Most animals see, hear, and smell us. They size us 

up and decide whether to stay or fl ee long before we 

see them. American Fork Canyon is home to a great 

diversity of species that can be seen and observed 

throughout the year. Rocky Mountain Big-Horn 

Sheep, Mountain Goats, Moose and Mule Deer are 

some of the large mammals found in the canyon yearround. The ultimate wildlife watching experience is 

“behavior watching” without interrupting the animal’s 

normal activity. Instead of a glimpse, you can have an 

encounter–a chance to identify the animal, observe 

its behavior and, for a few moments, to be part of the 

animal’s world.

Becoming a wildlife watcher provides all visitors a new 

opportunity to enjoy and better appreciate one of Utah’s 

greatest heritages-its wildlife. American Fork Canyon 

off ers many opportunities for observing wildlife. Deer 

browse alongside the Alpine Loop Road, songbirds dart 

through the forests of aspen and fi r trees; raptors circle 

high overhead. Here are some of the common mammals 

that may be seen in American Fork Canyon throughout the 

year.

The Rocky 

Mountain 

bighorn sheep, 

Ovis canadensis 

canadensis, is 

native to rugged 

mountainous 

areas of western 

North America. 

The species has 

been eliminated from 

much of its 

former range due to 

over-hunting, habitat alterations, and diseases 

introduced by domestic livestock. In Utah, a great deal 

of eff ort has gone into re-establishing Rocky Mountain 

bighorn sheep. The fi rst re-introduction of Bighorn Sheep 

on Mount Timpanogos was in 2000, when 25 sheep were 

released. Ten additional sheep were released in 2001 and 

nine more in 2002. There are currently no plans to introduce any 

additional bighorn sheep in 

the area and the 

current population stands at 

55 sheep. Most 

sheep are spotted at the mouth 

of American 

Fork Canyon 

near the fee station.

The mountain 

goat, Oreamnos americanus, naturally occurs in southeastern Alaska, western Canada, and in parts of northern 

Idaho, Montana, and Washington. The mountain goat was 

likely native to Utah in the past, but it did not occur in the 

state recently until it was fi rst re-introduced to the mouth 

of Little Cottonwood Canyon in the late 1960s.

Mountain goats prefer extremely steep and rugged areas 

above the timberline, and are excellent rock climbers. 

Females give birth to one or two (possibly three) kids during May or June, usually on steep rocky slopes or cliff s. 

Young are able to follow their mothers 

through rocky cliff s 

shortly after birth. 

They can be spotted across from the 

Timpanogos Cave 

National Monument 

visitor center on the 

high rocky slopes.

The moose, Alces 

alces, is a large ungulate that is popular with hunters and 

wildlife watchers alike. In Utah, the species 

can be found in the mountains of the northern and northeastern portion of the state. Moose prefer forest habitats, 

especially those locations with a mixture of wooded areas 

and open areas near lakes or wetlands. Some moose make 

Timpanogos

Reflections

Visitor Guide - 2011 National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Timpanogos Cave National Monument

UTAH’S PUBLIC LANDS

Continued on page 2

Forest Service

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National 

Forest

What’s New 3 Go Underground 5 Lend A Hand 6

W e’ve all had it happen. You hear a sound or see a fl ash and look up from 

the trail just in time to see an animal dive out of sight. 

Wherever you see this symbol, 

you’ll know your recreation dollars 

are hard at work helping to fund 

this project. Thank 

you for helping to 

make a difference 

in your parks and 

forests.

Thank You!

American Fork Canyon’s Watchable Wildlife

Theater in the Pines Rehabilitation Timpanogos Cave Cricket Volunteers create a new section of trail NPS USFS

USFS

INSIDE:

Welcome! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Canyon Passes . . . . . . . . . . 2

What’s New . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Plan Your Canyon Visit . . . 4

Wasatch Mt. State Park . . . 4

Visiting Timpanogos Cave . 5

Bats Threatened . . . . . . . . . 6

Lend A Hand . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Become a Jr. Ranger . . . . . . 7

Canyon Kids . . . . . . . . . . . 7

American Fork Canyon 

Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Emergency: 911

Sheriff: (801) 375-3601 s 

ye

T

M

b

O

c

forme

le to follow their mothers

iff s

h. 

-

he

e

ment 

the 

s.

s

n-

-

 and

lik I U h h i

igin

d the

ulaat

Most

m

short migrations between summer 

and winter habitats. Moose usually 

occur singly or in small groups.

Moose breed in the late summer or 

early fall, and females typically give 

birth to one (rarely two) calves in late 

spring. Moose are herbivores that 

prefer to feed on aquatic vegetation and 

new woody growth during the spring 

and summer. Summer sightings are 

UTDNR
2 2011

Timpanogos Refl impanogos Refl ections ections

common at Cascade Springs. During the winter, 

when preferred food items are not available, moose 

switch to a diet of bark and twigs from evergreen 

and deciduous trees. Moose are active both day 

and night, especially near dawn and dusk.

Public interest in wildlife-oriented activities such as 

photography and wildlife viewing has grown dramatically. By viewing wildlife in its natural habitat, 

perhaps we may better appreciate the importance 

of all elements of the biological and physical world 

around us.

Welcome to the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and Timpanogos Cave National 

Monument! Over 300,000 acres await your exploration and enjoyment in American 

Fork Canyon. From an elevation of 4,500 feet at the entrance to the 11,750 foot summit 

of Mount Timpanogos, American Fork Canyon off ers an experience of unmatched sights, sounds, and 

solitude. We trust that you will have a wonderful time as you explore and experience this great canyon.

