Ranging from the otherworldly hoodoos of Bryce Canyon in the south to the glacier-formed stretch of the Rockies in the north, Utah offers up a surreal experience for hikers on its changing terrains. While some might want to avoid the popular but deadly hike at Angels Landing in Zion National Park, another rewarding route awaits near the Salt Lake Valley. Whisking you from amazing alpine scenery to one of the state’s highest mountain peaks, arguably the most beautiful views of Utah sprawl out below you along the Mount Timpanogos via Timpooneke Trail.
This 14-mile, out-and-back trail is ranked as one of the best challenging hikes in the Beehive State, according to AllTrails. It all begins at the Timpooneke Trailhead, from which hikers will begin to traverse wooded forests and craggy peaks to reach a stunningly vertiginous vista point while spotting wildlife like deer, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. Standing 11,750 feet above sea level, the adrenaline rush is high, and the views more than make up for the effort, comprised of jagged lines of mountains, a bird’s-eye view of Utah Lake and Provo Canyon, as well as the Timpanogos Basin.
Tempted? Well, you’re certainly not alone. Despite the terrain and elevation challenges, this gorgeous Mount Timpanogos wilderness route is one of Utah’s most popular treks, especially from July to August, when the scenery is punctuated by blooming and colorful wildflowers. The surrounding Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is also a gorgeous fall attraction, drawing foot traffic to the trail in September and October, too. Parking at the trailhead requires a timed permit on many of these peak days and can be purchased on recreation.gov.
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Plan your hike to the summit of Mount Timpanogos
A hiker on a path through greenery to the snowy Mount Timpanogos in Utah – Aaron Hawkins/Getty Images
As incredible as the views are, with gorgeous bowl-like valleys and stunning rock formations formed by years of glacier activity, this is not a hike to be taken lightly. It has a staggering 4,471 feet in elevation gain, so you can experience the effects of not only the weather but also altitude. Many AllTrails reviewers agree that it’s strenuous and rocky, with unpredictable weather conditions at the top, including winds, snow, and rain. Above all, be prepared. Pack a hiking pole (maybe even two!), ice cleats or spikes, energy snacks, and foods to fight altitude sickness.
When you’re ready, the best way to reach this hike is via the well-connected Salt Lake City. From downtown, the drive to the trailhead is just over one and a half hours. Nearby, there is a designated campground if you wish to stay the night. Highly rated on Google, these campsites are surrounded by forest and have amenities like picnic areas, grills, and restrooms. Overall, the Mount Timpanogos via Timpooneke Trail will take about eight to 12 hours to complete. If at any point, you start to feel ill, make sure you know the best things to do when you experience altitude sickness on a hike. The sweeping panoramas will be there for another visit!
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Read the original article on Islands.