Last week I took my family on a fun adventure up the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway. It is a 20 miles drive located in the Alpine canyons of the Wasatch Range. The drive took us about an hour because the road is narrow and windy, but you can’t beat the views. Our main purpose for going up the canyon was to do the Scout Falls Hike, which I will share more about shortly, but we also stopped at the Salamander Flat campground (free entry and free camping by Alpine) and pulled out our picnic lunch and enjoyed the cool mountain air. On our way back home after driving the byway we also stopped off and checked out Bridal Veil Falls, which is always magnificent.
The Scout Falls Hike was a little difficult to find, but after a few helpful people along the way, we were able to get there successfully. If you want to go on the Scout Falls hike, you will want to go to the Timpooneke Trailhead and park there. The Mt. Timpanogos/Timpooneke Trail is over 14 miles, but we just wanted to go to Scout Falls, which is about 3 miles round trip. When you get to the parking lot for the Timpooneke Trail, you will want to start out hiking and stick to the right. When you get to the Ranger box, the trail splits, and here yo will go left, following the trail on the Mount Timpanogos trail. Follow this main trail, staying to the right (upper) part of the trail when you get to a fork, and continuing on until you get to the falls. There are some steep, loose rocks to climb right at the end, but it wasn’t too bad as long as you watched your footing.
We went early in the day and we went on a weekday and didn’t see very many people (mostly on our way back, it was starting to get busy). We have been told it is hard to find a parking spot on the weekends, so keep that in mind. The hike up was a gradual incline uphill, but several shady spots to stop and rest if you need it. We took our kids ages 5-10 on the hike as well as our dog and they all loved it. Going down is a little easier and doesn’t take as long – so our hike in took about an hour (1.5ish miles in) and we stayed at the falls for about 30 minutes before heading back out. We couldn’t get up to the falls because of the snow or we may have stayed a little longer. The hike out took about 45 minutes. We also stopped several times for drink breaks, and for taking pictures. There is no shortage of things to take photos of. Be sure to have a full charge on your phone or camera. Take lots of water and a snack for when you get to the top to refuel.
This is a great hike for all ages (young kids will likely need help to be carried for part of it, just from getting tired). Dogs are allowed on a leash. The trail was about 3 miles round trip. It took us about 2 hours to hike in and back with time to relax and enjoy it all. We went in mid-June and there were still a few places covered in snow that make it tricky to cross, and the water levels were very high from the runoff.
Here is a video that I recorded of the last stretch of the hike and the falls. Enjoy!
Maria Magdalena says
WOW! I like hiking, but it’s been two years I’m not hiking anymore. Oh, I really missed the nature!
Tara Pittman says
What an awesome view on this hike. I love that there is still snow on these mountains.
Coralie says
This is such a fun hike. Great for a morning out with your family or friends.
Sarah Bailey says
Wow what an absolutely stunning place, those views are absolutely stunning, I always think getting so far into nature is magical.
Ali Rost says
What a beautiful place to go hiking! I can’t believe how amazing the views were, and I kept wondering what they’d be like in the fall with all of the changing leaves. Hiking is one of our all time favorite things to do as a family, although now it’s just the two of us and the puppies. It’s so much fun to be outside on these pretty summer days!
Anosa says
Your family sounds like an adventurous lot and what an incredible hike with such beautiful views
Crystal Carder says
I would love to visit Scout Falls someday. It looks like a place I will be putting on my bucket list. Great photos, by the way.
Echo says
What an amazing experience! I love that you are doing it as a family.
Karissa says
What a lovely place for a hike!! We love hiking in Colorado!
Healing Tomato says
Its been so long since I went hiking! I love all the nature hikes, so, I will definitely try Scout Falls! What a beautiful place!
vanessa palma says
That is definitely a hike I would love to take the family on. Love the snow!
Terri Beavers says
Goodness, you make me miss hiking. I usually save hikes for the cooler months but I’d love visiting this place any time of the year.
Jennifer L says
Omg what an amazing trail to hike on! I love that you and your entire family decided to do it, such a great experience to have together.
Carol Cassara says
It does look like a challenging hike but one that is worth it! I love that there were people who helped you guys along the way. It’s really beautiful out there.