This is the primary route to climb Robert's Horn. Other routes exist (couloir and ice routes on the East face most notably), but this is the only route that is climbed with any regularity. This is a class 2 route. It involves just over 4,000 vertical feet of elevation gain and around 5 miles of hiking each way, with ~600 vertical feet of very easy "scrambling" (the rest is on a good trail).

Getting There

Most people will want to start this climb from the Aspen Grove trailhead in the North Fork of Provo Canyon. Climbs might be possible from the north side of Robert's Horn, but I am not familiar with them.

To climb from the Timpooneke Trailhead, follow directions on the Timpanogos route page for that trailhead to Emerald Lake.

For the Aspen Grove trailhead:
From I-15, take the Orem 800 North exit (ext 272) heading east toward the Wasatch Mountains. Follow 800 north until its junction with Highway 189, where it forks either left or right. Go left into Provo Canyon (toward Sundance ski resort, and Heber). Follow Highway 189 approximately 7 miles past Vivian Park and several other parks. After going through a short tunnel, take your first left onto Highway 92. Follow Highway 92 past Sundance Ski resort (on your left) and through the BYU Aspen Grove facility (~6 miles). You will reach a fee booth for American Fork Canyon/Alpine Loop. Pay the fee and park in the next parking lot on the left (immediately after the fee booth). The fee as of summer 2008 was $6 (up from $3 previously). An annual pass is available if you are interested.

Park on the right side of the lot as you pull in, and find the trail heading straight right, past a small cabin in the woods. From here it is difficult to lose the main trail.

Route Description

Follow this main trail past two waterfalls (around 1 mile from the trailhead) and continue to switchback up the mountainside. Eventually you will reach the Hidden Lake cirque (Hidden Lake ahead and to the left), where the switchbacks will stop. Continue to follow the trail right/north toward Emerald Lake and the cabin there. Above the cabin, take the ridge to the right, which forms the dividing line between Timpanogos Basin (north) and the area you just exited (Hidden Lake Cirque). Following the ridge to the right and toward Robert's Horn is the easiest way to the summit. The slopes to the right side of the ridge are fairly loose and unpleasant.

During the entirety of this hike (from the trailhead to the summit), Robert's Horn will be visible. It is directly in front of you as you leave the trailhead and looming above you as you ascend the switchbacks.

Note that this area can be very dangerous in winter. Snowshoers and other backcountry users have been killed in the area around Emerald Lake and on the trail leading up to it by avalanches. Please be cautious and use a conservative judgment when considering whether to venture into this area in winter.

Essential Gear

Good footwear and water or filtration options for the lake water. In the winter: skis/snowshoes, avalanche gear and training, warm clothes, proper mountaineering boots or winter hiking boots.