Pleasant Grove Ranger District

 

The majestic Mt. Timpanogos towers over the Pleasant Grove Ranger District and beckons hikers from all over the State to its summit.  In fact, the District is a popular destination due to its diversity of year-round recreation. The American Fork Canyon-Alpine Loop Recreation area is a particular favorite, offering fishing, family camping, arduous cycling, snow-mobiling, ATV-ing, and rock-climbing.  The District is also home to a herd of Rocky Mountain Sheep and maintaining a healthy ecosystem for this species and many others is a priority.

Pleasant Grove Ranger District - (801) 785-3563 

 

Click for a complete list of forest orders implemented on the Pleasant Grove Ranger District​

• The Timpooneke trailhead permit system will be implemented beginning July 7, 2023. Timed tickets will be required during peak days and can be reserved 30 days in advance at http://recreation.gov  at the Timpooneke Trailhead parking area.  The permit system is needed to address overcrowding at the popular trailhead and along State Route 92.  The Forest Service is working with Utah Department of Transportation, Utah Highway Patrol, and Utah County to implement the new permit, which will allow for managed parking, continued access to recreation opportunities, and provide safer access for emergency responders.The following options will be available for visitors: 78 parking stalls – reservable online 30 days in advance 18 parking stalls – reservable online 48 hours in advance. Parking permits are in effect for 24 hour and reservations can be made 24/7 at recreation.gov 
• ​Due to increased congestion, heavy use, and limited restroom facilities at Tibble Fork reservoir, parking is limited to designated stalls.
• To purchase your day use pass before you leave home go to: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74405 or from your mobile device:  yourpassnow.com search Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.  Self-service pay stations are also available throughout the canyon, online passes are the preferred. Be sure to have your pass on display while parked at any recreation sites. We honor all America the Beautiful Federal Lands and Mirror Lake Hwy passes. We are still operational under modified safety protocols and appreciate your support.
• Campground/Picnic Areas/Roads/Trails Update

Popular Recreation Areas

American Fork 

American Fork Canyon can be accessed from the Alpine Loop Scenic Backway (SR-92).  The spectacular canyon walls in lower American Fork Canyon are deeply incised.  Higher up, the canyon fork into open basins with alpine peaks that top 11,000 feet.  The road then crosses over a divide into the North Fork of the Provo Canyon, with views of Mt. Timpanogos and dazzling fall colors.

Cascade Springs Scenic Backway

Cascade Springs Scenic Backway begins near the summit of the Alpine Scenic Loop and continues to Cascade Springs, then on a gravel road to Wasatch Mountain State Park.

Alpine Scenic Loop Backway

The Alpine Scenic Loop Backway begins at the mouth of American Fork Canyon on US-92 and winds down through beautiful aspen groves past Sundance Resort to US-189 in Provo Canyon.  Although paved, trailers are not recommended because of the steep grade and narrow curves.

Mount Timpanogos Wilderness

Located along the Wasatch front, Mount Timpanogos Wilderness is a small Wilderness of 10,750 acres.  Photographers have many opportunities with the many waterfalls, glacial cirques, rugged terrain, and wildflowers.  Horse use is limited from the Timpooneke Trail to the Timpanogos Basin area.

Lone Peak Wilderness

Located southeast of Salt Lake City, there are 30,088 acres within the Lone Peak Wilderness.  The area has very rugged terrain with narrow canyons and high peaks; it is accessed from Little Cottonwood Canyon on the north and American Fork Canyon on the south.  There are 14 trails totaling approximately 46 miles.  Several trails within the wilderness are easy to follow, but many are very strenuous.  People from the surrounding communities visit this special area all year long.