Mount Timpanogos, often referred to more casually as "Timp" or "Mount Timp," is the ninth tallest peak in the state of Utah. Standing at 11,752 feet at the summit (approximately 3,582 meters), this stretch of rugged limestone peak is located in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, and is one of the most impressive in the state.

Hiking to the Peak

There are two trailhead options to hike and reach the summit of Mount Timpanogos. These trails are moderate to difficult. Please plan ahead, wear appropriate hiking footwear, sunscreen, and bring lots of water. High caloric snacks or food items are also recommended. As weather conditions can quickly change on this long hike, it is advised to wear or pack light layers as well. Please remember to recreate responsibly, including pack in and pack out all items that you bring, including any garbage items and clean up after your dogs if you bring them. And remember, please do not pick the wildflowers. Leave them for all others to enjoy. Additional hiking trails in and around Heber Valley.

• Via Timpooneke (trail 053): At approximately 7.5 miles (approx. 12 km) one-way or 15 miles (approx. 24 km) round-trip, this popular hike is labeled as moderate to difficult. It takes, on average, between 7 to 9 hours to complete this hike, so plan for a full-day excursion. Dogs are allowed on the trail, but must be leashed in the parking areas and along some areas of the trail.
• Via Aspen Grove (trail 052): At approximately 8.4 miles (approx. 13.5 km) or 16.8 miles (approx. 27 km) round-trip, this hike is difficult and rigorous. It takes, on average, between 9 to 11 hours to complete this hike, so plan for a full-day experience. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be leashed in the parking areas and on the entire trail.

The Legend of Mount Timpanogos

The state of Utah's name derives from the Ute-indigenous people that originally lived in much of the Mountain West. Clans of the Timpanogos Ute tribe made their home in the present-day Heber Valley. Though the tribe eventually relocated eastward to the Uintah Valley Reservation, the tribe's legacy remains.

Mount Timpanogos was named after the tribe that dominated much of the Heber Valley for decades. One version of the beloved legend tells the story of the Uintah tribe that lived by a beautiful silver lake abundant in fish. To the north, another tribe - the Nez Pence - were suffering from famine. To save the Nez Pence people, the leader's son, Timpanac, headed south in search of food. Timpanac discovered the Uintah's and the lake. The Uintah's leader exchanged fish for furs. During the transaction, Timpanac saw and fell in love with Ucanogos, the Indian princess - daughter of the Uintah's leader. 

When Ucanogos came of age to marry, her father held a contest for the worthy Indian warriors to compete for her hand. All worthy suitors were to summit the great mountain peak where Ucanogos waited. The first to reach her would claim her as his bride. Timpanac was among the competitors, but when he reached the steepest section of the mountain, the other warriors pushed him over the ledge to his death. Watching from above, Ucanogos wept great tears that would never stop falling - represented today by the impressive 600-foot waterfall named Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon. Ucanogos then threw herself from the mountain, praying to The Great Spirit to unite her soul with that of Timpanac.

The Great Spirit was so saddened by these events and joined their hearts to hang forever as one in Timpanogos Cave. The Great Spirit then set the Indian princess on the mountaintop for all eternity. Those who travel from east in Heber Valley and head west into Provo Canyon can easily see her features atop the peak of Mount Timpanogos.

Learn more about the history of Heber Valley.