NATIONAL PARK SERVICE • U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Foundation Document Overview Timpanogos Cave National Monument Utah Contact Information For more information about the Timpanogos Cave National Monument Foundation Document, contact:
[email protected] or (801) 756-5238 or write to: Superintendent, Timpanogos Cave National Monument, RR 3 Box 200, American Fork, UT 84003 Purpose Significance Significance statements express why Timpanogos Cave National Monument resources and values are important enough to merit national park unit designation. Statements of significance describe why an area is important within a global, national, regional, and systemwide context. These statements are linked to the purpose of the park unit, and are supported by data, research, and consensus. Significance statements describe the distinctive nature of the park and inform management decisions, focusing efforts on preserving and protecting the most important resources and values of the park unit. • Cave System. The well-preserved, high-elevation cave TIMPANOGOS CAVE NATIONAL MONUMENT system showcases delicate ecosystems with an abundance protects a scientifically important of cave formations in a variety of forms and colors, providing opportunity for scientific discovery and intimate high-elevation, fault-controlled access to the resources. cave system and associated natural processes while promoting research, • Cave Geology. A unique intersection of geological processes public understanding, stewardship, continues to create the canyon and caves. This began with and enjoyment. rising hydrothermal fluids mixing with the water table dissolving passages and precipitating minerals along faults, resulting in an unusual combination of colored speleothems. • Cave Trail. The challenging 1.5 mile-long trail to the cave system ascends 1,067 feet, providing visitors the rare opportunity to hike through more than 200 million years of geologic time and immerses them in the constantly evolving landscape of American Fork Canyon and its rich diversity of wildlife and vegetation.