 While you are here, take a moment to put your cares aside. As you drive through the canyon, hike to the cave, ski or 

snowshoe a wintry trail or watch wildlife foraging in the brush, we hope you will lose yourself in the power of this beautiful 

landscape.

 We often think of parks and forests as outdoor museums, but taking care of a living ecosystem is very diff erent than protecting unchanging objects. Both natural features and human facilities may be diff erent each time you visit. Both are changing all the time. How we take care of those features and facilities may also aff ect your visit. You probably won’t notice the 

environmental monitoring equipment at Timpanogos Cave that works 24 hours a day, but you will see other activities such 

as revegetation, road work, facility construction and trail maintenance. Some activities may unavoidably aff ect you if they 

lead to temporary closures. 

 The park and forest staff uses such actions as tools to maintain our facilities in the landscape and protect its inhabitants 

and visitors. Your visit gives you but a snapshot of this process; nature decides the timing of many of these actions. They all

share one goal: protection of these forests and parks for people now and in the future.

 Timpanogos Cave National Monument and the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest belong to us all, and as such, we 

have a shared stewardship role. Please be mindful of that as you spend time in YOUR national park and forest. We hope 

you will be refreshed and restored during your visit, and stay connected to this magnifi cent landscape long after you have 

returned home.

Sincerely,

Watchable Wildlife (cont.)

Sylvia Clark

WEB SITES

National Park Service

National Park Foundation ................. www.nationalparks.org

National Park Service .......................................www.nps.gov

NPS Campground Reservations .............. www.recreation.gov

Timpanogos Cave National Monument ......www.nps.gov/tica

Western National Parks Association. ............. www.wnpa.org

Forest Service- U.S. Department of Agricuture

National Forest Foundation ...................www.natlforests.org

Forest Service Campground Reservation www.recreation.gov

Uinta National Forest ......................... www.fs.fed.us/r4/uwc/

Forest Service .................................................www.fs.fed.us

Smokey Bear ..................................... www.smokeybear.com

Other

Public Lands Information ......................www.publiclands.org

State of Utah ................................................ www.utah.gov

Utah Department of Transportation ....... www.udot.utah.gov

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources .... www.wildlife.utah.gov

Utah State Parks ............................www.stateparks.utah.gov

FREQUENTLY REQUESTED TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Law Enforcement

EMERGENCY .................................................................... 911

Division of Wildlife Resources .........................(801) 491-5678

Highway Patrol ...............................................(801) 374-7030

Poaching Hotline ............................................(800) 662-3337

Utah County Sheriff Dispatch .........................(801) 851-4100

Ranger Stations

Timpanogos Cave National Monument ..........(801) 756-5239

Pleasant Grove Ranger District .......................(801) 785-3563

 Timpanogos Cave Visitor Center ....................(801) 756-5238

 Wasatch Mountain State Park .......................(435) 654-1791

Nearby National Parks

Arches ...........................................................(435) 719-2299

Bryce Canyon ................................................(435) 834-5322

Capitol Reef ..................................................(435) 425-3791

Glen Canyon .................................................(928) 608-6200

Golden Spike .................................................(435) 471-2209

Grand Canyon ...............................................(928) 638-7888

Grand Teton ..................................................(307) 739-3300

Great Basin ....................................................(775) 234-7331

Yellowstone ...................................................(307) 344-7381

Zion ...............................................................(435) 772-3256

Other

Avalanche Information ..................................(888) 999-4019

Recreation Reservation Service .......................(877) 444-6777

Road Conditions ............................................(866) 511-8824

Utah County Convention & Visitors Bureau ....(800) 222-8824

Utah Travel Council........................................(800) 200-1160

Weather ........................................................(801) 524-3057

Denis Davis

Timpanogos Refl ections is published yearly by the 

National Park Service, Timpanogos Cave National 

Monument, and the Uinta National Forest Service, 

to enhance visitor experience.

Editor-in-Chief:

 Michael Gosse, Chief Ranger

Layout & Design:

 Karissa DeCarlo, NPS Ranger

Writers:

 Michael Gosse, NPS Chief Ranger

 Mellisa Slaugh, US Forest Service

 Wendy Wilson, Wasatch Mt. State Park

 Karissa DeCarlo, NPS Ranger

 Cheryl Butler, US Forest Service

Feature Story:

 Michael Gosse, NPS Ranger

Photographers:

 Andrew McKinney, NPS Ranger

 cover photo: Silver Lake

 Cheryl Butler, US Forest Service

Illustrators:

 Karissa DeCarlo, NPS Ranger

Cartographer:

 Leah Smith, US Forest Service

Please address comments to:

Editor, Timpanogos Refl ections

Timpanogos Cave NM

RR 3, Box 200

American Fork, UT 84003-9800

TICA_Ranger_Activities@nps.gov

Help preserve natural resources. Please return this 

paper to a fee station or Visitor Center.

Welcome! Bienvenue!

Bienvenidos! Wilkommen!

Sylvia Clark Denis Davis

Pleasant Grove District Ranger Superintendent

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache NF Timpanogos Cave NM

Canyon Passes

The majority of fees collected remain in American Fork Canyon/Alpine Scenic Loop Area to improve visitor services, 

maintain recreation facilities, enhance wildlife habitat, and protect natural and cultural resources. The Uinta-WasatchCache National Forest, Timpanogos Cave National Monument and our partners appreciate your support. The following passes are available at the fee stations and Forest Service and Park Service offi ces. Cave tour fees are additional.

