Scout Falls was one of the most fun hikes we have had since starting xpUtah. The hike itself is beautiful and it’s easy enough that all ages can enjoy it. Serious, take an afternoon with your family and visit Scout Falls as soon as you get a chance.

 

Located in the scenic American Fork canyon you’re guaranteed an amazing view throughout the entire trip.  To reach the trailhead, take exit 287 from I-15 and head east until you reach the entrance of American Fork canyon (side note, this is a state park so be prepared for a small entrance fee).

 

After passing the tollbooth, follow the road up the canyon, past Timpanogas Cave National Monument until you find a fork in the road and then continue up the road on the right toward South Fork. Follow this road until you reach a second junction and take a right into Camp Timpanooke. The drive is about 7 miles from the mouth of the canyon. Drive through the campground until you find a parking area with a restroom on the south side.

 

From here it’s a matter of following the signs. Follow the trail past the bathroom until you reach a guard location where they will have you sign the trail register, then you can continue heading up the well-defined trail until you reach the falls. Its important to note that at one point you will have the opportunity to take a left down the hill and away from the main trail. From what I was told by other hikers it will take you to the bottom of the waterfall where you will have to climb up the falls itself to get to the top. Be sure to avoid this trail.

 

Once you’re at the top there are many different spots to explore! We did everything from sitting underneath the falls where we ate lunch, to climbing the hills above the falls where we set up a slack line in a little meadow. If you do decide to go off trail watch out for stinging nettle, there is a lot of it up there.

 

• Get off I-15 at exit 287 and head south until you reach American Fork Canyon

 

• Follow the road 7 miles until you reach the Timpanooke Campground where you will find a parking area

 

• Head just past the restrooms and sign the registrar at the guard station

 

• Follow the Trail until you reach the falls (avoid taking a left and heading down to the bottom of the falls)

 

Trail Length: 1.24 miles

 

Time: 45 minutes up and back