Best American Fork Canyon Hikes

July 3, 2015, 4:41 pm

By Matthew Gary Milam

Hiking is wildly popular in Utah. Hiking for some is a primary physical activity, for others it's a way to get away from it all and recharge the battery. For those engaged in the other wildly popular physical activities in Utah (i.e., bicycling, running or team sports), this might be a side activity. And lest we forget, hiking goes along with camping and fishing like marshmallows go along with chocolate bars and graham crackers. Utahns are on the go, no question about it, and hiking, with its opportunity for beautiful scenery, endorphin-producing exertion, and the opportunity to--as the ancient Native American in the old Val Kilmer movie, Thunderheart, put it--"… go up to the mountain and get focused."
The hike to Timpanogos Cave is very popular, but what other hikes in northern Utah—specifically, American Fork Canyon--are hiking-boot-worthy? Within American Fork Canyon there are a plethora of hiking adventures. For those of you who have yet to find your own favorite hike—let alone take a hike—in American Fork Canyon, the hike up to Timpanogos Cave might be a great first hike (see "Timpanogos" article). You most likely will need to set aside a half a day for this popular hike. As for the other hikes, read on for a small sample of hikes which vary in difficulty and length.
The hike to Timpanogos Summit (10.5 miles) is a popular hike. Hikers should be in excellent physical condition to make the hike, but the reward for making it to the top is worth the effort. For families interested in a more leisurely hike, the half-mile stroll around Cascade Springs will lead you around "dancing waters" where fish dart from pool to pool and signage educate hikers about hydrology. A little more difficult, but still relatively easy, is the Silver Lake Trail, that begins just near Granite Flat Campground. This gentle hike ascends to Silver Lake via the Lone Peak Wilderness. Just before Mineral Basin, the Forest Lake trail is 1.9 miles and is great for hikers and mountain bikers. Reaching Forest Lake will avail you of no fishing opportunity, but is a beautiful destination, nonetheless. Dry Creek Trail is a nice long-distance hike that begins near the mouth of the canyon, via the City of Alpine. This 15 mile (round trip) hike, with its numerous stream crossings and two waterfalls, reaches a summit midway through, where spectacular views are available in every direction, and ends at Granite Flat Campground.
These are just a few examples of the great hikes that can be accessed in American Fork Canyon. If you decide to take advantage of the fresh air, adventure, and chance to get "focused," by taking one of these hikes, or many of the other great ones in American Fork Canyon, be sure to let someone at home know your hiking itinerary, and take plenty of water with you.

The community news source for Eagle Mountain Utah, Saratoga Springs Utah, Lehi Utah, American Fork Utah, Highland Utah, Alpine Utah, and The Cedar Valley, including Cedar Fort Utah and Fairfield Utah. Copyright 2025 The Crossroads Journal LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Best American Fork Canyon Hikes

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