If you’re looking for a fun (but challenging) hike followed by an amazing cave tour, Timpanogos Cave National Monument is your spot! This popular cave is full of interesting stalactites, stalagmites and other formations. The hike is strenuous, but the views of American Fork Canyon make it well worth the effort.

While this national monument is named Timpanogos Cave, it’s actually a cave system that includes three caves: Hansen Cave, Timpanogos Cave and Middle Cave. The caves and trail are open from May 7th to September 5th.

Stop by the visitor center to see exhibits, an orientation film and to pick up your tour tickets. To avoid overcrowding at the cave entrance, you’ll choose a time to start your hike to the top.

The hike to the caves is one and a half miles. It’s a strenuous hike, gaining over 1,000 feet of elevation, but there are plenty of benches at the switchbacks so you can rest, relax and enjoy the view. The path is paved.

Take the "Hike With A Ranger" guided hike on Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m.; no reservation is needed.

The views of American Fork Canyon are stunning.

When you get to the top, you’ll enter the cave for a guided, 55-minute cave tour. The cave is chilly - about 45 degrees, so make sure to take a jacket.

Only 16 people may tour the cave at a time, so you’ll want to get tickets up to 30 days in advance. Call (801) 756-5238.

Backpacks aren't allowed in the cave - you'll encounter several narrow spots along the tour.

You'll see amazing formations in the cave, including stalactites (that hang from the cave's ceiling)...

...and stalagmites (that extend up from the cave's floor).

The Great Heart of Timpanogos has inspired many legends throughout the years. At least twelve versions of the legend exist, but most include two young lovers. Red Eagle wants to marry Utahna, but many men are also seeking her hand. He pretends to be a god in order to convince her. His plan is thwarted, and he dies (either at the hand of warriors from her tribe, or by a bear). Utahna either throws herself from the top of Timpanogos in despair, or dies of heartbreak. The god of Timpanogos takes pity on the two and melds their bleeding hearts together, placing them in the cave for eternity.

When did you last visit this amazing cave? Tell us about it!