Canyon Recreation Fee 

Allows recreating and use of facilities in American Fork Canyon, along 

the Alpine Loop and at Mirror Lake. 

May be purchased at the fee stations 

or the Pleasant Grove Ranger District 

Offi ce.

Three-day pass - $6.00

Seven-day pass - $12.00

Annual Pass - $45.00

 America the Beautiful—

National Parks and Federal 

Recreational Lands

Annual Pass- $80.00 

This pass is available to the 

general public and provides 

access to, and use of, Federal 

recreation sites that charge 

an Entrance or Standard 

Amenity Fee for a year, 

beginning from the date of 

sale. 

Non-transferable.

Interagency Senior Pass - 

$10.00

This is a lifetime pass for 

U.S. citizens or permanent 

residents age 62 or over. The 

pass provides access to, and 

use of, Federal recreation 

sites that charge an Entrance 

or Standard Amenity fee. 

Non-transferable.

Interagency Access Pass - 

Free

This is a lifetime pass for 

U.S. citizens or permanent 

residents with permanent 

disabilities. Documentation 

is required to obtain the 

pass and must be obtained 

in person. The pass provides 

access to, and use of, Federal 

recreation sites that charge 

an Entrance or Standard 

Amenity fee. 

Non-transferable.

For more information or to purchase the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, Senior Pass or Access Pass online, 

visit the Internet at http://store.usgs.gov/pass or call 1-888-ASKUSGS, Ext. 1.

All Golden Access and Golden Age Passports will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass. Only paper 

Golden Age and Access Passports may be exchanged free of charge for new plastic passes.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. To fi le a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Offi ce of Civil 

Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

Viewing hints

• The fi rst and last hours of daylight are generally 

the best times to view or photograph most species. 

• Seasonally, spring and early summer are the best 

times to view many species such as songbirds, small 

mammals, and hoofed mammals since they are most 

active throughout the day during this period.

• Be quiet. Quick movements and loud noises will 

normally scare wildlife.

• Whisper when you speak.

• Use as many viewing aids as possible. Binoculars 

or spotting scopes are always desirable to enhance 

your observations. Field guides are helpful with 

identifi cation and other pertinent facts. 

• Be patient. Wait quietly for animals to enter 

or return to an area. Give yourself enough time to 

allow animals to move within your view. Patience 

is usually rewarded with a more complete wildlife 

experience.

Always Keep a Safe Distance 

When Viewing Wildlife

Remember...

Feature story photos courtesy of UTDNR.
3

American Fork Canyon merican Fork Canyon

UTAH’S PUBLIC LANDS

What’s New?

Your Canyon Fees at Work

American Fork Canyon off ers a wide array of diverse 

recreational opportunities. Whether you prefer 

fi shing, hiking, camping, cycling, or taking leisurely 

drives along the beautiful windy roads–American 

Fork Canyon has it all. Many of the amenities that 

make this canyon so appealing to 1.3 million recreationists annually are made possible by your canyon 

fees. The majority of canyon fees are applied directly 

toward projects within American Fork Canyon. 

Keep reading to fi nd out where your fees have been 

hard at work and what the future will bring.

American Fork Canyon Interpretive Sign System

This season the American Fork Canyon-Alpine Scenic Loop Recreation Area Interpretive Sign System 

will be off ering information in both American Fork 

Canyon as well as on the Alpine Scenic Loop road. 

The interpretive signs will be off ering insights into 

the historical, geological, and ecological background 

of these recreation areas. The newly constructed 

kiosks can be found at Tibble Fork Reservoir, 

Graveyard Flat, Alpine Summit Trailhead, and the 

new Lower Mill Canyon Trailhead as well as other 

recreation areas through out the canyon. All kiosks 

will provide information on current recreational 

opportunities, forest rules and regulations, as well as 

detailed maps of the Canyon. 

Cave Tours and Ranger Programs

Timpanogos Cave National Monument hired fi ve 

additional National Park Service rangers with 

$65,000 in support from fee revenue. These rangers increased cave tour availability by about 20 tours 

per day throughout the season. Additionally, the 

increased staffi ng allowed new, free program off erings including Cascade Springs and Canyon Nature 

Trail walks. Outreach programming was maintained 

focusing on providing local school children with a 

ranger in the classroom. Trail patrol was increased 

along the cave trail, fostering visitor safety. Junior 

Ranger programs were held at the Timpanogos Cave 

Visitor Center and will continue this year every 

Saturday and holiday from Memorial Day through 

Labor Day. Meet at 10:00 a.m. for this free, one-hour 

program. The successful free evening program series 

continued and will be off ered again this year every 

Friday-Monday evening from 7:00-8:00 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day.

2010 Season Programs

• 5,728 Cave tours were available througout the 

season with 72,491 visitors touring the caves.

• 61 Evening programs were presented with 1,443 

people attending.

• 25 Cascade Springs walks were presented with 

261 people attending.

• 23 Canyon Nature Trail walks were presented 

with 156 people attending.

• 38 Outreach programs were presented throughout the community and attended by 7,168 

people.

• 17 Junior Ranger programs were presented and 

attended by over 1,489 children.

Maintenance and Improvements Made Possible 

by Your Fees in 2010

• Maintenance of a 90 mile trail system open to: 

hiking, biking, equestrian use, and motorized 

vehicles. 

