Journey to the Mount Sheriff: (801) 375-3601 Traditions on the Mount Timpanogos Trail INSIDE: Welcome!

U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of the Interior Visitor Guide - Summer 2004 U.S. Forest Service National Park Service

Uinta National Forest Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Timpanogos Reflections

Emergency: 911 Journey to the Mount Sheriff: (801) 375-3601 Traditions on the Mount Timpanogos Trail INSIDE: Welcome! ...... 2 n July 1945, a father took his eight-year-old son on a hike. But as they were hiking up the Canyon Passes ...... 2 mountainside, the boy realized that this hike was diff erent than their previous outings. Leave No Trace ...... 3 For the fi rst time he was going to reach the lofty summit of Mt. Timpanogos and sign his name in the book at the glass summit hut! Fire Safety in American I Fork Canyon ...... 4 He would never forget it. hike began on the following day and as Roberts later Visitor Services...... 4 So began the fi rst of many hikes to the top of Mount remembered, “took nearly 8 hours to reach the summit Timpanogos for young Alfred Pace III. On succeeding since there were no real trails up the mountain side, and Volunteer Opportunities . . 5 adventures very often his four brothers and six sisters, much of the distance led through dense underbrush. The mom,mom, uuncles,ncles, aandnd ccousinsousins ccameame aalong,long, ttoo.oo. EEvenven tthehe ffamilyamily partyparty fi nnallyally fi fin inishedshed thethe hhikeike aandnd rreachedeached Fun and Learning at the dog made it to the top. campcamp aafterfter ddark,ark, wwearyeary Monument Bookstore . . . . 5 ItIt wwasas a PPaceace ffamilyamily ttraditionradition ttoo butbut ddelightedelighted aatt wwhathat Ranger Programs ...... 7 climb together to the summit theythey hhadad sseeneen aandnd of Mt. Timpanogos. experienced.”experienced.” Kid’s Korner ...... 7 Alfred recalls, “The fi rst TheThe ffollowingollowing time I almost got killed. As year,year, iinn 11913,913, RRobertsoberts Find Your Way Around dad and I reached the ‘saddle’ addedadded a ppre-hikere-hike American Fork Canyon . . . 8 near the top, it was icy, and I programprogram fforor tthehe slipped.slipped. TThenhen ddad,ad, hholdingolding mmyy eveeve ooff tthehe hhike.ike. IItt handhand sslidlid ttoooo aandnd wwee wwereere nnearear becamebecame ssoo ppopularopular WELCOME TO YOUR thethe ccliffliff l eledge!dge! L uLuckily,ckily, thatthat Theater-in-Theater-in- dad’sdad’s sshoehoe ccaughtaught the-Pinesthe-Pines wwasas “NEW” CANYON! ontoonto a rrockock aandnd constructedconstructed jjustust The 2003-2004 seasons have meant the stopped our forfor tthehe ppurposeurpose realization of several key improvements in American Fork Canyon. slide.” ofof tthishis ggrandrand From modernized rest rooms and Now eventevent tthathat ooftenften equestrian facilities at campsites, to new retired, includedincluded handrails and an entrance shel- Alfred has bonfibonfi r eres,s, ter at Timpanogos Cave, there’s reachedreached tthehe ttopop theater,theater, a great deal of progress being ofof tthehe mmountainountain fi r ereworks,works, made. Appreciate the comfort of 2323 ttimes.imes. DDuringuring awardsawards aandnd ssinging.inging. our new wheelchair accessible picnic tables. Enjoy a stimulating 22 of those of those TheThe iissuingssuing ooff bbadgesadges ttoo aallll evening program with the fam- adventuresadventures hhee aachievedchieved tthehe ffeateat thosethose wwhoho mmadeade iitt ttoo tthehe ssummitummit wwasas bbegunegun ily. It’s all here for you! Did we as part of the famous and historic inin 11930930 aandnd AAlfredlfred wwasas pproudroud ttoo hhaveave eearnedarned mention the newspaper you’re Timpanogos Hike. hishis fi r srstt b abadgedge i nin 1 91945.45. H eHe c ocollectedllected m omorere a sas holding right now? It’s a brand Begun in 1912, Brigham Young thethe yyearsears wwentent oonn ffollowingollowing tthehe ffootstepsootsteps ooff hhisis new addition for 2004. Many of University coach E.L. Roberts father,father, AAlfredlfred PPaceace III.I. HHisis ffatherather pparticipatedarticipated iinn �� these enhancements have been paid for with use fees collected organized the “Timpanogos Hike” as the every summit hike between 1930 and 1970 and �� at the entrance stations and culminating event of activities for his summer school he is believed to be the only person who has a cave as part of the fee demon- students. For that fi rst year, the 22 students spent the entire complete collection of these now rare badges. stration program. day making the journey from central Provo to Wildwood, The hiking and camping tradition established by We hope you’ll enjoy these wonderful in Provo Canyon, and then onto the steep grade of North Alfred II and Phyllis Pace for their family made a lasting new “creature comforts,” and especially Fork to Stewart’s Flat (present-day Sundance). The all the beauty American Fork Canyon has Continued on page 3 to offer. So, whether you’re staying for 3 hours, 3 days, or 3 weeks, we trust you’ll like all the improvements for 2004. We think it’s progress you will truly Things to Do 3 Nature Calendar 6 Go Underground 5 enjoy!

