After my time in Vegas and enjoying precious moments with my new grandson, Gus, I joined Matt and his family for a hike to the top of Mount Timpanogos. I've wanted to summit Timp again ever since my first climb as a teenager—it was a life-changing experience. So, when Matt suggested we hike it during my visit to Utah, I jumped at the chance. This time, however, we had to be more strategic, given the crowds on the trail. Even early in the morning, it can get busy, so Matt proposed a late afternoon start. We left at 4:00pm, aiming to reach the saddle by sunset for the breathtaking views. The final stretch to the summit would be in the dark, but we figured the valley lights would make the summit even more spectacular. Though I was a bit concerned about the descent in complete darkness, I had my headlamp so I just focused on the trail right in front of me.

We chose to hike the Timpooneke Trail since it was the easiest, but the total distance up and back was still about 14 miles. We left a little after 4:00 from Timpooneke Campground trailhead up American Fork Canyon. Everything fell beautifully into place—minimal crowds, no parking issues, and perfect weather since we were hiking on the shady side of the mountain. The Aspens, Pines, water falls, mountain meadows, and majestic views were just as stunning as I remembered. The other great part was our awesome group of hikers: Sasha and her son Darek, my brother-in-law Blake, Matt and his wife Brei, their kids Tage, Tyson, and Brock, as well as their daughter Morgan and her husband Sterling. Morgan and Sterling started after us, but passed us when we took a short detour to the falls. Everyone had a good time and it truly couldn’t have been a better hike!

Taking pics before the hike with Sasha & Darek

Traversing the wet slippery rocks

Taking a little detour to the falls

Our little hiking group

Taking a little breather and getting our first view of the top

Darek, Brei, and Sasha on one of the switchbacks below us

The breathtaking view behind us...

and the beautiful mountain ahead

Taking another little rest, I was so impressed with Brock...what a great little hiker!

A rocky section of the trail with the summit in the distance

Another amazing view of the trail and summit on the left

The sun illuminating the summit

Entering the meadow, one of my fav parts of the hike!

Matt and boys

Mountain sheep on the opposite cliffs

The breathtaking views of the wildflowers and foliage

Pushing onward to make it to the saddle before sundown

The summit still beautifully illuminated

Me with the wildflowers and summit

Brei a little further up on the trail

Me hiking the last rocky trail to the saddle

Brei and boys taking pics of the top with the moon

Final push to the saddle

Me and Blake (representing the Manwaring men since Brad was still in Kentucky working) on the saddle.

Everyone re-grouping

Matt & Brei reuniting with Morgan & Sterling on the saddle

Views of the trail below

Tage, with views of the valley (Utah Lake and county) on the other side

Everyone getting ready for the final climb, I took off as fast as I could after taking this picture, before my fear of heights got the bette of me!

I'm so glad we made it to the saddle by sunset, not only for the views, but because it got dark super fast when the sun went down! The last mile (roughly) to the summit was a steep rocky ridge-line that turned into large rocky switchbacks, it is not for the faint of heart!

Mountain sheep that Matt and Brei spotted while hiking to the summit

The trail (far left) with views of the moon

I finally made it to the summit behind Matt & Brei's boys. It took a few prayers, some trail guidance from other hikers, and little pushes from strangers behind me when my legs just couldn't propel me up anymore. Once on top I jumped into the little shack to get out of the biting wind! The lights in the valley were amazing!

Matt and Brei's boys Tage, Tyson and Brock, they were my motivation to the top!

I was able to catch Matt & Brei in their final climb to the top!

Another picture of Tage, this time on the summit with the valley lights below, moon, and mountain ridge.

Views of the mountains below, Deercreek Resivour, and Heber valley

Views of Utah Lake, Orem, Provo, and all the way to Payson!

Lights from Pleasant Grove, Lehi, and Saratoga Springs, to around the point of the mountain to the Salt Lake valley, with views of the Great Salt Lake!

Picture showing the narrowness of the mountain at the top. It truly felt like being on top of the world!

Resting in the meadow (where Morgan & Sterling would be camping overnight) before making our way back down (passing numerous hikers just staring out) to our vehicles in the wee hours of the morning. I'm so grateful to Sasha & Darek and Matt & fam for making this hike possible, it was truly a blessing! The only negative effects from the hike was my ragweed (in the meadow) allergies getting the better of me for a couple of days. I'll just have to remember to load up on my allergy medications next time!🤧