Caving Season At Timpanogos Cave National Monument Soon To End

With fall foliage season in Utah having just about reached its peak, winter shouldn't be far behind. And that means cave tours at Timpanogos Cave National Monument will soon end for the year.

The monument's caves are scheduled to close on Sunday. As the national monument will also be celebrating its 90th year anniversary on Sunday, all visitors who show up will be treated to cake and be asked to sign a birthday card for the monument.

Additional activities to celebrate the parks 90th year will be held in 2013.

Through Sunday tours are being offered daily, with the first hike time to the caves at 8 a.m. and the last at 3:20 p.m. The visitor center will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., until the end of the season.

“Fall is an ideal time of year for the monument. The change of colors, cooler weather, and fewer people at the monument contribute to a wonderful experience for Timpanogos Cave visitors,” said Superintendent Jim Ireland.

Cave tour tickets may be purchased by calling the visitor center at (801) 756-5238 and using a credit card. Ticket prices are $7 for adults, $5 for juniors (ages 6-15), $3 for children (ages 3-5), and children 2 and under are free. Seniors (age 62 and over) with a Golden Age Passport or Senior Pass are $3.50.

Cave tours are limited to 16 participants per tour. Hiking the 1.5-mile trail to the cave is considered moderately strenuous, as it gains more than 1,000 feet in elevation along the way. The cave tour and hike takes approximately three hours. The cave temperature is a cool 45 degrees Fahrenheit; light jackets, plenty of drinking water and sturdy walking shoes are recommended.