UserFee

Wherever you see these symbols, you’ll know your entrance fees are hard at work helping to fund those projects. Thank you for helping to make a difference in your parks and forests.

UTAH’S PUBLIC LANDS Timpanogos Refl ections American Fork Canyon

Timpanogos Refl ections is published twice Forest or yearly by the National Park Service, Timpa- Welcome! nogos Cave National Monument, and Forest Service, Uinta National Forest, to enhance For over a century, our Monument? visitor experience. National Forests and Parks Editor-in-Chief: have been places where What’s the diff erence Norman E. Young, NPS Volunteer people can take a break from between the Uinta National Supervising Editor: the rigors and routine of Forest and Timpanogos Michael Gosse, NPS Chief Ranger daily life, places to recreate Cave National Monu- Editorial Assistants: and share, and places that ment? There are signs Camille Price, NPS Ranger Pam Gardner Kit T. Mullen help us mold and express for both of them in Anita Pulham, NPS Ranger our individuality. Here you can explore miles of mountain trails, American Fork Can- Royce Shelly, NPS Ranger pass through a living cave system, view wildlife among spectacular yon. Both are federal Jay Allen, NPS Ranger mountain vistas, and enjoy your favorite recreational pursuits. lands. Each exists to Anjana Khatwa, NPS Volunteer benefi t society. So what makes them Layout & Design: There are as many ways to enjoy American Fork Canyon, as there diff erent? Norman E. Young, NPS Volunteer are people who visit. The diversity of recreational opportunities Each has a diff erent history and diff erent pur- Brandon K. Kowallis, NPS Ranger here off ers something for almost everyone. While many people pose. Together they provide a wide spectrum of uses. National parks and monuments strive to keep land- Writers: enjoy American Fork Canyon from the comfort of paved scenic scapes unimpaired for future generations. Michael Gosse, NPS Chief Ranger drives, others prefer the challenge and remoteness of the canyon’s TheyThey pprotectrotect nnaturalatural anandd hishistorictoric ffea-ea- Camille Price, NPS Ranger many unimproved roads and trails. Anita Pulham, NPS Ranger tures while off ering light-on-the-land Debbie Stringham, NPS Ranger recreation. Park Rangers work for While vigorous activities can he fun and stimulating, some of the National Park Service, an bureau Norman E. Young, NPS Volunteer the fi nest things American Fork Canyon has to off er can only be Dave Palazzolo, Forest Service of the Department of the Interior. enjoyed by slowing down. Take some time, walk quietly, look, National forests, managed under a Feature Story: listen, and the landscape will open up to you. The mountains have Anita Pulham, NPS Ranger “multiple“multiple use” cconcept,oncept, pproviderovide serser-- their own mystical voice, the forests and meadows a potpourri of vicesvices anandd ccommoditiesommodities tthathat mmayay inincludeclude Photographers: fragrance, the air is cool and clear, and the scene is a backdrop for Ken Kyburz, NPS Ranger lumber, cattle grazing, minerals, and recre- lifetime memories. Brandon Kowalis, NPS Ranger ation with or without vehicles. Forest Rangers work for the Forest Service, an bureau within the Depart- Illustrators: We hope that as you walk the trails or drive the mountain ment of Agriculture. Elizabeth Kovacs, NPS Ranger roads you will refl ect on the importance of these areas and the Debbie Stringham, NPS Ranger Both bureau’s manage wilderness and other areas responsibility we all share to care for them. All that is here is yours where they strive for maximum protection of natural Cartographer: to enjoy. It is also part of a great national legacy to be proudly resources. For example the Lone Peak and Faye Wheeler, Forest Service passed to future generations. Take a moment to celebrate this Mount Timpanogos Wilderness Areas magnifi cent canyon, and embrace the beauty and wonder of our are part of the Uinta National Forest. Please address comments to: heritage. Forests and monuments may have Editor, Timpanogos Refl ections diff erent rules in order to meet their Timpanogos Cave NM Sincerely, goals. Stop at the Timpanogos Cave RR 3, Box 200 Visitor Center or the Pleasant Grove American Fork, UT 84003-9800 Ranger District to check what activities Help preserve natural resources. are permitted where. Despite some misun- Please return this paper to an en- Pam Gardner Kit T. Mullen derstanding over names, we are lucky to enjoy the trance station or Visitor Center. District Ranger, Pleasant Grove Superintendent wide range of benefi ts these diverse areas can off er. Uinta NF Timpanogos Cave NM

