The trail from Aspen Grove
The trail from Aspen Grove is deceptively smooth and level. Wide and well-graveled, it runs at the bottom of a spectacular U-shaped valley beside a dry streambed. The trail from the parking lot to the lower falls (a distance of about a mile) was once paved. The pavement has been completely removed for about the first half mile; then it reappears and makes pretty good footing if you watch out for cracks and potholes.
The post at the right of the trail ahead contains a sign-in book and a few simple Forest Service facts. For the unwary, it contains the following simple information:
Aspen Grove to Emerald Lake (trail #052) 6.9 miles
Emerald Lake to summit (trail #054) 3.0 miles
Aspen Grove trailhead elevation 6861 feet
Emerald Lake elevation 10,800 feet
Mt. Timpanogos summit elevation 11,750 feet
I know that at day's end it won't be the 20 miles of horizontal walking that I'll be feeling. It will be the climb a mile into the sky and the descent back to earth. Before the day is over I will look down on the tops of the peaks that now tower around me.
I quickly discover that a camera around my neck is a major annoyance. It thumps and bumps as I stride out. After snapping a couple of shots I put it back in the top of my pack. After all, I have all day to enjoy this walk. I've told my family that I will likely not be back until after dark. I've been on the mountain at night many times before, and I've come prepared to spend a long day. This is no time trial, no hurry. I intend to move comfortably and savor the mountain. Whenever I see something worthy of a picture, I'll stop and take one.