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AMERICAN FORK CANYON — It’s been really hot this summer and if you are in need of higher elevations and a cool, refreshing waterfall, check out the family-friendly hike to Scout Falls.
This family favorite is located about 8 miles up American Fork Canyon. To get to the canyon from I-15, take the Timpanogos Highway (11000 North) exit and drive east. That road will take you to the mouth of American Fork Canyon, where you will need to pay a $6 day-use fee unless you have an annual pass or a national parks pass.
From the pay station, you will drive roughly 5 miles until you reach your first fork in the road. Continue on the right fork along state Route 92, heading toward the Alpine Loop. In another 3 miles, you will arrive at another fork in the road and you will again take the right fork, heading toward the Timpooneke Campground.
There is a large parking area available, and there are also bathrooms located at the trailhead.
Three trails split off from the trailhead: To reach Scout Falls, you will take the middle trail, the Timpooneke Trail No. 053. This is also an equestrian trail, so be sure to be courteous of horseback riders and share the path.
While the area is higher elevation than the valley, it can still get pretty warm during the summer months, so it is better to hike during the early mornings and late afternoons. A lot of the trail is covered by aspen and pine trees though, so it does stay fairly shady.
The trail has a gradual incline the entire hike up to the falls, but it’s not too steep and is fine for families with young children. You will pass by three small waterfalls on the way up to Scout Falls and the little streams cross the trail, giving you an opportunity to cool your feet on the ascent.
Once you have hiked almost a mile, the trail will fork and there will be a large log across the left fork. You can take that trail to make the final quarter-mile ascent to the falls and to get a nice view of them from the bottom. However, the last stretch of this trail is just loose rocks and boulders and is very steep and not recommended for small children. If you take this trail, be very careful with your footing, as many of the rocks are loose.
If that doesn’t sound like a great option or if you have young children, you can continue on the main Timpooneke Trail for a little ways before turning off toward the falls. This option is a little bit longer, but is a much easier end to your hike and keeps you on an established dirt trail.
The Scout Falls offer a cool refreshing break where you can rest and admire the view. The rocks are quite slick though around and underneath the falls, so be very careful while walking.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: About 2.6 miles round trip
Time: An hour and a half round trip
