Mount Timpanogos (Difficult, 14.8 miles round-trip)

Description:
     This is one of my all-time favorite hikes.  It is challenging, incredibly scenic, with great chances to see moose and mountain goats, and amazing views.  The big question people ask, is, "Which route shall I take, Timpooneke or Sundance?" I have tried both, and they are both nice, but I prefer Timpooneke, as it has more shade overall, and is a little easier, although you miss Emerald Lake unless you go way out of your way.  I ran into an expert on this trail. He is 73 years old, and hikes Timp 7 times a week! (He does not hike on Sundays, so he makes the hike twice on Wednesdays to make up for that!) He prefers the Timpooneke route as well, and almost never does the Sundance route.  Another question that is asked, is "How much water do I need?" I have found that I need every bit of 4 liters, but I freeze one water bottle, and hide it in the meadow near the junction to the toilet, then pick it up on my way down. That way, I have some nice cold water, but do not have to carry it all the way to the summit. It is a good idea to write the date on it, so if someone finds it they know it is not just discarded from some earlier date.  Some people bring a water filter, but by the time I get to where there is water to filter, I am so close to the trailhead that I just want to press on, so I no longer carry a filter.  You will want to start early in the morning, as it is a long hike.  We started hiking at 5:30. Bring a headlamp or flashlight!
Trailhead:
     From Salt Lake City, take I 15 South over the Point of the Mountain and take the Highland/Alpine Exit (Exit 284) and turn left (East) following the signs to Timponogos Cave. The toll booth will likely be closed, but stop and pick up an envelope to put the fee in ($6 for a 3 day pass when I went).  There are envelopes at the trailhead, but if the lot is full, and you have to park on the road, you don't want to have to walk clear back to your car to hang the tag showing you paid). The lot can fill very early, as many people begin at 2 or 3 in the morning to summit before sunrise.   Turn right into the Timpooneke Campground which is about 18 miles from I 15. Stay to your right, and the road takes you  to the trailhead which you will see on your left, and it  has restrooms and a water tap.  Sign the register, and you are on your way!  The trail is fairly obvious, but in the dark, some places can be confusing.  If you seem to come to a dead end, just backtrack a little and look for the main trail.  After the saddle, follow cairns for the safest way up.  Again, if you get on a portion that looks very difficult or dangerous, just look around for a better way.  I have seen children as young as 5 years old at the top, so it is not a technically difficult climb.

You do not have to be at the summit to enjoy the sunrise.

Junction to the toilet. 

August 17, and still peak wildflower season.

We saw dozens of mountain goats up close.

This mountain goat is named Ben, and is on his 716th climb!

So fun to watch them effortlessly climb!

View from the shack

Large moose we saw on the way up and on the way down.