Timpanogos Summit via Aspen Grove.
14.50 miles / 5,469 elevation gain.
For the second week in-a-row I summit'd Timp--this time via Aspen Grove Trailhead. I've been up Timp a few dozen times but only once from the Aspen Grove side (about 25 years ago). This run/hike would be a nice change of pace.
A couple of interesting facts:
1. Aspen Grove trail is LONGER than its Timpanooke counterpart--yes, as in more miles. I've always been told and subsequently have told others that the Aspen Grove trail was steeper but shorter. Maybe shorter to Emerald Lake or the warming hut down below but not to the summit. (At least not on this run according to my Garmin 910 xt.)
Summit via Timpanooke, depending upon how my Garmin is feeling that day, registers anywhere between 6.85-7.2. Aspen Grove on Saturday registered 7.3 up and 7.2 down. So, it's close but at least on this day Aspen Grove is measuring longer.
Route up to summit: Aspen Grove to Emerald lake, cut up high on glacier to west beneath summit (not up the gut up from lake).. Hit saddle, same route as Timpanooke up to summit. I believe this is the normal route up from Aspen Grove.
2. Aspen Grove route is STEEPER and more elevation--450 ft. Aspen Grove is not as runable as Timpanooke, has more switchbacks and steep sections. Hard to say which is my favorite. It's like asking someone "what's the fastest way to Jackson Hole?" There are as many opinions as there are options. Aspen Grove has more waterfalls and different views of Heber Valley. They're just different, each has its own amazing and differing meadows, waterfalls and vistas. If running or if I were going to do it once, I'd say Timpanooke is the preferred option. You really have to do both.
There's a first time for everything and hitting the summit with goats IN THE SHACK was a first for me. Spent some quality time with the family (of goats) up top and headed down.
Trip down got interesting as I ran out of light (and food). Playing with the goats too long forced me to navigate the last 2-3 miles in the dark. Oops.
Next time I want to do a loop, up Aspen Grove to summit, down Timpanooke side to road...back up AF Canyon via road/trail to summit (road), down GWT to Aspen Grove again to truck. Should be a nice 21'ish mile run. | 