Hansen Cave Accessibility Tour
Timpanogos Cave National Monument Tours
NOTICE: This tour is offered once a day starting at 9:45am and may only be booked by calling the Visitor Center at 801-756-5239 ext. 202.
This tour must be booked at least 3 days (72 hours) ahead and up to 30 days prior to your desired tour date.
This tour is designed for those who are able to complete the steep, narrow trail but cannot maneuver over stairs or do not have the ability to safely remain in the cave for a full 55 minute tour. This is the only cave tour where a wheelchair can be accommodated.
THE TIME ON YOUR TICKET IS YOUR ARRIVAL TIME at the Visitor Center. "Going on a Cave Tour" is a 3+ hour experience that begins at the visitor center.
First, check in at the visitor center (located at the bottom of the trail) at the time printed on your ticket. Arriving 10-15 minutes early at the visitor center is recommended.
Next, hike 1.5 miles to the cave entrance. Your tour ranger will meet you at the cave entrance.
Finally, enter the cave 1.5 hours after you began your hike.
The Timpanogos Cave System is accessed by ascending a strenuous 1.5 mile (2.4 km) paved trail with an elevation gain of 1,100 vertical feet (335 m) with a typical grade of 8% and a maximum grade of 16%. After completing the hike, visitors will be gathered together to explore Hansen Cave. The route is paved and there are no required stairs. The cave is lit and flashlights are not required.
Everyone must have a ticket, including infants.
If you are unable to attend your scheduled cave tour, please call the visitor center at 801-756-5239 ext. 202 as soon as possible so we can make the spot available for other visitors who are eager to explore.
Select a date to see a list of times
Need to Know
Wheelchairs are permitted, but please note that the trail has a typical grade of 8% and a maximum grade of 16%. Also, please remember that what goes up the trail must come back down and controlling a wheelchair on a 16% slope can be difficult. This is not an easy trail and with steep cliff drop offs, this trail can be dangerous. Please plan on 3 hours round trip without wheelchair accessible restrooms.
Thinking about bringing small children?
While we welcome children of all ages, is it a good idea? The hike to the cave is steep, hot, and strollers are not allowed. The caves are cold (45°F, 7°C) and dark, and touching in this delicate environment is prohibited. Will your child enjoy this and, if not, will this affect you and other visitors on your tour? Please keep this in mind as you plan. All persons, including infants, entering the cave must have a ticket. Arriving early at the visitor center is recommended.
- Bring water. 1 liter of water per person is recommended. Temperatures on the cave trail often exceed 100°F, 38°C on summer afternoons.
- The cave temperature is 45°F, 7°C. A light jacket or sweatshirt is recommended.
- Wear sturdy shoes, suitable for hiking.
- NO strollers or other wheeled devices are allowed on the cave trail or in the caves.
- Large metal framed infant backpacks are permitted on the trail but not in the caves. Soft infant carriers and daypacks are permitted in the caves.
- Pets are prohibited on the cave trail and in the caves. Service animals are allowed. Service animals-in training and emotional support animals are prohibited.
- Food, drink, candy, tobacco and gum are prohibited in the caves, but allowed on the trail.
- Flash photography is allowed, but tripods and monopods are not. Flashlights are optional.
- Hiking poles and walking sticks are not permitted in the caves unless needed for mobility.
- WHITE NOSE SYNDROME To help prevent the spread of White Nose Syndrome, a disease that is killing millions of bats in North America, the monument prohibits the use of any footwear, clothing and gear (including cameras) that have been in ANY other cave or mine at ANY time.
- PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT. There are no trash cans along the cave trail or at the caves.
If you have specific questions, contact the visitor center. 801-756-5239 ext. 202