• Operation and maintenance of 7 picnic areas, 2 

interpretive sites, 2 fi shing sites, 1 observation 

site, 7 dispersed camping sites, 2 cross country 

ski trails, and 14 trailheads.

• Security, compliance, education, and information patrols conducted by Forest Service personnel.

• Slurry seal and asphalt repair at Granite Flat 

Campground.

• Winter maintenance including: plowing, trailhead maintenance, cleaning facilities, and the 

grooming of cross country ski trails.

• Maintaining and fostering recreation fee partnership with the National Park Service, Utah 

County Sheriff s and Utah Country Search and 

Rescue, Utah Department of Transportation, 

and Utah Division of State Parks and Recreation.

• Supplementing an extensive volunteer program 

in American Fork Canyon.

• Reconstruction of Echo Picnic Area.

• Completion of the new Little Mill Campground 

pavilion.

• Blasting operations resulting in improvements 

made to trails above Pine Hollow.

• The off ering of bi-weekly interpretive tours at 

Cascade Springs.

• Construction of interpretive kiosks in both 

American Fork Canyon and along the Alpine 

Scenic Loop.

• Restoration of the historic stone amphitheater 

located above Aspen Grove. 

• Improvements to road, trail, and recreation 

signs.

• Supplemented UDOT operations and maintenance in American Fork Canyon.

• The reshaping and graveling of 085 North Fork 

Road through partnership with UDOT.

• Grooming of 35 miles of snowmobile trails in 

American Fork Canyon and the Alpine Loop 

Recreation Area through partnership with 

Wasatch Mountain State Park.

• Continued realignment and reconstruction of 

Tibble Fork and Mud Springs trails. 

• Construction of an additional restroom in the 

Timpooneke Campground.

• Replacement of the restroom at the Pine Hollow 

parking lot and Trailhead. 

• Supplemented Utah County Sheriff s and Search 

and Rescue Operations in American Fork Canyon.

Upcoming Projects

• Implementation of the American Fork Canyon 

and Alpine Scenic Loop Interpretive Plan. 

• Continued improvement and replacement of 

road and trail signs. 

• Continued maintenance of trails. 

• Assisting with parking at Timpooneke and Mt. 

Timpanogos Trailheads.

• Kiosk construction at Tibble Fork and Pine Hollow Trailheads and parking lots. 

• Installation of panels at the Summit, Tibble Fork, 

Lower Mill Canyon and Pine Hollow Trailheads 

and parking lots. 

• Finish Granite Flat Campground paving project.

• Installation of a water line in the Echo Picnic 

Area.

• Ongoing rehabilitation of Theater in the Pines 

Amphitheater. 

The protection and enhancement of public lands is 

everyone’s responsibility. The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache 

National Forest and Timpanogos Cave National 

Monument thank you for your support. For additional information or comments, please contact:

Pleasant Grove Ranger District

390 North 100 East

Pleasant Grove, Utah 84062

(801) 785-3563

Timpanogos Cave National Monument 

RR 3, Box 200

American Fork, UT 84003

(801) 756-5239

When: July-August 2011

Where: Meet at the Gazebo in the 

 lower parking lot

All ages are invited to attend this free accessible 

program. Be prepared with water, sunscreen and 

walking shoes. 

Please call (801) 756-5238 or visit www.nps.gov/tica 

and click calendar of events for details.

Free Ranger-Guided Tours of Cascade 

Springs

Learn about Cascade Springs with a ranger.

NPS

New kiosks at Summit Trailhead and interpretive sign 

at Tibble Fork.

Cross-country ski trail grooming at Little Mill.

Before: Pine Hollow Trail tread has eroded away 

along the cliff face.

After: Blasting along the cliff face creates a safe 

tread width along Pine Hollow Trail.

USFS

USFS

USFS
4 2011

Timpanogos Refl impanogos Refl ections ections

Make the Most of Your Canyon Visit

A Few Hours

Take in an Evening Program or Junior Ranger 

Program. Join a Ranger at the Timpanogos Cave 

Visitor Center on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and 

Monday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. for 

presentations about the park and surrounding 

area. Topics change daily.

Pack a Lunch. Picnic areas with tables, grills, 

water, and restrooms are available at Swinging 

Bridge Picnic Site inside Timpanogos Cave 

National Monument, along Highway 92, and 

Route 144 to Tibble Fork Reservoir.

A Half Day

Drive the Loop. The 20-mile Alpine Loop offers terrifi c views of Mount Timpanogos and 

other glacier-carved peaks. The narrow, winding 

route connects American Fork Canyon to Provo 

Canyon. A drive during autumn colors is truly 

breathtaking. Motorhomes and trailers longer 

than 30 feet are not recommended.

Visit Cascade Springs. This beautiful site is 

located 7.5 miles off the Alpine Loop on Forest 

Service Road 114, and consists of boardwalks 

over springs cascading down the mountain slope 

in a series of limestone terraces and pools.

Hike to the Cave. Stop at the Timpanogos Cave 

Visitor Center and purchase your tickets to an 

underground wonderland. The Timpanogos 

Cave System is a series of three caves connected 

by two man-made tunnels. Panoramic views of 

the valley dazzle you as you climb the 1,092 feet 

to the cave entrance.

Ride a Bike or a Horse. Enjoy the multiple use 

trails available in the National Forest and enjoy 

a bike ride or horseback ride where no cars can 

go.

A Whole Day

Sleep Under the Stars. American Fork Canyon 

has four developed campgrounds. Each site offers a table, grill, and access to water and restrooms during the 

summer.

