Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
3,646.00 ft (1,111.30 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
12.50 mi (20.12 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Emerald Lake via #053 is a 12.5-mile out-and-back route in the Mount Timpanogos Wilderness within the Wasatch Mountain Range in northeastern Utah County. From Timpooneke Trailhead, the trail follows Timpooneke Trail #053 to Emerald Lake. 

Emerald Lake is a small lake located near the summit of Mount Timpanogos at a height of 10,380 feet. As you hike to the lake, you'll pass through meadows, aspen stands, pine forests, and some of Utah's most spectacular wildflower displays. There is also the possibility of seeing Rocky Mountain Goats grazing in the meadows around Emerald Lake. This adventure is open to runners, hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders.

DIRECTIONS

Start from the Timpooneke Trailhead and follow Timpooneke Trail #053 as it climbs steadily through aspen stands, lush meadows, and flowing mountain streams. The area is filled with picturesque waterfalls, rocky cliffs, and scenic vistas. After about 4.9 miles you will reach a trail junction. Stay straight on Timpooneke Trail #053 entering the Timpanogos Basin. At the next trail junction turn left towards Emerald Lake. 

CAMPING
The nearby Mount Timpanogos Campground offers several campsites and is located next to the Mount Timpanogos Wilderness. For information about reservations and cost please visit, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/uwcnf/recarea/?recid=9903

WHEN TO VISIT
July-August is the best time of year to see the wildflowers in full bloom and to avoid hazardous snowy conditions. 

TIMPOONEKE TRAILHEAD

Timpooneke trailhead is located in the Timpooneke Campground at the south side of the parking lot.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

US Forest Service: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/uwcnf/recreation/recarea/?recid=15110&actid=50.  


 

 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Alpine Lake. Mountain Goats. Scenic Views.

Cons

Can get crowded.

Trailhead Elevation

7,356.00 ft (2,242.11 m)

Highest point

10,550.00 ft (3,215.64 m)

Features

Wildlife
Backcountry camping
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

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