The main attraction is the interpretive cave tour through the Timpanogos Cave System. The caves are closed from mid-October to early May due to high snow accumulation in the winter. This trail regularly used for recreation as well as cave access.Īpproximately 110,000 people, both foreign and domestic, visit the monument annually with 60,000 to 80,000 touring the caves. Along the trail, visitors are able to view geology that ranges from Pre-Cambrian through the late Mississippian-aged rocks, providing what may be the best exposed, easiest accessed, and varied geologic records in the United States. The access trail to the cave is a 1.5-mile paved trail that ascends 1,092 feet from the visitor center to the Hansen Cave Entrance. Still further down the canyon are the maintenance building and the Rock House offices. Situated near the visitor center is several picnic areas: the Canyon Picnic Area across from the visitor center and the Swinging Bridge Picnic Area located a half mile east on Highway 92.The two areas are joined by the interpretive Canyon Nature Trail. The visitor center offers interpretive displays and educational videos interpreting the caves and monument. Running through the lower elevations of the monument is the American Fork River and Utah Highway 92. The monument is situated on the northern slope of 11,750 ft Mount Timpanogos and is surrounded by the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Timpanogos Cave National Monument consists of 250 acres located in rugged American Fork Canyon of the Wasatch Range and just 30 miles from the major metropolitan areas of Salt Lake City and Provo, Utah. Though varieties of people from all over the globe come to visit and work at the small monument, all can find values that support the park mission to “preserve the outstanding cave formations, geological processes, and historical valuesof the Timpanogos Cave System and associated features for the recreational and educational enjoyment, scientific value, and inspiration of this and future generations.” 1 Gaining abetter understanding of the motives and struggles of the past helps create a better future for the monument and the Timpanogos Cave System. Since the early discoveries and development, dedicated and influential individuals have built on the original preservation ethic to protect Timpanogos Cave National Monument and its resources. And more have developed programs topromote educational experiences, research, and resource preservation and protection. Many worked to preserve the monument by gaining national monument status.Others worked to develop trails, lights, and structures to enable the many thousands of visitors to come to view the caves. Several individuals contributedto the discovery of each cave. Each of these people contributed to the development and the preservation of Timpanogos Cave National Monument. Harding on October 14, 1922.ĭuring the many decades of discovery and management, a variety of people and groups have contributed to making Timpanogos Cave National Monument what people see today. Just fourteen months after the rediscovery of Timpanogos Cave, and less than one month from the official request, Timpanogos Cave was declared a national monument by President WarrenG. The fear of losing these treasures to mining operations and vandalism, inspired many people in the local communities to rally together for the caves’ preservation and to request national protection. Following their discoveries between 18,these caves quickly became known for the profuse rock decorations of stalactites, helictites, and aragonite. Hidden high in the cliffs of Mount Timpanogos are three valuable and irreplaceable treasures: the Timpanogos, Middle, and Hansen Caves.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |