Timpanogos Cave National Monument, American Fork Canyon
Not so bad
The first time I hiked was with my mom and dad. Mom was about seven months pregnant and the littlest of my siblings was not quite five. Dad ended up carrying her and pushing mom up the mountain. About half way up, mom realized she forgot the tickets and my brother had to run all the way down to the car and then all the way back up. He had joined us before we reached the 3/4 mile marker.
Last time I went was with my own family. Thing One was three and a half and Thing Two was still very small. My husband took Two up in the front pack and Thing One and I walked up. I was worried about it, so we allowed 2 1/2 hours (they recommend 1 1/2) to hike it, but we got up in 1 1/2. Thing One was not happy about going down, though, and told every person we met that she wanted a good mother to take her home.
One very important tip… There is only one bathroom on the trail. It is on the way up only. Use it! And make sure you secure all valuables before you use it because it’s basically a big hole that goes straight down for what seems like miles…
over 3 years ago