hansen Cave
- Middle Cave
- Timpanogos Cave
- Chimes Chamber
- Hansen Cave Lake
Tickets and timing
- Adults
- $12.00 for adults (12 and older)
- Kids
- $7.00 for juniors (ages 2-11); $2.00 for children (ages newborn-1)
- How long it takes
- 55 minutes in the cave (about 3.5 hours with the hike)
- Hours
- Tours daily in summer; the trail and caves close for winter.
- Booking
- Tickets on Recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777, up to 30 days ahead. Tours sell out, and walk-ups are often turned away. Infants need a ticket too.
Getting around underground
- The walk
- 1.5-mile paved trail rising 1,092 ft to 6,730 ft, steep with drop-offs.
- Wheelchairs
- A Hansen Cave Accessibility Tour for people who can't manage stairs. Wheelchairs are the only wheeled items allowed on the trail.
- Strollers
- Not allowed (no wagons or wheeled items). Front-pack infant carriers only in the cave.
Dogs, weather and what to wear
- Dogs
- Not allowed on the trail or in the caves.
- Temperature
- About 45°F
Good to know
- Minimum age
- All children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
- Best time to go
- Cave tours are very popular and often sell out in advance; weekends and holidays are particularly busy and best avoided if possible.
- Photos
- Photography is allowed in the caves; camera tripods or monopods are not allowed.
- Food and drink
- Snacks may be eaten along the trail; food, candy, and drink are not permitted inside the caves. No drinking water is available on the trail or at the caves.
- Wildlife
- The monument prohibits boots, clothing or gear that have been in any other cave or mine to help prevent the spread of White Nose Syndrome, a disease killing millions of bats.
- On site
- Visitor center with exhibits, Man-made cave, Book sales area, Junior Ranger booklet, Canyon Nature Trail, River View Picnic Area, Swinging Bridge Picnic Area, Ranger programs
Getting there
2038 W. Alpine Loop Road, American Fork, UT 84003
- Salt Lake Cityabout 24 miles
Distances are straight-line from each city center.
Before you go
- Mid-summer trail temperatures can top 100°F; bring water and sunscreen.
- Bring a sweater for the cold cave.
- Gear that's been in any other cave or mine isn't allowed (white-nose syndrome).
Questions people ask
How long does a visit to Timpanogos Cave National Monument take?
55 minutes in the cave (about 3.5 hours with the hike)
How cold is it inside Timpanogos Cave National Monument?
About 45°F.
Can you visit Timpanogos Cave National Monument in a wheelchair?
A Hansen Cave Accessibility Tour for people who can't manage stairs. Wheelchairs are the only wheeled items allowed on the trail.
Are dogs allowed at Timpanogos Cave National Monument?
Not allowed on the trail or in the caves.
Do you need to book Timpanogos Cave National Monument in advance?
Tickets on Recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777, up to 30 days ahead. Tours sell out, and walk-ups are often turned away. Infants need a ticket too.
Is there a minimum age for Timpanogos Cave National Monument?
All children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Where is Timpanogos Cave National Monument?
2038 W. Alpine Loop Road, American Fork, UT 84003
Listed in: wheelchair-accessible caves
Checked on 2026-10-22 against nps.gov/tica (home and cave tours pages). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.