Category: Fun Activities

Explore the haunting beauty of three natural limestone caverns connected by man-made tunnels. This National Monument is located on the Alpine Scenic Loop in American Fork Canyon. The cave system is well known for its colorful formations, unique helictites, fault-controlled passages, alpine surroundings, and rich history.

Location

HWY 92 (American Fork Canyon), American Fork, UT 84003
801-756-5238
Accessibility: Can be accessed only by a 1.5-mile hike with a fairly steep grade (trail increases in elevation over 1,000 feet).
Driving time: from downtown Provo approximately 45 minutes

Description

The 1-1/2 mile-long paved trail (1,160 feet elevation gain) to the cave is also a popular attraction. The trail provides spectacular views of the geology and beautiful scenery of the American Fork Canyon.

The man-made Timpanogos Cave system joins three natural caves that contain at least 42 types of cave formations-an unusually large variety. The uniquely colored cave features include unusual combinations of delicate helictites and anthodites in quantities not found in other caves worldwide.

The cave is open from mid-May to mid-October (Tours will be available only on the weekends of Oct. 3-4, 10-11 and 17-18, then the Cave will closed for the 2009 season), weather permitting. A fee to American Fork Canyon is required for use of Forest Service facilities.

This well-signed Byway is a winding drive between cities of Payson and Nephi. The road climbs 9,000 feet and crosses the Uinta National Forest providing stunning views of Utah Valley, the surrounding Wasatch, and dramatic wrap-around vistas of 11,877-foot Mt. Nebo, the highest peak in the rugged and beautiful Wasatch Range.

Location

Uinta National Forest (Between Payson and Nephi), Payson, UT 84651
801-377-5780
Accessibility: Directions from Salt Lake City: Take Interstate 15 south toward Provo. Continue south past Provo until you reach Payson Exit 250. (1st Payson Exit). Exit and turn left onto Payson Main Street (State Route 77). Travel south until Main Street intersects with 100 North (State Route 198). Turn left and travel east to 600 East, then turn right on 600 East. Continue south to the entrance of Payson Canyon and the beginning of the National Scenic Byway. Heavy snow closes the road in winter.
Driving time: The 32-mile Byway takes about one and one-half hours to complete.

Description

Nebo Loop is designated a National Scenic Byway by the Federal Highway Administration, recognizing it as one of the premiere driving roads in America. The Byway has many photo opportunities with beautiful mountain greenery and wildlife viewing. The brilliant fall foliage of the Uinta National Forest is hard to match anywhere in the nation. September 14-24 is expected to feature the height of this season’s fall colors. However, there are still plenty of beautiful colors in October.

Along the way, there are numerous campgrounds, trails, and horseback riding areas. There are six overlooks to view some unique features such as the sandstone formation of Devil’s Kitchen Geologic Interest Site or take time to read about the unique history, geology and recreation.

There’s nothing quite like seeing the copper mine for the first time. Our Visitors Center hosts approximately 160,000 guests per year from all over the world who come to experience our three-quarters of a mile deep canyon, the largest man-made excavation on earth. Our mine has produced more copper than any other mine in history and still contains enough copper to last through the next century. At 150,000 tons of copper ore per day, that’s a lot of copper! Come learn more about this impressive feat of engineering when you visit the mine for yourself. learn more at www.kennecott.com

Location

800 West University Parkway
Orem, UT 84058
(801) 863-INFO (4636)