Take a Hike. Over 

50 miles of hiking 

trails in the canyon 

range from level 

and easy to steep 

and arduous. Stop 

and ask a Ranger 

at the Timpanogos 

Cave Visitor Center 

or Pleasant Grove 

District Offi ce for 

recommended 

hikes, maps and 

guides.

Volunteer. Numerous opportunities are available to volunteer your time for a day to help 

other visitors out, maintain trails and facilities, 

and protect our natural and cultural resources.

Mt Timpanogos Wilderness

Bring the whole family to pick a bag of mountain fresh apples. UTDNR

Wonders of Wasatch 

Mountain State Park

Wasatch Mountain State Park lies just 

east of American Fork Canyon and 

although only an hour drive from the 

valley, most people are surprised when 

they stumble across us. 

Many people are familiar with the 

Wasatch Golf Course, but there is 

more to the park than golf. Just one 

mile past the visitor center on Snake 

Creek Road sits one of the gems of the 

state park system.

The Huber Grove, a 130-year-old 

homestead, was built by Johannes and 

Maria Huber, two of the many Swiss 

immigrants to come to the Heber Valley. Two original buildings still remain, 

along with several apple trees from 

the extensive orchards planted and 

maintained by the Hubers. The Huber 

UTDNR

Apple harvesting in the Fall.

Grove is open for tours, picnics and 

small family gatherings. 

Every fall the park holds a community 

apple harvest where individuals and 

families can come and pick a bag of 

mountain fresh apples.

Call (435) 654-1791 or visit 

www.stateparks.utah.gov/parks/wasatch

for details on the 

apple harvest and 

other activites you 

can enjoy.

Evening Program at Timpanogos Cave Visitor Center

Protect Your Canyon and its 

Wildlife

You play an important role in protecting American Fork Canyon’s vulnerable natural and cultural resources and 

keeping wild animals wild. While you 

are out in the canyon, do your part by 

taking a few simple actions:

•Stay on trails to protect plant life.

•Leave what you fi nd. Removing natural and historic objects degrades the 

canyon and is illegal in Timpanogos 

Cave National Monument.

•At all times, keep your pet on a leash 

no longer than six feet for the protection of your pet, visitors and wildlife. 

•Pack it in. Pack it out. Carry out 

anything you brought into the canyon. 

Better yet, carry out any other litter 

you fi nd, too.

•Protect water resources.

•Camp in designated areas only.

American Fork Canyon’s small size 

and high volume of visitors mean 

that wild animals often come in close 

contact with people. To help ensure 

the safety and health of these animals, 

follow these steps when you encounter 

wildlife:

•Never feed wild animals. Human food 

can make them ill and create beggar 

animals that no longer retain a healthy 

respect for humans

•Keep your distance. Do not approach 

wild animals. If you suddenly fi nd 

yourself too close, back away and give 

them room to escape. Use binoculars 

to get a close-up view.

•When camping, all food, garbage, and 

cooking equipment must be stored in 

an enclosed vehicle or hard-sided locker to help prevent animals from being 

attracted to your site.

•Respect closures established to protect plants and animals.

•Be aware of wildlife along roads, 

especially at dusk and dawn. Pay close 

attention and lower your speed, allowing them and you a better chance to 

avoid an accident.

•Remember that protecting wildlife in 

our national parks and national forests 

not only makes good sense, but also it 

is the law. All national parks have strict 

regulations to protect wildlife.

Black Bear. Photo by Lynn Chamberlain, UTDNR

Be Careful Out There!

No one ever plans to get hurt on 

vacation, but it does happen. Most 

accidents in American Fork Canyon 

occur while visitors are hiking, biking, 

exploring the mountains, and driving. 

Keep these tips in mind to help ensure 

a safe visit to the park.

Watch your step. Be prepared: 

wear sturdy shoes and carry 

water, a map, fi rst aid kit, and 

fl ashlight. Tell someone your plans 

before you go.

Keep your speed down and be 

prepared to stop. Road gravel 

can be loose, especially on 

curves and hills. Be alert for bicyclists 

on the road.

Be careful while walking near 

cliff edges and along the shore. 

Loose gravel and wet rocks 

create dangerous footing, which can 

result in serious falls. Stay away from 

the edge.

Drive safely and wear your 

seatbelt. The speed limit varies 

in the very congested canyon 

and it’s easy to get distracted by scenery—pay attention. Do not drink and 

drive.

Remember that your actions can make 

the diff erence between a happy memory and an unpleasant experience!

UTDNR

Take a moment for safety and 

catch the best Canyon memories.
5

American Fork Canyon merican Fork Canyon

UTAH’S PUBLIC LANDS

Monument Bookstore

You’ll fi nd many interesting materials to enhance your canyon experience at the 

Western National Parks Association Bookstore in the Timpanogos Cave Visitor 

Center. We offer books, posters, postcards, maps, gift items, and a whole lot 

more. Be sure to come see us while you’re here!

Please contact the Visitor Center for hours of operation at (801) 756-5238.

The Western National Parks Association is a nonprofi t cooperating 

association of the National Park Service. Through book sales the association 

helps support the interpretive activities at Timpanogos Cave National 

Monument. For more information please visit the Western National Parks 

Association web site at www.wnpa.org.

Cave Tours

Tours of the 3 adjoining caves are offered from early-May through earlyOctober, weather permitting. 

Guided by National Park Rangers, these 

1-hour tours are limited to 20 people. 

