Timpanogos Cave National Monument Summer Program Series

The National Park Service and the Uinta National Forest invite you to join us for our summer evening ranger programs. These free programs, presented by National Park Service Rangers, involve a wide variety of topics relating to our local natural resources, wildlife and history. The one-hour programs begin at 7:00 p.m. and are held at the Timpanogos Cave National Monument Visitor Center (unless otherwise noted). Please be aware that a $6.00 vehicle entrance fee is required to access American Fork Canyon. For further information call (801) 756-5238.

Every Saturday at 10:00 a.m. you are also invited to join Ranger Brad Woolstenhulme for a Junior Ranger program at the Timpanogos Cave Visitor Center Programs are free, all ages welcome.

This Week's Programs
Location: Timpanogos Cave National Monument Visitor Center
Time: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

“The Bling in Timpanogos Cave”
Friday, June 25
(Visitor Center) Jewels, gems, crystals, oh my! Come take a good look at the crystals found in the caves with Ranger Royce Shelley. Build your own‘crystal kit’ so you can grow similar crystals at home.

“The Discovery and Exploration of Utah’s Deepest Cave”
Saturday, June 26
(Visitor Center) In 2002 a small group of Utahan cave explorers discovered what could become the deepest cave in the continental United States, but as the cave goes progressively deeper they are reminded how dangerous cave exploration can be. Come join one of the original explorers as he shares stories and images of this amazing discovery.

“The Flowers of American Fork Canyon”
Sunday, June 27
(Visitor Center) Do these flowers belong here? Join Ranger Josh Butler and find out just what flowers are supposed to be growing in our canyon.

“Tracks, Crafts and Kids – Leaving Your Mark”
Monday, June 28
(Mutual Dell) Do tracks fascinate you? Explore the world of tracking with Ranger Kory Kowallis. Features a make and take track casting activity.

“C’Mon Everybody, Let’s Go Fishing!”
Friday, July 2
(Mile Rock Picnic Area, AF Canyon) Anglers, young and old, will get hooked on fishing while learning basic fishing techniques every person who wets a hook needs to know. Bring your own poles or use one of ours to practice what you’ve learned with Rangers Brad Woolstenhulme and Andrea Slaugh.

“There’s Gold in Them Thar Hills- Or is There?”
Saturday, July 3
(Visitor Center) Years ago people were drawn to American Fork Canyon to see if they could strike it rich mining precious ore. come hear the stories of those old-time miners, then try your hand at gold panning with Ranger Sue Bromley.

Junior Ranger: Birds of Prey with Ben Woodruff

“America’s Greatest Idea”Sunday, July 4
(Visitor Center) Join Ranger Marc Ellison for an inspirational and patriotic evening. Learn how the founding fathers’ ideals have become the rights and privileges we enjoy today, including the legacy of National Parks.

“SHIFT Happens! Whose FAULT is it?”
Monday, July 5
(Visitor Center) What is the likelihood of an earthquake happening along the Wasatch Fault? How big would it be? What damage would it do? What should we expect? Have these and other questions answered by Ranger Kristen Bromley.

New! Free ranger-guided tours of Cascade Springs.
June 7 – August 12, 2010
Mondays and Wednesdays 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
All ages are invited to attend this free program. Join a ranger from Timpanogos Cave National Monument on a guided walk around Cascade Springs. Learn why the springs are there and the importance they have to the surrounding area.

New! Free ranger-guided walks on the Canyon Nature Trail
June 7 – August 12, 2010
Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Meet with a ranger on the front steps of the Visitor Center. From there, enjoy a guided walk down the ¼ mile paved Canyon Nature Trail. Learn about the past, present and future of the canyon and its ecosystem.

High Water Impacts Forest Roads and Facilities-- Officials Urge Caution

SALT LAKE CITY, June 7, 2010 – Triggered by rapid snowmelt, swift and high water in streams and rivers are impacting localized roads and recreational areas on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Areas and roads inundated by water have been temporarily closed off to the public. In camping facilities with flooding, campers have been relocated to higher ground. Forest crews are working to manage water flows and mitigate impacts.

Areas affected by swift, high water include Big & Little Cottonwood Canyons, American Fork Canyon, North Slope of the High Uintas, Mirror Lake Highway, Stansbury Mountains, and Weber River area near Kamas.

