Timpooneke Trail #053

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

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.

Timpooneke 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 run, 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.

This delightful environment with breathtaking views and its profusion of wildflower color waits all who venture up these mountain trails. Visitors will see gorgeous blue lupines, penstemons, bluebells, and forget-me-nots; yellow alpine buttercups, daisies, owl’s clovers, and monkey flowers; red paintbrush and skyrockets; and white columbines, bistorts, Jacob’s ladder, and yarrow, as well as many other native flowers including the unique Elephanthead lousewort.

There is also an excellent chance of spotting Rocky Mountain goats in the Emerald Lake area.