FREQUENTLY REQUESTED TELEPHONE NUMBERS Law Enforcement EMERGENCY...... 911 Canyon Passes Division of Wildlife Resources ...... (801) 491-5678 Highway Patrol...... (801) 374-7030 Poaching Hotline ...... 1(800) 662-3337 Participation in the Recreation Fee Demonstration Golden Eagle Hologram $15.00 Utah County Sheriff ...... (801) 851-4100 Program allows 100% of the fees collected at the Affi x the Golden Eagle Hologram Ranger Stations entrance stations to remain in the American fork to your National Parks Pass to cover Timpanogos Cave National Monument ...... (801) 756-5239 Canyon to improve visitor services, maintain recre- entrance fees at national parks, Pleasant Grove Ranger District ...... (801) 785-3563 ation facilities, enhance wildlife habitat, and protect U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, For- Timpanogos Cave Visitor Center ...... (801) 756-5238 natural and cultural resources. The Uinta National est Service, and Bureau of Land Nearby National Parks Forest and Timpanogos Cave National Monument ap- Management sites. This upgrade Arches...... (435) 719-2299 preciate your support of ongoing efforts to improve is valid until expiration of the National Parks Pass to Bryce Canyon ...... (435) 834-5322 American Fork Canyon. which it is affi xed. Capitol Reef ...... (435) 425-3791 Glen Canyon ...... (928) 608-6404 The following passes are available at the entrance Golden Age Passport $10.00 (one-time fee) Golden Spike...... (435) 471-2209 stations and Visitor Center, cave Especially for seniors, the Grand Canyon...... (928) 638-7888 tour fees are additional: Golden Age Passport allows Grand Teton ...... (307) 739-3300 lifetime entrance to most Great Basin...... (775) 234-7331 Entrance Fee Yellowstone...... (307) 344-7381 Allows recreating and use of fa- national forest and park areas Zion...... (435) 772-3256 cilities in American Fork Canyon to American citizens 62 years Other and the Alpine Loop. of age and older; non-trans- Avalanche Information ...... (801) 378-4333 Three-day Pass $3.00 ferable. National Recreation Reservation Service ...... (877) 444-6777 Golden Access Passport FREE NPS Campground Reservations...... 1(800) 365-2267 Fourteen-day Pass $10.00 Road Conditions...... 1(800) 492-2400 Annual Pass to American Fork The Golden Access Passport Utah County Travel...... (801) 370-8390 Canyon $25.00 allows lifetime entrance to Utah Travel Council ...... 1(800) 200-1160 Golden Eagle Passport most national forest and $65.00 park system areas to Ameri- Allows entrance to most can citizens who provide WEB SITES national forest and park ar- proof of permanent disability; non-transferable. National Park Service eas and some other federal National Park Foundation ...... www.nationalparks.org fee areas for 12 months National Park Service ...... www.nps.gov from date of purchase; non-transferable. For your convenience, buy your National Parks NPS Campground Reservations.....http://reservations.nps.gov National Parks Pass Pass online! Gain access to a Timpanogos Cave National Monument..... www.nps.gov/tica Western National Parks Association...... www.wnpa.org $50.00 wealth of information about Allows entrance to most na- your National Parks and Monu- USDA Forest Service ments all from your own PC. USDA FS Campground Reservation ..... www.reserveusa.com tional parks for 12 months Uinta National Forest...... www.fs.fed.us/r4/uinta from date of purchase; non- To learn more, log on to USDA Forest Service ...... www.fs.fed.us transferable. www.nationalparks.org today! Smokey Bear ...... www.smokeybear.com Other Public Lands Information ...... www.publiclands.org The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, State of Utah ...... www.utah.gov sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs). Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program informa- Utah Department of Transportation...... www.udot.utah.gov tion (Braille, large print, audio tape, etc.) should contact UDSA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). Utah Division of Wildlife Resource ..... www.wildlife.utah.gov To fi le a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Offi ce of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call Utah State Parks...... www.stateparks.utah.gov (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

