Known by locals as "Timp," Mount Timpanogos is one of the highest peaks around. At 11,750 feet elevation, it is only slightly shorter than Mt. Nebo to the south. It also constitutes one of the 7 Peaks that the popular water park is named after. With its majestic peaks and flower-filled cirques it is one of the most popular hikes around. There are two commonly-used trails up the mountain: the Aspen Grove trail, and the Timpooneke trail. We chose to hike the Aspen Grove trail because it is much closer, much shorter, and much steeper than the Timpooneke.
This was my first time up old Timp and it was actually Beno, a several-time veteran, who suggested the hike. I jumped at the opportunity to get a group together and conquer the summit. The group consisted of me, Beno, his cousin, Jacob (who was visiting from Washington), and Josh Dawson, a fit and experienced hiker. The day before the hike we checked the weather forecast and found that a 70% chance of rain was expected. We decided to go ahead anyways.
Pics below:
We were on the mountain by about 7:00 am.
Josh looking back through the valley at the trail head.
A cool snow cave, carved out by a waterfall.
Emerald Lake, the point just before the last ascent.
In order to make it to the saddle we had to cross this monster.
Remember that weather forecast?
A cloudless glimpse down the north side of the mountain.
The Summit Shack on top of Mt. Timpanogos!
We made it! It was cold. After calling home and texting a picture to our dates for bowling that evening, we headed back down.
That's right! Your's Truly on one of Timp's cliffs.
And then we were off, off into the mists (hear that waterfall? That's actually the rain!)
This is one of the few hikes that I have been on where the trail back seem far longer than the trail up. We did eventually make it home, and took dates bowling at the BYU Game Center. It was an epic day.
It's been a great couple of weeks. Morp (girls-choice ugly prom) was fantastic. My date dumped a bucket of red paint down the back of my shirt and not many guys can say that. It included pizza, Curses (the game), paint wars, and McDonald's. What a night!
It was the end of third term last week. I can't believe that the year is almost over. Now just for testing... Also, Yours Truly can legally drive other people! Booya!
On Saturday, Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band came to Timpview for a private concert. Beno, Taylor, and I, tripled up for an awesome date (myself with Kimberly Russon). It was a super fun night and everybody had a great time. The band's sheer musical talent, energy, and goofy sense of humor make them great performers. I would attend anytime. Here is one of their music videos:
On top of that, I was fortunate enough to attend the ward talent show earlier this evening. Yes, I did participate. I was planning on doing a solo performance on the guitar or banjo, however, a couple of awesome brothas recruited me to form a band.
Not bad for one practice, eh? Thank you Oak Hills 2nd Ward Young Women for your support ;) We hope to be back next year even better than before...
