Scout Falls Hike

Scout Falls from the trail

Scout Falls is a beautiful hike located along the Timpanooeke route to Timpanogos Peak. 

It is a nice easy trail. The first half is relatively flat and the last half is a bit steeper, but very doable. 

First half of the trail

Trail begins to get steep at the first glimpse of the falls

 From the parking lot you need to find the trail. We thought this would be easy, but as we passed the restrooms and headed up the trail there were 3 different trails and no sign to Scout Falls. There is a trail to the left, a trail up the mountain in the middle and a trail to the right. Take the trail in the middle near the ranger house and the sign with the map. It is the same trail you would use to hike Timp. Continue along this trail until you come to the second spur in the trail. The first spur is found about .6 miles and looks like it would take you to the run-off of the falls. This is not the correct spur. Continue on the trail about 1.4 miles total and find the second spur. This one is well-worn and heads out to a beautiful view of the falls. 

What a beautiful bowl

Scout Falls

Don't plan on getting in. There really isn't a suitable place to get in without risking a getting injured. These falls are best suited for viewing:) There are several rocks and places towards the end of the hike to sit and eat a snack or lunch.

View from scout falls

Getting there is fairly straight forward. Head up American Fork Canyon or up Provo Canyon to Sundance (remember there is a pay station) about 8 miles to the Timpanooeke Campground. Turn into the campground and continue up the road past the campground. You will come to the Timpanooeke Trailhead parking lot. Here you will find ample parking and restroom facilities. The trail begins to the right of the restrooms.

This is a good hike for families.

Happy hiking!

Stewart Falls Hike

Yesterday I took the kids and those in my hiking group to Stewart Falls. Our hiking group consists of mothers and children...and occasionally our husbands:) I started this group to help others who want to get out and hike but don't know where to go, who may be scared to go alone or who may not have enough experience to do it on their own with children. It has been fun so far. Take a look at what we saw:

Stewart Falls is located up Provo Canyon above Sundance Ski Resort. To get to Provo Canyon, from I-15 take the 800 North exit in Orem and drive East until you get to the mouth of the canyon. Drive 9 miles up the canyon to the Sundance turn-off. Turn left and drive up the canyon past Sundance and Aspen Grove until you come to the pay booth. (Remember that this canyon has a $6 per day use fee or you can use/purchase a National Parks Pass which is $80 for the year). After the pay booth pull into the first parking lot on the left side of the road. There are 2 trailheads leaving from this parking lot. To access Stewart Falls you need to be on the trail that leaves near the bathroom and be sure you stay to the left...do not go on any of the spur/side trails as this will take you up Mt. Timpanogos.

 The trail is approximately 2 miles one way...4 miles round trip. I love this trail because it isn't too difficult for my children and the first half of the hike is in the shade of the trees.

The first time I did this hike carrying my child in a baby backpack was more difficult...just FYI. Along the way we saw a tree that had been marked by a bear and the kids thought that was great. There are several geocaches hidden along the way.

Stay with your children as you get towards the end of the trail. There is an outcropping of rocks towards the end that my friends boys and my youngest decided to climb...as they were a bit ahead of us. The other side is a drop-off of about 40 feet. As you reach the outcropping, the trail continues down to the left to the waterfall where the kids can cool off.

This is a great family hike.

My son had a self-carved walking stick and hand-carved whistle that we set down while we were in the water...someone walked off with them. He was so upset because of the time it took for him to make it. We like to assume that the person didn't know or didn't see his name engraved on the stick....just putting it out there because you never know if someone may find it:)

Happy Hiking!

Tibble Fork Loop Trail

Day 1 of Summer Fun



As summer begins my husband and I decided to offer up a family summer challenge. If, as a family, we can hike at least 100 miles this summer then we will take the kids to do something special of their choosing. The boys decided that sounded like a good idea so here we go. Wish us luck!

We took our kids and some friends on a new hike up American Fork Canyon near Tibble Fork Reservoir. The hike is called Tibble Fork Loop Trail. I read reviews of the trail and it seemed like a good one for the family. Here are our stats taken from our GPS.

The stats:

4.5 miles

1000 foot elevation gain

3 hours

To access the trail you go to American Fork Canyon by taking exit 284 the Timpanogos Highway exit and following the road east to the canyon. From the toll booth (plan on paying $6 or buying a year pass to get into the canyon) drive until you see the Tibble Fork Reservoir sign. Turn left and follow the road until you come to the parking lot.

taken on the dam looking south

taken on the dam looking north
our hiking group today

The trailhead is located on the east side of the dam. Park and walk across the dam. Plan on the first mile of the hike being somewhat steep. If it has rained in the previous couple of days, I suggest you choose a different trail to hike. We hiked up in the mud. The kids loved it and it made for a memorable hike, but it was slippery and made the hike more difficult.

When you reach the first meadow be sure to turn around and look back down the trail. The view is stunning. The snow covered mountains tower over the aspens and pines. A 10 year old boy in our group managed to catch a snake near the small stream running through the meadow.

When you come to the junction in the trail with a sign for Mill Canyon hang a left. A man on a horse told us that there is a resident BIG black bear that often times is in this area so keep your eyes open. He saw it not more than 2 weeks prior to our hike standing in the middle of the trail.

Geo-caching Fun!

Take your next 2 left forks and then stay on the trail. If you enjoy geo-caching plan ahead. We found a geo-cache right off the trail. Remember that if you find a cache you can take something if you have
something to leave. This photo is of our group finding the cache. This is always so exciting for the kids!

Follow the trail and it will lead you to a bridge that crosses the river and puts you out on the road North of the dam. Follow the road back to your car. This was a fun hike. Be aware that this trail is open for equestrian use as well as motorcycle use. We saw plenty of both being Memorial Day Weekend.