2 SUMMER 2004 UTAH’S PUBLIC LANDS 3 Timpanogos Refl ections American Fork Canyon Make the Most of Your Canyon Visit Short on time? Wondering how to make the most of rifi c views of Mount Timpanogos and other glacier A Whole Day your time in American Fork Canyon? Take a look at carved peaks. The narrow, winding route connects Sleep Under the Stars. American Fork Canyon is these suggestions to help plan your visit. Use the map American Fork Canyon to Provo Canyon. A drive home to four established campgrounds. Each site of- on page 8 to help. The distance from the American during autumn colors is truly breathtaking. Mo- fers a table, grill, and access to water and restrooms Fork entrance station to the Aspen Grove entrance torhomes and trailers longer than 30 feet are not during the summer. station is 26 miles; approximate driving time with no recommended. Take a Hike. Over 200 miles of hiking trails in the stops is 45 minutes. Please follow the posted speed Visit Cascade canyon range from level and easy to steep and ardu- limits, watch for wildlife on the roads, and be pre- Springs. This beau- ous. Stop at the Timpanogos Cave Visitor Center and pared to slow down in pedestrian areas. tiful site is located ask a Ranger for recom- 7.5 miles off the A Few Hours Alpine Loop and mended hikes and look at Take in an Evening Program. Join a Ranger at the consists of redwood maps and guides. Timpanogos Cave Visitor Center on Friday, Satur- boardwalks over Tell Tall Fish Tales. Hun- day, and Monday evenings from 7:30 to 8:30p.m. for springs cascading dreds of hatchery reared presentations about the park and surrounding area. Forest Service Photo down the moun- rainbow trout are stocked Topics change daily. tain slope in a series of limestone terraces and pools. yearly in the American Fork Pack a Lunch. Picnic areas with tables, grills, water, Hike to the Cave. Stop at the Timpanogos Cave Visi- River, Tibble Fork Reser- and restrooms are available at Swinging Bridge tor Center and purchase your tickets to an under- voir, and Silver Lake Flat Picnic Site inside Timpanogos Cave National Monu- ground wonderland. The Timpanogos Cave System Reservoir. Also, Pittsburg ment, and along the is a series of three caves connected by two man- and Silver Lakes off er an North Fork, Route made tunnels. Panoramic views of the valley dazzle alpine setting with limited 114 to Tibble Fork you as you climb the 1,065 feet to the cave entrance. trout fi shing. Reservoir. Forest Service Photo Ride a Bike or a Horse. Enjoy the multitudes of Volunteer. Numerous opportunities are available to A Half Day multiple use trails available on the Uinta National volunteer your time for a day to help other visitors Drive the Loop. Forest and enjoy a bike ride or horseback ride where out, maintain trails and facilities, and protect our The 26-mile Alpine no cars can go. natural and cultural resources. Forest Service Photo Loop off ers ter-

Journey (cont.) WhyWhy DDidid IItt EEnd?nd? Fortunately, Mount Timpanogos did recover, and in impression on their son. The shared family FromFrom iitsts eearlyarly bbeginning,eginning, 1984, to ensure against such future environmental experience drew them closer together. thethe aannualnnual hhikeike ggrewrew ttoo bbee impacts, Congress created the Mount Timpanogos WhatWhat ooutdoorutdoor ffamilyamily ttraditionsraditions hhaveave yyouou oneone ooff tthehe mmostost pprominentrominent Wilderness Area. This designation provides special established?established? DDoo yyouou aannuallynnually communitycommunity mmountainountain protections that prohibits campfi res, groups larger go camping, hiking, climbsclimbs iinn AAmerica.merica. OOverver than 15 people, bicycles, and short-cutting on the fi shing, or picnicking in 700700 hhikersikers mmadeade iitt ttoo tthehe trails. Hopefully, this will allow future generations a favorite spot. Many toptop aalonglong wwithith yyoungoung to create their own family traditions on the Mount. visitors annually hike to eighteight yyearear ooldld AAlfredlfred iinn the Timpanogos Cave 19451945 aandnd aann eestimatedstimated 33,500,500 System as a family. peoplepeople rreachedeached tthehe ssummitummit Did You Know? Mount Timpanogos inin a ssingleingle ddayay iinn 11970,970, tthehe fi nnalal Mount Timpanogos has, for most of these last two andand tthehe AAlpinelpine LLoopoop aarearea centuries, been the most popular mountain climbing yearyear tthathat tthehe ooffiffi c icialal h ihikeke w awass h eheld.ld. destination in Utah. The majestic mountain, second holdhold mmanyany oopportunitiespportunities TheThe ppressuresressures ooff ssoo mmanyany hhikersikers highest in the Wasatch Mountains, has spectacular forfor ffamilyamily eeventsvents aandnd ttraditions.raditions. onon tthehe ffragileragile aalpinelpine eecosystemcosystem scenery, an alpine lake just below the summit, a small Consider creating memories here on the resultedresulted iinn eextensivextensive eenvironmentalnvironmental glacier, waterfalls along the trail, high alpine meadows slopes of Mount Timpanogos that will last impacts,impacts, aandnd mmanyany ppeopleeople ffearedeared and wildfl owers, even a herd of about 200 mountain a lifetime. thethe mmountainountain wwouldould nnotot rrecover.ecover. goats that were introduced in 1981.