Plan on spending about 3 hours roundtrip to hike up, tour the caves, and hike 

back to the Visitor Center. For your 

safety and the safety of others, pets and 

wheeled vehicles (baby strollers, etc.) 

are NOT allowed on the cave trail.

Bring plenty of drinking water, as no 

water is available along the trail or at 

the caves. Come prepared with hiking 

shoes and a light jacket (cave temperatures average 45oF [7oC]). Cameras and 

fl ashlights are welcome.

Inside the Caves

The three highly decorated limestone 

caves are known for their abundance of 

helictites—spiral, worm-like formations. 

Along the 3/4 mile tour deep inside the 

mountain, you’ll discover many other 

interesting, colorful features. Anthodite 

crystals, stalagmites, stalagtites, cave 

drapery, and fl owstone are among other 

formations that adorn the rooms and 

winding passages.

Cave Access Trail

To reach the Timpanogos Cave System, 

which is located 6,730 feet above sea 

level, visitors must hike the 1.5 mile (2.4 

kilometer) hard-surfaced cave trail. The 

trail, which rises 1,092 feet (325 meters), 

is considered a strenuous hike. Anyone 

with heart trouble or breathing problems should not attempt the hike. Those 

under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Introduction to Caving Tour

The Introduction to Caving Tour takes 

visitors back to Hansen Cave Lake. This 

off -trail tour is a strenuous hike that 

requires bending and crawling through 

tight passages. Group size is limited to 

5. Participants must be at least 14 years 

old. Call (801) 756-5238 for details. 

Junior Ranger Program 

and Patio Talks

Children who visit the caves can earn 

a Junior Ranger certifi cate and badge 

at the Visitor Center. Patio talks are on 

Saturdays and holidays, Memorial Day 

through Labor Day at the Visitor Center. 

These free ranger programs are for kids 

of all ages!

Cascade Springs Walks

Meet a ranger for a free walk JuneAugust 2011 at the gazebo in the lower 

parking lot at Cascade Springs. Call 

(801) 756-5238 or visit www.nps.gov/

tica and click calendar of events for 

specifi c days and times.

Evening Programs

Join a park ranger every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday nights at 7:00 

p.m. at the Visitor Center or Mutual Dell 

for free evening programs. These informative programs are educational and 

entertaining. Activities range from the 

study of local wildlife to canyon history 

and campfi re singing. 

Visitor Center Hours

The Visitor Center is open from 7:00 

a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily during the cave 

tour season (May through Labor Day). 

Hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

after Labor Day until the visitor center 

closes for the winter.

Picnic Area and Nature Trail 

The Swinging Bridge Picnic Area is 1/4 

mile west of the Visitor Center. A selfguided 1/4 mile Canyon Nature Trail will 

lead you there. Cooking grills, drinking 

water, and fi re rings are available at the 

picnic sites. Parking is also available. A 

small, shaded, streamside picnic area 

is also located directly across the road 

from the Visitor Center.

Nature Walks

Meet a ranger for a free nature walk 

June-August 2011 at the Visitor Center 

front steps. We will explore the 

1/4 mile paved Canyon Nature Trail. 

Call (801) 756-5238 or visit www.nps.

gov/tica and click calendar of events 

for specifi c days and times.

Gift Shop and Snack Bar

Food, snacks, beverages, fi lm, clothing, souvenirs, a shaded eating area and 

parking are located next to the visitor 

center. For more information call (801) 

756-5702.

Planning A Visit?

For more information on any of the 

activities off ered at Timpanogos Cave 

National Monument, please call the 

Visitor Center at (801) 756-5238 or visit 

www.nps.gov/tica and click calendar of 

events to learn more.

Visiting Timpanogos Cave

National Monument

Tickets are sold at the Visitor Center 

and may be purchased up to 30 days 

in advance with a credit card by calling 

(801) 756-5238.

Ages 16 & older . . . . . . . . . .$7.00

Ages 6 to 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5.00

Ages 3 to 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3.00

Ages 2 & under . . . . . . . . . . .FREE

Senior/Access Pass . . . . . . . .$3.50

Introduction to Caving Tour .$15.00

 Cave Tour Pricing

Anthodites found in Timpanogos Cave

UVCVB

NPS

Junior Ranger program Take a cave tour.

NPS

 Timpanogos Cave & Cave Trail Open Weekends Only

 Starting July 26, 2011

To improve visitor safety from falling rock hazards, the cave exit shelter will be extended and new stairs installed. Construction will start on July 26, 2011 and continue 

Monday-Thursday, except for Federal holidays until complete. 

Cave tours and the cave trail will be available on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Federal holidays during construction. Please call 801-756-5238 

to purchase advance tickets and/or to receive the latest closure updates. 

Closures will also be posted at www.nps.gov/tica. Visitors are especially 

encouraged to purchase cave tour tickets in advance, as schedule changes 

could occur and efforts will be made to contact advance ticket holders as 

needed.

Do your part to protect bats from a 

deadly fungus. All visitors taking a 

cave tour this season will be asked, 

“Are you wearing or carrying articles 

taken into ANY cave or mine at ANY 

time?” If a visitor has, they will be 

asked to see a ranger to discuss decontamination options. If not, enjoy 

your cave tour!

Read more about the plight of our 

bats on page 6, “White-nose Syndrome Threatens Our Bats.”

