Timpanogos Lower Falls Trail from Aspen Grove

The Trail
This moderate trail to the waterfall is only about 1.1 miles long one way with a 596 foot elevation change. We did do this trail in the winter this time though, and the normal trail became inaccessible at the point of the black square in the topographical map below. From that point, we hiked down toward the river and then followed it up to the falls.

Topographical Map

Graph of Elevation

Trail in Google Earth

This trail starts at a gradual incline and becomes steeper as it continues up the canyon. The trail is well used and usually easy to follow even during the winter, when it is popular among hikers, snowshoers, and cross country skiers. There are a couple trails that turn off of it, such as the Lame Horse Trail, but the trails in the area are all well marked and easy to follow. Just stay on the trail that goes to the top of Mount Timpanogos.

Looking up the trail near the beginning

After reaching the point where the trail was no longer clear or easily accessible, we made our way down to the river basin. There was a lot of deep snow and ice chunks here from what appeared to be a fairly recent small avalanche that went down the waterfall, and the river was buried under it all.

We followed the hidden river up past a wavy wall of ice to where the waterfall would normally have been, but not much of it was visible. Instead, we found a little trickle of chilly water into a deep icy puddle.

Still, the view from this vantage point was impressive!

The trail normally ends up more to the side of the fall whereas our snowshoeing trip took us nearly on top of it. Here is an old picture of what it looks like during the summer:

During other times of the year when there is less snow, hikers looking for a much longer and more arduous trail can continue on if desired up to Emerald Lake and to the top of Mount Timpanogos.

2020 Update:
We did this trail at the beginning of January again this year and it looked quite different than the pictures from 2017. The trail seemed to follow the normal trail better and we ended up with a nicer view of the falls since it was not buried as before.

Restrooms are available at the trailhead, though they may not be accessible during the winter season (we didn't check). Dogs and horses are permitted on the trail. There is a fee to access the area this trail is located in.

Directions:
This trail is located in Utah County not far from Sundance. To get there, take exit 272 off of I-15 for 800 North in Orem. Head east along 800 North until the road splits. Take the left fork to head up Provo Canyon. Continue about 6.9 miles and then turn left up the Alpine Scenic Byway, heading toward Sundance and Aspen Grove. You will pass both these places before coming to a booth where you must pay to continue. Immediately to the left there is a parking area from which the trail starts. There are multiple trailheads here, so make sure you read the signs and take the one you intend to.