Keep The Wild in Wilderness Protect American Fork The National Wilderness Preservation System is Wilderness Area is looking south from the Pine Hollow celebrating its 40th birthday. With the signing of the Trailhead. The Mount Timpanogos Wilderness also of- Canyon: Leave No Trace Wilderness Act by President Lyndon B. Johnson on fers abundant rugged terrain embellished with water- The Leave No Trace concept is September 3, 1964, the National Wilderness Preser- falls and summer wildfl owers. simple—it’s a set of 7 principles vation System was established to “...secure for the that can be applied to any American people of present and future generations the Help Keep it Wild natural setting to minimize benefi ts of an enduring resource of wilderness.” The As the Wilderness Act states, wilderness is a place human impact on the system that started with 9 million acres has grown to “...where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.” environment. more than 104 million acres. Because Lone Peak and Mount Timpanogos are close to large population centers, they experience high visitor Whether you’re hiking, use. That is why it is even more important that each camping, or out for an What is Wilderness visitor tread lightly to preserve the wild nature of wil- afternoon drive on the Alpine Loop, Wilderness is a place where the imprint of humans is derness for those who follow. following the Leave No Trace principles will help substantially unnoticed. It is where natural processes protect American Fork Canyon and preserve the are the primary infl uences and human activity is limited experience for you and other visitors. to primitive recreation and minimum tools. This al- To learn more about Leave No Trace, visit their web lows us to experience wild places without intention to site at www.lnt.org. disturb or destroy natural processes. Change will occur primarily through natural disturbance, and minimum The Principles of LEAVE NO TRACE: human infl uence. 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare. Wilderness in American Fork Canyon 2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces. The American Fork—Alpine Loop area off ers you two 3. Dispose of Waste Properly. wilderness areas – Lone Peak and Mount Timpano- gos. From the American Fork entrance, the Lone Peak 4. Leave What You Find. Wilderness is to the north or left of the road. Lone 5. Minimize Campfi re Impacts. Peak was established in 1978 as the fi rst wilderness area 6. Respect Wildlife. in Utah. It contains over 31,000 acres of very rugged terrain, narrow canyons, and high peaks. Your fi rst 7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors. good look of the 10,500-acre Mountain Timpanogos Hiking in the Timpanogos Wilderness (Photo by Jon Jasper)

2 SUMMER 2004 UTAH’S PUBLIC LANDS 3 Timpanogos Refl ections American Fork Canyon Visitor Services - Summer 2004

Dispersed Camping Interpretive Program Interpretive Exhibit Equestrian FacilitiesVisitor Information Self Guided Tour Group Campsite Disabled Access Drinking Water Equestrian Trail

Camp Fires Picnic Area Hiking Trail Restrooms Telephone Snack Bar Fee Area Trail HeadOHV Trail Fishing

Location Season Elevation

CAMPGROUNDS

Altamont Alpine Loop May 19 - 2003 7,200 ft (2,195 m)

Granite Flat North Fork Road May 19 - Sep 23 6,800 ft (2,073 m)

Holman Flat North Fork Road May 19 - Sep 23 6,800 ft (2,073 m)

Little Mill Alpine Loop May 4 - Oct 31 6,000 ft (1,829 m)

Mount Timpanogos Alpine Loop May 19 - Sep 23 6,800 ft (2,073 m)

North Mill Alpine Loop May 4 - Oct 31 6,000 ft (1,829 m)

Salamander Flat Alpine Loop May 19 - Sep 23 7,400 ft (2,256 m)

Theatre-in-the-Pines Alpine Loop May 19 - Sep 23 6,800 ft (2,073 m)

Timpooneke Alpine Loop May 19 - Sep 23 7,400 ft (2,256 m)

For campground fees, reservations, or other information please contact Reserve USA at (877) 444-6777.

Location Season Elevation

VISITOR CENTER

Timpanogos Cave NM Timpanogos Cave NM May 15 - Oct 31 5,638 ft (1,951 m)

Location Season Elevation

PICNIC AREAS

Echo North Fork Road May 15 - Oct 31 6,000 ft (1,829 m)

Grey Cliffs Alpine Loop May 15 - Oct 31 6,000 ft (1,829 m)

Martin North Fork Road May 15 - Oct 31 6,200 ft (1,890 m)

Mile Rock North Fork Road May 15 - Oct 31 6,400 ft (1,951 m)

Road House North Fork Road May 15 - Oct 31 6,200 ft (1,890 m)

Swinging Bridge Timpanogos Cave NM May 15 - Oct 31 5,600 ft (1,707 m)

The American Fork Canyon entrance fee allows picnicking at the above sites.

