Mt Timpanogos

At almost 12,000 ft, MT Timpanogos (meaning "River of Rock" in the Paiute language) is the second highest peak in Utah's Wasatch Range. The trail from the Timpooneke campground is my all time favorite hike and I try to hit it at least once a year. The hike climes almost 5,000 ft over about 6 miles each way and takes you through several distinct mountain zones, from Aspen groves, through Alpine meadows, conifer forests until you finally reach a dramatic summit well above the timberline. Mountain goats are a common sight, but be forewarned, this hike is an all day ordeal.

Timponogos cave is a magnificent cave on the western slope of the mountain: http://www.nps.gov/tica/.