An incredible canyon, popular with rock climbers, hikers, skiers, and more. Abounding in exploration opportunities. The canyon becomes very popular on summer weekends with car-campers and tourists at Timpanogos Cave, but you often don't need to go far to find solitude - and some very rugged terrain.

American Fork Canyon can be the jumping-off point for many southern Wasatch peaks; Box Elder Peak, White Baldy, Red Baldy, American Fork Twin Peaks, Hidden Peak, Mount Baldy, Sugarloaf Peak, Devil's Castle, Mill Canyon Peak, and is the way many people access Mt. Timpanogos (via the Alpine Loop Road) - THE quintessential Utah hike.

(more to come soon)

Getting There

South of Salt Lake City about 20 miles and north of Provo about 20 miles, take the exit off of I-15 for SR-92 and travel east. SR-92 is the canyon road.

Red Tape

A Fee Demonstration program began about 1996 or so, and it now costs $3.00 per vehicle to enter the canyon. The pass lasts for 5 days, I believe. 12 month passes are $25.00.

The canyon has a paved road until you reach Tibble Fork Reservoir, or about 6 miles - after that it becomes dirt road that is in fair condition. Four wheel drive is not necessary, but a high clearance vehicle is recommended.

Camping

There are two organized campgrounds in or near "A.F. Canyon" proper (there are more on the Alpine Loop), and several places for unorganized camping - most require some driving on seldomly maintained dirt roads.

A.F. Canyon is directly between two wilderness areas - Lone Peak Wilderness to the north, and Timpanogos Wilderness about a mile or so to the south, so there are plenty of backcountry camping options available, for those willing to hike a little. Don't try to camp in one of the many picnic areas - the Forest Service patrols it closely, and you'll probably get ticketed.

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