Our responsibility to the Nation is to be more than careful stewards Know Your Fire Safety of the land, we must be constant catalysts for positive change.” - Gifford Pinchot Although fi re is an important Fire Safety in American process in the ecosystem, it can be Fork Canyon a destructive force. Each year the Please Tread Lightly build up of fuels, extreme weather Use an established fi re ring and keep conditions, and human causes result All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) use is damage to streams, rivers, plants and water and a shovel nearby to extin- in destructive wildfi res. Preventing one of the fastest growing recreation- trees is minimal. guish campfi res. unwanted fi res is everyone’s al activities in the forest. The State responsibility. of Utah estimates that the number Discover the rewards of re- Keep all burning materials well inside The Uinta National Forest of registered ATVs will increase sponsible recreation the fi re ring. Keep all unused fi re- and Timpanogos Cave National from over 56,000 vehicles in 2003 q wood well away from the fi re. ATV riding provides the opportunity Monument would like your help in to over 100,000 vehicles in the next to get away from it all and builds fam- preventing undesirable fi res. Keep three years. Because the majority of Never leave a fi re unattended and be ily traditions. your fi re small and manageable. Do registered ATVs are along the Wa- q sure that all fi res are dead out before Remember riding on public lands is a not build bonfi res that throw sparks satch Front, an enormous amount of privilege. leaving. and embers. Any fi re that is a threat to impact is put on our natural resources q Respect the environment and other people, property, or the environment in American Fork Canyon and other trail users. By using common sense Never throw a cigarette butt from will be suppressed. Unplanned fi res nearby canyons where ATV users and common courtesy, what is any vehicle. Don’t risk it, and besides may damage sensitive habitat and ride. available today will be here to enjoy – it’s litter! negatively impact visitor experiences. Responsible rid- tomorrow. You can help us prevent unwanted ers know that one Use caution when operating portable fi res by keeping American Fork way to protect their cooking devices like camp stoves. Canyon, “fi re safe.” riding privilege is to stay on the designated Be sure children know how danger- trails. They know ous fi re can be. Tell them not to play that these routes have with matches or lighters. been developed to protect the valuable Contact a ranger if you see any natural resources as suspicious or unsafe fi re practices. It well as provide them is up to each of us to keep American with some great riding Fork Canyon fi re safe. Report any adventures. smoke you might see. If ATV riders stay on designated trails, ATVs exploring designated trails. (Forest ServicePhoto)

4 SUMMER 2004 UTAH’S PUBLIC LANDS 5 Timpanogos Refl ections American Fork Canyon Visiting Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Whether for a cave tour, an evening Inside the Caves trail tour is a strenuous hike that requires program, a picnic, or just to hike or walk The three highly decorated limestone caves bending, crawling, and squeezing through around, Timpanogos Cave National Monu- are known for their abundance of helic- tight passages. Group size is limited to 5. ment is a wonderful place to visit. With tites—spiral, worm-like formations that are Participants must be at least 14 years old. spectacular canyon vistas, magnifi cent rare in most other caves throughout the For more information please call (801) to 5:30 p.m. daily during the cave tour sea- evergreens, a babbling mountain brook, world. Along the 3/4 mile tour deep inside 756-5238. son (May through Labor Day). Hours are and lots of things to see and do, the monu- the mountain, you’ll discover many other Junior Ranger Program and Patio from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. after Labor Day ment is the perfect place for a memorable interesting, colorful features. Anthodite Talks until the visitor center closes for the winter. summertime outing! crystals, stalagmites, stalagtites, cave drap- Children who visit the caves can earn a Cave Tours ery, and fl owstone are Picnic Area and Nature Trail Junior Ranger certifi - The Swinging Bridge Picnic Area is 1/4 mile Tours of the 3 adjoining caves are of- among other forma- cate and badge at the west of the Visitor Center. A self-guided fered from mid-May through September, tions that adorn the Visitor Center. 1/4 mile Canyon Nature Trail will lead you weather permitting. rooms and winding Impromptu patio passages. there. Cooking grills, drinking water, and Guided by National Park Rangers, these talks are often given fi re rings are available at the picnic sites. The Cave Trail on Saturdays and Parking is also available. To reach the Timpa- holidays at the Visitor nogos Cave System, A small, shaded, streamside picnic area is Center. These ranger- visitors must hike the also located directly across the road from presented programs 1.5 mile (2.4 km) hard- the Visitor Center. cover a variety of surfaced cave trail. Gift Shop and Snack Bar interesting topics for The trail, which rises Food, snacks, beverages, fi lm, clothing, kids of all ages! 1,065 feet (325 m), is considered a strenu- Evening Pro- ous hike. Anyone grams The Great Heart of Timpanogos (NPS Photo) Join a park ranger ev- with heart trouble or ery Friday, Saturday, breathing problems should not attempt the and Monday night at 7:00 p.m. at the Visi- hike. Those under 16 must be accompanied tor Center for some very special evening by an adult at all times. programs. These informative programs are Introduction to Caving Tour educational and entertaining. Activities The Introduction to Caving Tour takes visi- range from the study of local wildlife to tors back to Hansen Cave Lake. This off - campfi re singing. (See Page 7 of this guide Ranger and friends (NPS Photo) for details.)

