You’re standing at the edge of a forest, with the sound of a babbling creek in the distance and towering cliffs rising all around you.
Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a magical glow on the trail ahead. The best hikes in American Fork Canyon in Utah, a place where every hike feels like stepping into a storybook.
When I first visited this canyon, I was amazed at how many trails there were to explore. Some led to sparkling lakes, while others brought me to incredible views where I could see for miles.
I even spotted a herd of deer grazing near the trees! It’s the kind of place where you can’t help but feel connected to nature.
American Fork Canyon is perfect for anyone who loves hiking, whether you’re an experienced adventurer or just starting out.
With trails that range from easy walks to more challenging climbs, there’s something for everyone. And the best part?
Each hike offers its own unique surprises, from waterfalls to wildflowers to rocky overlooks. Let’s dive into the 10 best hikes you can find in this magical canyon.
Best Hikes in American Fork Canyon
1. Tibble Fork Reservoir Trail
- Length: 1 mile round-trip
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Difficulty: Easy
This short and easy trail loops around the beautiful Tibble Fork Reservoir. The calm water reflects the surrounding mountains, making it a great spot for photos. It’s also a favorite for families because of its flat terrain. Did you know that the reservoir holds over 4,000 acre-feet of water?
2. Silver Lake Trail
- Length: 4.5 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
This trail leads to a serene alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush meadows filled with wildflowers in the summer. Fun fact: Silver Lake sits at an elevation of 9,000 feet, making it one of the highest accessible lakes in the canyon! (USGS)
3. Stewart Falls Trail
- Length: 3.5 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 600 feet
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
One of the most popular hikes in the area, this trail takes you to a stunning 200-foot waterfall. Stewart Falls is especially breathtaking in the spring when the snowmelt makes it roar with power.
4. Battle Creek Falls
- Length: 1.2 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 400 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
This quick hike leads to a gorgeous 50-foot waterfall. It’s an ideal choice for beginners and families, especially during the summer when the trail stays cool thanks to the shade of the trees. Did you know the canyon was named after a skirmish in 1849 between settlers and Native Americans?
5. Timpooneke Trail to Mount Timpanogos
- Length: 15 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 4,390 feet
- Difficulty: Challenging
For those looking for an adventure, this trail leads to the summit of Mount Timpanogos, one of Utah’s tallest peaks at 11,752 feet. Along the way, you might spot mountain goats or even a patch of snow in the middle of summer. More than 25,000 hikers tackle this trail each year!
6. Pine Hollow Trail
- Length: 4.4 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
This trail offers panoramic views of American Fork Canyon and the surrounding mountains. In the fall, the aspens turn golden, making it one of the best places to see fall colors in Utah.
7. Horse Flat Trail
- Length: 3 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 500 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
A peaceful trail through meadows and forests, Horse Flat is a great choice for spotting wildlife. Keep an eye out for wild turkeys and deer!
8. Cascade Springs Trail
- Length: 0.8 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Difficulty: Easy
This short loop trail winds around a series of natural springs and waterfalls. The wooden boardwalks make it an easy and accessible hike for all ages. Cascade Springs produces over 7 million gallons of water a day!
9. Box Elder Peak Trail
- Length: 10.6 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 4,200 feet
- Difficulty: Difficult
For experienced hikers, this challenging trail offers incredible views from the summit of Box Elder Peak. It’s less crowded than other trails in the canyon, making it a perfect choice for solitude seekers.
10. Alpine Loop Scenic Trail
- Length: Varies
- Elevation Gain: Varies
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The Alpine Loop isn’t just a single trail—it’s a network of paths that wind through some of the most beautiful parts of the canyon. Whether you want a short stroll or a longer hike, you’ll find something here. The loop is also a designated scenic byway, attracting thousands of visitors every year.