A Forestwide assessment of the impacts is underway. More information will be provided as it becomes available. In the interim, Forest officials emphasize for their own safety that visitors adhere to road closure signage or blockades. Travelers should not attempt to cross roads where water is flowing across. Visitors should use extreme caution when recreating around fast moving streams or rivers. Also, parents should keep children close-by and insure they understand the dangers of fast moving water.

In the affected areas, a limited number of campgrounds, picnic areas and trailheads are under emergency closures to protect public health and safety due to the high water and run-off. Currently, these are:

Ledgemere Picnic area, Big Cottonwood Canyon – Closed

Temple Quarry Trailhead, Little Cottonwood Canyon – Closed

Upper Narrows, Lower Narrows and Loop Campgrounds, South Willow Canyon, Stansbury Mountains – Closed

Little Mill Picnic Area and Campground, American Fork Canyon – Partially Closed

Mile Rock Picnic Area, American Fork – Closed

Ledgefork Campground, Weber River Area near Kamas – partially closed

Lower Provo River Campground, Mirror Lake Highway – Closed

For information on specific campground closures, contact campground concessionaire American Land & Leisure at (801) 226-3564.

Forest roads under emergency closure include:

East Fork of the Black Fork, south of Uinta Junction, North Slope of the Uintas

Access road to Hoop Lake Campground, North Slope of the Uintas

North Slope Road at West Beaver cross, North Slope of the Uintas

Information on emergency closures will be updated as information becomes available. For information on the North Slope road closures, contact the Evanston-Mt. View Ranger District at 307-789-3194 or 307-782-6555. Please note: The US Forest Service is responsible for managing National Forest System (NFS) roads. Closures on state or county roads crossing NFS lands are managed by their respective jurisdictions.

Timpanogos Cave now open for Tours

Spring has begun to arrive in American Fork Canyon. Leaves are appearing on the trees, birds are in song, and picnickers are starting to be seen. After a long winter that didn’t want to let go, with snow falling in the park into May, the sunshine and warm weather are on their way.

Visitors are encouraged to start planning their visit to the caves now. The visitor center is now open daily from 7:00am to 5:30pm. through Labor Day, and from 8:00am to 5:00pm for the remainder of the season. During the season, the caves will be closed on June 2 and 3 for trail maintenance. Construction of a new exit shelter in the fall may lead to additional closures after Labor Day. Superintendent Davis says, “Planned trail maintenance and construction this season are a minor inconvenience that will ensure the safety and comfort of visitors in the future. I encourage visitors to check the park website at www.nps.gov/tica  often for updates, contact the park at (801) 756-5238 with questions, and to consider taking a cave tour earlier in the season if possible.”

Cave tour tickets may be purchased up to thirty days in advance starting May 8 by calling the visitor center at (801) 756-5238 and using a credit card. Ticket prices are $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for juniors (ages 6-15), $3.00 for children (ages 3-5), and children 2 and under are free. Seniors (age 62 and over) with a Golden Age Passport or Senior Pass are $3.50. Cave tours are limited to 20 participants per tour. Hiking the 1.5 mile trail to the cave is considered moderately strenuous, gaining over 1,000 feet in elevation. The cave tour and hike takes approximately three hours. The cave temperature is a cool 45 degrees Fahrenheit; light jackets, plenty of drinking water and sturdy walking shoes are recommended.

Timpanogos Cave National Monument will be holding special Junior Ranger Day activities on Saturday May 29 and Monday May 31 to kick off this season’s series of Junior Ranger programs. Special award certificates, pins, and patches will be available to all participants.  

Timpanogos Cave will also continue its use of BATS for this season. BATS are Behind A Tour Specialist which is a program to educate youth on working in the national monument, protecting cave resources, and providing visitor services. Behind A Tour Specialist's need to be 14 years of age or older, hike to the caves unescorted, and will be provided training and a uniform shirt. Youth interested in participating in the program should contact the park at (801) 756-5239.

Finally, the park will be continuing its highly successful evening programs again. Evening programs will be offered every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday evening starting May 28 from 7:00 to 8:00pm. The programs are free of charge and will be presented at the Timpanogos Cave Visitor Center, Swinging Bridge Picnic Area or Mutual Dell camp. Please contact the visitor center at (801) 756-5238 for more information about summer activities or to purchase cave tour tickets in advance of your planned visit.