1-hour tours are limited to 20 people. Plan Visitor Center Hours Cave Tour Pricing The Visitor Center is open from 7:00 a.m. on spending about 3 hours round-trip to Tickets are sold at the Visitor Cen- hike up, tour the caves, and hike back to ter and may be purchased up to 30- Family fun at Swinging Bridge picnic area the Visitor Center. For your safety and the days in advance with a credit card (NPS Photo) safety of others, pets and wheeled vehicles by calling (801) 756-5238. (baby strollers, etc.) are NOT allowed on and souvenirs, and a shaded eating-area Ages 16 & older $6.00 the cave trail. and parking are located next to the visitor Ages 6 to 15 $5.00 We strongly recommend bringing plenty center. For more information call (801) Ages 3 to 5 $3.00 of drinking water, as no water is available 756-5702. Ages 2 & under FREE along the trail or at the caves. Come pre- Golden Age/Access Pass $3.00 Planning a Visit? pared with hiking shoes and a light jacket For more information on any of the activi- Introduction to Caving Tour $15.00 (cave temperatures average 45º F [7º C]). ties off ered at Timpanogos Cave National Cameras and fl ashlights are welcome. Monument, please call the Visitor Center at (801) 756-5238. Anthodite crystals (NPS Photo) Lend a Helping Hand Would you like to get to know ment at (801) 756-5239 to fi nd out Monument Bookstore your forest and park better? Consider about VIPs, BATS, and More. becoming a Volunteer In Parks (VIP)! To fi nd out about volunteer oppor- You’ll fi nd many interesting materials to enhance your canyon experience at the Your skills and enthusiasm are needed tunities on the Uinta National Forest, Western National Parks Association Bookstore in the Visitor Center. We offer in a variety of areas from greeting visi- visit the Uinta’s volunteering website at books, posters, postcards, maps, gift items, and a whole lot more. Be sure to tors, maintaining facilities and trails, to www.fs.fed.us/r4/uinta/volunteering. come see us while you’re here! monitoring resources. VIPs can work We’d love to have you join us. Please contact the Visitor Center for hours of operation at (801) 756-5238. part time or full time, year round, or for a few weeks. Timpanogos Cave National Monument has two special volunteer programs for youth and seniors. The Behind A Tour Specialist (BATS) program is for youth 16 years of age and older and the Volunteer Senior Ranger Program is for adults. Please stop at the Visitor Center for more information on these two special programs and other volunteer opportunities. Contact the volunteer coordinator at Timpanogos Cave National Monu- A volunteer helping visitors (NPS Photo)

Teacher’s Corner

Timpanogos Cave National bona fi de educational institutions. The Western National Parks Association is a nonprofi t cooperating association of the National Park Monument welcomes all school For more information and the Service. Through book sales the association helps support the interpretive activities at Timpanogos Cave National Monument. groups to experience Nature’s application for educational waivers For more information please visit the Western National Parks Association web site at www.wnpa.org. classroom. Discover geology check out our website fi lled with thousands of years old, ancient helpful tips for planning your visit sea life, and a series of caves deep at www.nps.gov/tica or call the underground. Cave tour fees may Timpanogos Cave Visitor Center at be waived for schools or other (801) 756-5238.

4 SUMMER 2004 UTAH’S PUBLIC LANDS 5 Timpanogos Refl ections American Fork Canyon

Naturalist’s Calendar

AMERICAN FORK CANYON HAS BEAUTIFUL FLORA AND FAUNA THAT REFLECT THE SEASONAL CHANGES. Every month of the year, plants and animals are busy doing something. Unlike people, who are here to relax, plants and animals can rarely aff ord leisure time. Look closely, and you will see a world of activity taking place inches from where you’re standing.

ay — Each day the green foliage of the canyon is creep- ing higher and higher up the mountainside, and in the patches of remaining snow the mountain goats are grazing with their newborn kids. In the lower canyon look for the Msnowy blossoms of the chokecherry tree and the white blossoms of the western serviceberry tree. Flitting from fi r tree to fi r tree the Stellar’s jay is probably heard before it is seen! Its call is loud and raucous. Other birds to watch for include the canyon wren, the western white-throated swift, and the cliff swallow.

une — It’s often mistaken for Indian paintbrush, but that is actually fi recracker penstemon blooming along the gravelly roadside. It is also the time to look for blazing star, a spectacular yellow-fl owered plant, western larkspur, tufted evening primrose, and Richardson’s geranium. J Birds have young in their nest, with most chicks leaving by the end of the month. Townsend’s chipmunks are busy and their familiar “chip-chip” sound can be heard. It’s also fawning time. Mule deer give birth in May and June, and the spotted fawns stay hidden in the tall grass for several weeks before venturing out with their mothers. Do not disturb!

uly — The meadows are covered with blooming purple-blue lupine and white Jacob’s ladder. Look for other native plants including the sego lily (Utah’s state fl ower),spreading dogbane, and scarlet gilia. Many blooming plants are non-native, such as toadfl ax, Queen Anne’s lace, woolly mullein, chicory and several varieties J of thistle. Watch (and listen) for hummingbird activity. The broad-tailed hummer is the most common for this region. Also look for the Townsend’s solitaire and the Ameri- can dipper. Elk and bighorn sheep will be grazing in the high alpine meadows.