 White-nose Syndrome 

Screening Procedures

Wondering if you (and your group) are ready to tackle the 1.5 mile strenuous hike 

to Timpanogos Cave? Rangers want to help you be fully prepared. All hikers will 

be gathered together for a short safety message just above the trailhead to ensure 

everyone is aware of potential safety concerns while visiting the Monument. Learn 

what to do in case of rockfall, how to hike safely along the cliff face, what to take with 

you, and more. If you’ve forgotten any essential items, you’ll be close enough to your 

vehicle or possibly purchase what you need just a few steps down the trail. 

New! Safety Ranger to Assist Visitors in Preparing for Hike to 

Timpanogos Cave
6 2011

Timpanogos Refl impanogos Refl ections ections

Lend A Hand

The Pleasant Grove Ranger District 

and Timpanogos Cave National Monument have hundreds of volunteers 

who come out and make a diff erence. 

We would like to recognize 3 groups 

who put forth exceptional volunteer 

contributions in 2010. Volunteers help 

reduce the cost of managing public 

lands, improve visitor facilities, and 

protect natural resources and recreational opportunities. 

Timpanogos Emergency Response 

Team (TERT)

Part of the Utah County Sheriff ’s 

Search and Rescue Department, TERT 

was organized in 1983 to assist hikers and climbers on Mt. Timpanogos. 

TERT is composed of emergency 

medical technicians (EMT), climbers, 

radio communicators, and other interested persons. The team has treated 

hundreds of injuries, located many 

lost hikers, and has been credited for 

saving a number of lives. Many injuries 

have also been prevented due to the 

education provided by the team, and 

its presence on the mountain. Over 

7,000 volunteer hours are donated in a 

typical year.

Boy Scouts of America: Eagle Scouts

Each year many dedicated young 

men aiming to become an Eagle 

Scout organize large service projects to help out in the canyon. 

Examples of Eagle Scout projects 

completed in 2010 include: detailing the Mill Canyon trail reroute, 

closure and rehabilitation of the old 

Mill Canyon Trail, adopting Silver 

Lake Flat Reservoir and Tibble Fork 

Reservoir, developing educational 

materials, removing asphalt from 

the Timpanogos Wilderness Area, 

rehabilitating illegal fi re rings, closing and rehabilitating switchback 

shortcuts, and completing a detailed sign inventory. In 2010, over 

3,500 volunteer hours were donated 

through Eagle Scout Projects.

Uinta Trail Council 

The Uinta Trail Council is a group 

of motorcyclists that have been 

working on trails since 2009. They 

have currently adopted 6 miles of 

single track trails in American Fork 

Canyon. They help to effi ciently 

clear miles of trails of downed trees, 

improve trail clearing widths, tread, 

drainage and signing, and have completed many other large scale projects for the Pleasant Grove, Spanish 

Fork and Heber Ranger Districts. In 

2010, this group donated over 200 

volunteer hours.

If you see any of our great volunteers 

out working, please take the opportunity to pass on a big thanks. Thank 

you to all 2010 volunteers, your time 

and eff orts are greatly appreciated.

For more information about how to 

get involved please call:

Pleasant Grove Ranger District

801-785-3563

Timpanogos Cave National Monument 801-756-5239

USFS

Before and after of fence repair 

in American Fork Canyon. 

USFS

USFS

USFS

Boy Scouts repaint a building.

Volunteers install fencing at Forest Lake.

Smokey’s 

Rules for 

Fire Safety

• Only you can prevent 

wildfi res.

• Always be careful with 

fi re.

• Never play with matches 

or lighters.

• Always watch your campfi re.

• Make sure your campfi re 

is completely out before 

leaving it.

Thank You, 

White-nose Syndrome Threatens Our Bats

Bat–the mere mention might conjure 

up images of bloodthirsty creatures 

fl ying in the night and getting in your 

hair. However, bats are currently facing a problem worse than persistent 

myths and years of poor public relations. You might wonder why the demise of bats should be your concern, 

and it helps to understand exactly 

what role bats play in our ecosystem.

Role of Bats

Bats play a role in pollination, seed 

dispersal, and of course eating millions 

of insects. Over two-thirds of all bat 

species eat insects. The little brown 

bat, a common canyon bat, eats up to 

1,000 insects per hour. Just under onethird of all bat species feed on plant 

nectar or fruit. All this nosing up to 

plants results in pollination and seed 

dispersal, allowing plant communities 

to regenerate. About one percent of 

bats eat small vertebrates such as fi sh, 

mice and frogs. Vampire bats do exist 

but the three species are only found in 

Latin America. 

What’s Happening to Bats?

Over one million bats have died in the 

past three years. Scientists have been 

working hard to fi nd out what is happening, but so far no one fully understands the cause of death or how to 

prevent further outbreaks. The problem was fi rst identifi ed in New York 

State in 2006, and continues to spread 

state by state, with the most recent case 

confi rmed April 2011, in Kentucky. 

The ailment is simply known as Whitenose Syndrome.

White-nose Syndrome

The number one symptom is a white 

fungus growing on the bat’s nose 

which could also be on the wings, ears 

and tail. The fungus, Geomyces destructans usually appears on bats during winter hibernation. Infected bats 

are irritated by the fungus, awakening 

too early. The cold of winter and lack 

of insects to eat combined with the 

energy stores used up by bats to seek 

food result in a deadly combination. 

Bats in American Fork Canyon

Bat monitoring will continue in the 

canyon this summer, resulting in three 

years of baseline data on our local 

species. So far, White-nose Syndrome 

has not reached Utah, and canyon 

bats are in good health. Caution is still 

advised, as there is no cure and the 

mode of transmission is still not fully 

understood. To prevent unintentional 

spreading of the fungus, visitors to 

Timpanogos Cave will be asked if they 

are wearing boots, clothing or carrying 

any gear that was taken into any cave 

or mine at any time. Decontamination 

options will be discussed with any visitors aff ected.

