Hiking Made Easy – Are you looking for the best American fork canyon hikes? If so, then you are at a perfect place. We’ll review the top 10 best hikes in American Fork Canyon.
Located in Lehi, Utah, the Top 10 American Fork Canyon Hikes (also known as AF Canyon by locals) include the Timpanogos Cave National Monument, Alpine Scenic Loop Road, and Timpanogos Cave National Monument.
During the summer, you may drive the complete magnificent loop trail; however, during the winter, the road is blocked most of the way.
The east entrance at AF Canyon and the south entrance in Provo Canyon, which is immediately below Sundance Resort, are both still open options for getting in.
AF Canyon is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities such as bicycling, camping, swimming, backpacking, dirt biking, snowmobiling, and, of course, hiking.
10 Best American Fork Canyon Hikes
Silver Glance Lake
The 9.5-kilometer out-and-back trek to Silver Glance Lake, which contains a waterfall and is classified as challenging, is located near American Fork, Utah.
From July to October, the trail is ideal for a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, and camping. Dogs are welcome on this route, but they must be on a leash at all times.
Look across Silver Lake Flat Reservoir before starting your walk for a magnificent glimpse of Mount Timpanogos’ backside and the reservoir’s excellent reflection. Before you’ve even stepped foot on the path, you’ll be snapping shots of everything.
Throughout the majority of the trip, you’ll hear the flowing water of Spring Creek, which comes from Silver Lake.
As soon as you exit the parking lot, you’ll be surrounded by aspen trees. It’s a beautiful time of year to walk the route when the foliage is deep, rich green, and well-spaced.
Silver Flat Lake Trail
Located in American Fork, Utah, the Silver Flat Lake Path is a 5.8-kilometer moderately-trafficked out-and-back trail that features a lake.
The route is open all year round, making it ideal for a variety of outdoor pursuits. Dogs are welcome on this route, but they must be on a leash at all times. Silver Flat lake trail is one of the best American fork canyon hikes.
At Tibble Fork Reservoir, there is a hiking trail known as the Silver Flat Lake Trail. Both the Tibble Fork Trail and the Tibble Fork Loop Trails are located at Tibble Fork, which is also the beginning point.
The trailhead is located at the end of the road that leads to Granite Flat Campground. As you can see, there is a small sign that says 010.
Silver Flat Reservoir is also accessible through a dirt road. However, this path only passes it once or twice. Wildflowers are blooming all along the trail during this time of year.
Tibble Fork Trail
Located near American Fork in Utah, the Tibble Fork Path is a 7.7-kilometer moderately-trafficked out-and-back trail with a lake. Hiking and running are the most common activities on the trail. This trail may be used by dogs as well.
It is possible to go around the Tibble Fork Reservoir and then into the surrounding slopes to a vast meadow to the southeast on the Tibble Fork Loop Trail.
Overlooking a medium-sized lake and an array of towering mountain peaks, this climb offers stunning views of the water’s deep blue colors. A bridge across the American Fork River serves as the official trailhead, which is a short distance northeast of the reservoir.
So, Tibble Fork Trails is among the best American fork canyon hikes.
Non-National Park Passholders are required to pay $6 to access American Fork Canyon. There are countless additional treks, lakes, waterfalls, and rivers to be found in the immediate vicinity.
Old Sheep Trail
Old Sheep Path is a moderately used 5.5-kilometer out-and-back trail in American Fork, Utah, with animal viewing opportunities.
A variety of activities may be enjoyed along the route, which is open from April to October. Dogs are welcome on this route, but they must be on a leash at all times.
To get to the North Fork of the American Fork River, you must use this path. An ancient road grade leads the first mile north.
An easy challenging ride awaits in this region. The last stretch is steeper and more difficult, depending on how much springtime erosion occurred.
You’ll arrive at the river’s bank by way of singletrack. The best river crossing may vary depending on the time of year, so you may need to look both upstream and downstream.
Floods in the spring may wreak havoc on the area’s improvised log bridges. During the first few weeks of summer, the water may be quite high, chilly, and fast. Select a spot carefully.
Knight Rider Trail
Knight Rider Trails is one of the best American fork canyon hikes. Located in American Fork, Utah, the Knight Rider Trail is a 1.6-kilometer lightly trafficked circular trail that features a river and is suitable for all skill levels. The route is mostly utilized for hiking, jogging, and mountain biking and is best used from March to November.
Hikers and bikers are both welcome in Highland Hollow Park, which has a number of routes constructed by a local biking club.
The trail twists through the dense forest to a brook that flows between the trees. Keep an eye out if you’re a bird enthusiast. Among the birds we observed were house finches, goldfinches, quail, chickadees, flickers, and jays.
This is a one-mile hike that circles back to follow the stream as it gets close to the road. There is a separate way back to the bridge before returning to the parking lot.
You should also make a quick stop at the nearby stick playhouse, which has been constructed by someone in the area.
Pittsburg Lake Trail
Pittsburg Lake is one of the best hikes, and I recommend it to everyone. The region surrounding the lake is ideal for camping, and the surrounding mountains provide breathtaking views.
No doubt, Pittsburg lake trails is one of the best American fork canyon hikes.
To get to the trailhead, drive I-15 to the Alpine exit and follow the signs. Continue east up American Bifurcation Canyon (in the Uinta National Forest) until you reach a fork in the road. To get to Tibble Branch Reservoir, use the left fork.