ugust — Snakes may be encountered when least expect- ed; they are often seen in dry, warm, and sunny spots. Gopher snakes are harmless; however, steer clear of the Great Basin rattlesnakes! The groves of quaking aspen Atrees along the Alpine Loop are growing from soil acccumulated by decaying trees from year’s past. Birds preferring to live here are the woodpecker and fl ycatcher. Goldenrod, shrubby cinquefoil, and as- ters are blooming, and the blue elderberry, thimbleberry, and black twinberry are producing great fruit for the wildlife! Could a bobcat or mountain lion possibly be watching you from its perch on a cliff ?

eptember — Moose may be spotted in their magnifi cence in meadows and streamside areas. Careful not to get too close; they are unpredictable! Mule deer are shedding their summer coats. Their winter fur is thicker and a dull gray-brown. As leaves begin to color, remember that the red is seen primar- Sily in the big-tooth maple and Gambel’s oak leaves, while the bright yellow is seen in the aspen, cottonwood, and box-elder maple leaves. Red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures may be spotted overhead, taking advantage of air currents.

ctober — While the deciduous trees shed their leaves, the lovely conifers remain evergreen: the white fi ,r the Douglas- fi ,r the limber pine, and the blue spruce (Utah’s state tree). It is mating season for deer. Bucks may wrestle each other for Oterritory, clashing antlers until one gives up and leaves the area. Bucks are very unpredictable at this time, so keep your distance. Black bears are putting on a pound of weight each week. By November, many will have curled up in the dens they picked out earlier in the spring. The golden-mantled ground squirrel will also soon be hibernating.

6 SUMMER 2004 UTAH’S PUBLIC LANDS 7 Timpanogos Refl ections American Fork Canyon RangerRanger PProgramsrograms

Timpanogos Cave National Monument Bats! Flying Creatures of the Let’s Make Tracks and the Uinta National Forest off er a Night Visitor Center variety of Ranger guided activities for Join a National Park Service Ranger and everyone from Memorial Day to Labor Visitor Center discover how to “read” the clues that Day. The following programs may be Afraid of bats? Or do you love those animals leave behind. Have fun making off ered throughout the summer. All furry little fl ying creatures? Either way your own animal tracks as you learn how programs are subject to change; please you’ll have fun as you discover the truth to look for these and other animal signs. call the Visitor Center at (801) 756-5238 behind bat myths and folklore. for current information. Refl ections: A History of Min- The Charm of Sssnakes Junior ing in American Fork Canyon Visitor Center Rangers: Visitor Center Get up close and personal with live snakes as a National Park Service Ranger Saturday, Learn about the colorful history of introduces you to snakes found right 10:00-11:00 mining in the canyon through slides and here in American Fork Canyon. a.m. at the stories. Hear tales of fortunes gained and visitor cen- lost in days gone by. ter. Make Singing in the Canyon: Songs new friends while learn- National Parks: One of Ameri- of the Summer ing about ca’s Best Ideas Swinging Bridge Picnic Area the special Visitor Center In the good ol’ summertime families wonders of gather around the campfi re and sing The National Park Service preserves American nostalgic ballads and rousing rounds. some of the country’s most impressive Fork Canyon. If you’re between the ages Rangers will nourish you with songs and treasures. Learn the history of the Na- of 4 and 12 ask how you can become a s’mores. Timpanogos Cave Junior Ranger. tional Park Service and what it means to Americans and the world. Legends of the Giants Evening Programs: Visitor Center Fridays, Saturdays, & Mondays Minerals! An Essential Part of Your Rock Diet Imagine Mount Timpanogos shrouded 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. in mist, silently waiting to reveal its Visitor Center Programs presented either at Timpano- hidden mysteries. Join a National Park gos Cave National Monument Visitor Young and not so young mineral en- Service Ranger as you are led into the Center or at Swinging Bridge Picnic thusiasts are invited to learn geology past through slides, legends, and local Area (located 1/4 mile west of the Visitor through the tests a geologist uses to folklore. Center). identify minerals. One Whoppin’ Big Fish Story Nature’s Music in the Canyon Birds of Prey Visitor Center Visitor Center Visitor Center Everything you wanted to know about Enjoy an evening of sights and sounds Learn about the birds of prey that can fi shing but were afraid to ask. Join a Na- while viewing a slide show of scenic be found throughout American Fork tional Park Service Ranger for a discus- American Fork Canyon and surrounding Canyon. Live birds may be in attendance. sion on types of game fi sh in Utah and areas. Live acoustic guitar accompani- where they are found, how to tie a basic ment provided. outfi t, and basic fi shing practices.

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