How to Help

Educate yourself and others on the 

benefi ts of bats, and on the latest news 

about White-nose Syndrome. Do not 

handle bats that appear to be infected. 

Report the location of these bats to 

your state wildlife agency. Respect 

cave/mine closures. Decontaminate all 

boots, clothing and gear used immediately after caving or exploring mines. 

Where to Learn More

www.fws.gov/WhiteNoseSyndrome

www.nature.nps.gov/biology/wildlifehealth/White_Nose_Syndrome.cfm

Cave tour fees may be waived for 

schools or other bona fi de educational 

institutions. For more information and 

the application for educational waivers 

check out our website fi lled with helpful tips for planning your visit at 

www.nps.gov/tica or call the 

Timpanogos Cave Visitor Center at 

(801) 756-5238.

Find Options for Your Class

Click the for teachers link on the left 

side of the homepage.

The right side menu links to the 

educational fee waiver application, 

Timpanogos Cave classroom packet, 

webranger activities, and more.

• Apply for fee waivers early; they 

are extremely popular.

• The classroom packet can supplement lessons all year long. Consider using these activities to prepare 

your class prior to visiting.

• Webranger on-line activities are 

fun games about the National Park 

System and those that complete 

required activities earn a patch! 

Visit www.nps.gov/webrangers

• Ranger visits to your classroom 

may also be arranged. Please call 

(801) 756-5239 to fi nd out more.

Teacher’s Tips

Smokey

Caused by a fungus, White-nose Syndrome 

has created an uncertain future for bats.

Al Hicks, NYSDEC

Volunteers assist with trail maintenance.
7

American Fork Canyon merican Fork Canyon

UTAH’S PUBLIC LANDS

Answers:

 Kit=Red Fox, Fawn=Mule Deer, Kid=Mt. Goat, Baby Animal Match:

, Spiderling=Spider, Pup=Bat, Chick=Jay. Cub=Cougar

Leave the Forest better than you found it! Help the Forest: 

Canyon Kids Become a Junior Ranger

At Timpanogos Cave

Earn your choice of a badge or 

patch while you learn! Stop by the 

Timpanogos Cave National Monument Visitor Center and pick up 

your free Junior Ranger booklet. 

Take a cave tour, watch the monument video, ask a ranger for help 

and work with your friends, brothers, sisters, parents or guardians to 

complete the booklet. Bring your 

completed booklet back to the 

Visitor Center for a ranger to 

review and sign. Take the 

Junior Ranger pledge and 

receive your badge or patch.

Junior Ranger Programs

Every Saturday and holiday 

from Memorial Day through 

Labor Day, free Junior Ranger 

programs are held from 10:00 

to 11:00 a.m. on the Visitor 

Center deck.

At Wasatch Mountain 

State Park 

Earn your badge and 

certifi cate while you learn! 

Stop by the Wasatch 

Mountain State Park visitor center, 

call them at (435) 654-1791 or visit 

www.stateparks.utah.gov/parks/

wasatch for details.

Junior Ranger Programs

From Memorial Day through Labor 

Day, Junior Ranger programs are 

offered. Check with the park for 

more information.

rn!

or center, 

91 or visit

/parks/

Labor 

are 

for 

NPS

UTDNR

Help Squirrel Collect Acorns

Yum!

Meet Smokey Bear

Kind of Bear: Smokey is a black 

bear. American black bears live 

in the United States along with 

brown, grizzly, and polar bears.

Current Weight: Over 300 pounds. 

Smokey has black bear relatives 

who weigh as much as 800 pounds, 

and some of his grizzly bear cousins 

weigh almost a ton!

Favorite Saying: “Only you can 

prevent wildfi res.”

Favorite Foods: Forest takeout 

–ants, insects, salmon or trout, 

bark, plants, roots and berries. And 

honey too, of course!

What Smokey Needs: Your help! 

Smokey and his forest pals need 

healthy forests. If they’re destroyed 

by wildfi re, Smokey and his pals will 

be without a home. 

Adapted from www.smokeybear.com

Fun Fact: I’m a golden-mantled 

ground squirrel and I bet you’ve 

seen one of my family members: 

the Least chipmunk. How can you 

tell us apart? Least chipmunks 

have black and white stripes on 

their faces and sides. Goldenmantled ground squirrels will only 

have stripes on their sides.

Funny Bone

Q: How do small children travel? A: In mini-vans.

Q: How do bighorn sheep get clean? A: They take a baaath.

Q: Where do rocks sleep? A: Bedrock.

B

Kit

Fawn

Kid

Cub

Spiderling

Pup

Chick

Baby Animal Match

Can you match these young animal names to their parents? NPS

Bat

UTDNR

Mule Deer

UTDNR

Red Fox

UTDNR

Cougar

NPS

Spider

UTDNR

Mt. Goat

UTDNR

Jay

Fun in the Canyon

No matter where you are exploring in the canyon, take a moment to have 

some fun! Here are some ideas to get you started.

Hug a tree, play a game, identify a plant or animal, sing a song, become a 

Junior Ranger, take a hike, enjoy a picnic, be silent and listen–what do you 

hear?–fi nd something smooth to touch, choose your own activity!

Help the Forest

Hint: Stash any trash you fi nd in a garbage can.
8 2011

Timpanogos Refl impanogos Refl ections ections