Timpooneke Trail #053

Timpooneke Trail to Emerald Lake

Timponeeke trail is a beautiful trail that climbs steadily up the Giant Staircase to connect in with both the Timpanogos Summit trail and the Mount Timpanogos trail.  A couple of  waterfalls can be seen from this trail.  The Timpooneke Trail begins at the large parking lot and stock loading ramp in Timpooneke Campground in the South Fork of American Fork Canyon, Highway 92, Alpine Scenic Loop.  It begins in an aspen forest and goes past a beautiful forest meadow and mountain stream.  Approximately 1-1/2 miles from the beginning, the trail passes Scout Falls where there is a rustic overlook.  For those desiring only a short hike, this is a good turnaround point.  The trail continues up the Giant Staircase, passing a number of small falls and open meadows.  As the trail climbs higher, it crosses a number of rocky slopes, eventually entering a large open basin below the final ridge to Emerald Lake where it joins the Aspen Grove and Summit Trails.  The trail provides numerous vistas to the north, including Silver lake Flat and the Lone Peak Wilderness. Much of the Timpooneke Trail is wooded and while it is longer than the Aspen Grove Trail, contains fewer steep sections.

General Information

Access #1:  From I-15, take the Orem 800 North Exit 272.  Travel east on 800 North, Highway 52, to the mouth of Provo Canyon.  Take a left turn onto Highway 189, Provo Canyon Scenic Byway.  Then left onto Highway 92, Alpine Scenic Loop/Sundance turnoff to the North Fork of Provo Canyon.  This section of the road is narrow and winding which requires caution.

Access #2:  From I-15, take the American Fork/Alpine Exit 284 and turn east onto Highway 92.  This takes you through American Fork Canyon.  Continue on this road, making a right turn onto the south fork.

Snow covers the trail until mid-summer causing extremely hazardous snow conditions in spring and early summer.  Sliding down the snowfield above Emerald Lake is dangerous and not recommended.

High Elevation-Alpine Environment

Trail Open To:  Hike, and Horse

Connecting Trails:  Timpanogos Summit #054, Mount Timpanogos #052

Trail Grade:  Trail grades range from 10 to 30 percent

Trail Considerations:   Trail users should be aware of the high level of use that this trail receives, and should expect to see each type of user group on any given day.  It is possibly the most used trail on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache NF and as such, Saturdays and holidays can be prohibitively busy.  Users are encouraged to use this trail on weekdays and Sundays if possible. As this hike does enter the Mount Timpanogos Wilderness area, keep group sizes fewer than 15 people.

Wilderness Considerations:  As with any Wilderness trails, please be prepared for trails that have received little to no maintenance.  Have a map and compass and know how to use them, and have the ability to be self-sufficient as these are truly some of the most remote areas in the Wasatch Mountains. If you camp, be aware that NO CAMPFIRES are allowed in Timpanogos Wilderness.   Extreme caution should be used around any steep snow field, snow with water moving underneath, waterfalls, and/or cliffs.

For further information about the Mount Timpanogos Wilderness and Leave No Trace, please go to http://www.wilderness.net/ and Search Mount Timpanogos.

The Timpooneke trailhead permit system will be implemented beginning July 8, 2023. Timed tickets will be required during peak days and can be reserved 30 days in advance at http://recreation.gov 

Permits are required on peak days, Fridays, Saturdays and Holidays from midnight to 1:00 pm, which will help reduce congestion in the parking area. Example: Friday night 12:00 am to Saturday 1:00 pm. Saturday night 12:00 am to Sunday 1:00 pm. Cost for the permit is the existing day use fee $6.00, plus $2.00 non-refundable reservation fee. The permit will be a timed ticket that will be required to be displayed in vehicle. 78 parking stalls – reservable online 30 days in advance 18 parking stalls – reservable online 48 hours in advance. Parking permits are in effect for 24 hours and reservations can be made 24/7 at recreation.gov 

The permit system is needed to address overcrowding at the popular trailhead and along State Route 92.  The Forest Service is working with Utah Department of Transportation, Utah Highway Patrol, and Utah County to implement the new permit, which will allow for managed parking, continued access to recreation opportunities, and provide safer access for emergency responders.