Timpanogos Lower Falls
Last Updated on September 19, 2024 by Kathryn
With a high reward to effort ratio and its proximity to Utah County, Timpanogos Lower Falls is a family favorite.
Timpanogos Lower Falls offers spectacular mountain views and rich colors in the fall. It’s just over 2 miles and the elevation is moderate, making it doable for many.
The hike makes for a fun, short outing. It takes an average of 1.5 hours to complete. It is a short 20 minute drive up Provo Canyon (if you’re coming from Provo).
There are so many great hikes in Provo, and Timpanogos Lower Falls is one of my favorites to do when I’m short on time or have small kids with me.
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At a Glance
Location: The trailhead located in Provo Canyon in the Aspen Grove Parking Lot: 40.40459071952288, -111.60522451692385.
Put “Aspen Grove Trailhead” into your GPS to go to the parking lot.
Mileage: 2.4 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 770 feet
Good for Ages: 4+ (depending on the child!)
What You’ll See: Panoramic mountain views, bright fall colors, the majestic Timpanogos Lower Falls!
Popularity Level: Medium. Busier on weekends.
Good to Know: Parking is $10 or free with a National Parks Pass. Several popular trails share the parking lot, so get there early on weekends or holidays.
From the parking lot, the trail is the one on the right. The trail on the left is the popular Stewart Falls.
The trail is exposed to the sun, so if you hike it on a hot day, try to do it before the sun comes up over the mountain, or in the evening. And bring lots of water!
Part of the trail is paved, but a lot of it is overgrown and can be muddy or icy.
Can be buggy in the summer and potential avalanche danger in the winter.
Local tip: If you’re driving out to Provo, stop at a viewpoint to see Bridal Veil Falls. Then you get a 2-4-1 waterfall excursion.
What makes Timpanogos Falls special?
Any local will tell you that “hiking Timp” refers to the strenuous 14-mile, 5000 elevation gain hike that takes you to the top of Mount Timpanogos. This is NOT that hike.
The Timpanogos Lower Falls trail refers to a short, 2-mile hike to a waterfall. Both hikes start at the same trailhead and the bigger Timp hike passes the falls and continues for 6 more miles to the top of the mountain.
Just to add to the confusion, there is also a 7-mile Timpanogos Upper Falls that passes the Lower Falls and continues to another waterfall.
While it’s not the legendary “Timp” hike, hiking the Timpanogos Lower Falls is still a lot of bang for your buck.
It’s short and the incline is quite gradual, making it doable for a lot of people, including small kids.
It’s also very scenic, with sweeping mountain views and a pretty waterfall. Also, the fall colors are bright and bold in late September and early October.
Keep an eye out for wildlife. Moose encounters are frequent (do not approach!), as are deer, snakes, rabbits, squirrels, etc.
Hiking Timpanogos Lower Falls with Kids
This short hike is great for kids. I had success when I told my toddler that we were “waterfall hunting” instead of hiking. On the way up, she was entertained with finding sticks and chasing butterflies.
Once you get to the falls viewpoint, you can walk a couple minutes more to go to the bottom of them and feel the mist coming off the water.
The trail gets a little steeper when you get closer to the falls, but overall the incline is gradual.
Tips for Hiking Timpanogos Lower Falls
As mentioned before, the trail gets crowded on weekends and holidays. It can be hard to find parking, so plan accordingly.
If you go near the base of the falls, be cautious about slipping and falling in.
There is not much shade, so take plenty of water and consider finding a shadier hike on a hot day.
It can be buggy in the summer, so bring bug spray.
The trail gets very icy and slippery in the winter. Micro spikes help.
The trail passes through avalanche territory, so check the Utah Avalanche Center for current conditions.
How Long Does it Take to Hike Timpanogos Lower Falls?
According to Alltrails, it takes an average of 1 hr 30 mins to hike. I was quite surprised that it took me and my small toddler exactly that because we were going very slowly. A quick pace would probably be closer to 1 hour.
When to Hike Timpanogos Lower Falls
Summer: Expect heat and sun. It’s pretty miserable to hike it on a hot day unless you go very early or late.
Spring: May be muddy because of snow melt. Wildflowers start to come out and the falls are at their peak.
Fall: As with most fall hikes near Provo, this time of year is usually perfect! Fewer crowds, cooler temps, and the pretty leaves make for an ideal hike.
Winter: There is likely to be ice and snow. Snowshoes or spikes are helpful. Check avalanche conditions.
Holidays: Memorial Day and Labor Day are packed!
Get Outside!
I hope you’re encouraged to get out – far and wide – with your family!