Once you reach Tibble Fork, keep going right and follow the reservoir. The road follows the course of a creek that supplies Tibble Fork Reservoir, which is located nearby. Continually go along this route until you come to a fenced-in area on the right-hand side of the highway.
To get to the parking area, you will have to drive through a shallow brook. The trail is a historic mining road that is approximately 1 1/2 miles in length. Although the walk is steep, it does provide some shade.
The reward for your efforts will be evident as soon as you get near the lake. Depending on the time of year, there may be an extra incentive. Waterfalls may be seen on the west and north sides of the lake, which is caused by snow melting above the water level.
Cascade Springs
It is a must-see for anybody heading through American Fork Canyon on the Alpine Scenic Loop. It is the rainwater from the mountains above that feeds the springs. Cascade Springs is among the best American fork canyon hikes.
A daily total of seven million gallons of water percolates to the surface of impermeable rock and then flows out to nourish the natural springs in the area. Starting from the parking lot, there are two options for exploring the region.
One has a somewhat sharp incline, while the other has a more pleasant incline. There is a mixture of concrete and wood walkways that allow visitors to explore the stunning waterfalls and ponds that are located throughout the park.
It is divided into three 15-minute loops that circle the spring’s principal flow zones. In order to see everything in the region, plan on spending roughly 45 minutes to finish your journey.
The largest ponds are shallow and transparent, which makes it easier to watch the native cutthroat trout swimming among the reeds at the bottom of the pools.
Stewart Falls Hiking Trail
Stewart Falls is a stunning three-tiered waterfall located on the east slope of Mount Timpanogos.
According to the Utah Tourism Department, Stewart Falls is one of the most popular hiking locations in the state, and it can be enjoyed by families of all ages and hiking skills.
Aspen Grove and the Sundance Resort are the two sites from which you may approach the falls. Stewart Falls hiking trail is one of the best American fork canyon hikes.
The hike to Ray’s Summit and the falls begins at Sundance Resort, where visitors can take a trip on Ray’s Lift to Ray’s Summit and then stroll down to the falls. We decided to start our journey in the Aspen Grove parking lot. It was a good decision.
Located just across from the Forest Service pay station, the trailhead parking lot is easy to find. The parking area, which can accommodate a large number of automobiles, also has bathrooms.
A fork in the route occurs immediately to the north of the facilities, and the trail continues southwest to a junction. A fork in the road leads to the Mt. Timpanogos trailhead on the right, while a fork on the left leads to the falls.
When you leave the fork, the trail begins with a small elevation climb before winding through magnificent forests of Pine and Aspen trees. The terrain becomes more level as you reach the water tank.
Timpooneke Trail to Scout Falls
It is one of two paths that go to the summit of Mount Timpanogos and is located in American Fork Canyon. Timpooneke trail is also one of the best American fork canyon hikes.
If you hike the 7.5 miles one-way to the summit of the mountain, you’ll be blessed with views of aspen trees, rocky slopes, streams, waterfalls, the clean Emerald Lake, and an incredible vista of alpine meadows.
Hiking to the summit of Mount Timpanogos, which stands at 11,750 feet and is the second-highest mountain in the Wasatch Mountain Range, is a favorite pastime for hikers who want to get a view of the surrounding landscape.
Making it to the top of the mountain needs planning, patience, and the correct equipment. If you intend to climb Mount Timpanogos via the Timpooneke Trail, allow yourself plenty of time and bring enough food and drink with you.
Mt. Timpanogos
One of the most popular treks in Utah is Mt. Timpanogos, which is located near the town of Timpanogos.
It’s a lengthy and difficult trail, and the top, at 11,749 feet, is the second-highest mountain in the Wasatch Mountains, making it a challenging effort.
The trail’s popularity is understandable given its near proximity to Salt Lake City, the abundance of wildflowers, the possibility of seeing wildlife, and the breathtaking vistas.
Mt. Timpanogos may be reached by two different routes. They are both located in American Fork Canyon, which is a popular hiking destination.
There are waterfalls and wildflowers that can be seen on each of these walks. A typical occurrence is the sighting of moose and mountain goats!!
The Timpooneke trail appears to be the more popular choice among visitors. In addition, if you have two cars, it is feasible to climb up one path and then down the other!
FAQs – American Fork Canyon Hikes
What hikes are up American Fork Canyon?
The following are the best hikes in American Fork Canyon:
- Silver Glance Lake
- Silver Flat Lake Trail
- Tibble Fork Trail
- Old Sheep Trail
- Knight Rider Trail
- Pittsburg Lake Trail
- Cascade Springs
- Stewart Falls Hiking Trail
- Timpooneke Trail to Scout Falls
- Mt. Timpanogos
How hard is hiking TIMP?
Discover this out-and-back path that is 15 miles long in Mutual Dell, Utah. It takes an average of 9 h 2 min to finish this course, which is generally regarded to be difficult.
Because this is highly popular backpacking, camping, and hiking destination, you will almost certainly come across other people while exploring.
How long does it take to hike up Timpanogos?
Mount Timpanogos has a peak elevation of 11,749 feet, making it the second-highest point in the Wasatch Mountains. The trail from the Timpooneke Trailhead is one of my favorite hikes in Utah, and I recommend it to everyone.
The hike to the peak will take around 4 1/2 hours. One way, the path to the top is 7 1/2 miles and gains 4580 feet in height along the way. It is well-maintained.
Conclusion
So we have reviewed the 10 best American fork canyon hikes. If you have been to other hikes near American Fork Canyon, share with all of us in the comments section below. We would love to add them to our list.
