Hiking the Pine Hollow Trail, American Fork Canyon

AF Canyon is home to several scenic trails, including the famous Timpoonekee Trail, Stewart Falls, and First Falls, but one of the lesser-known trails is Pine Hollow. In Winter this trail offers beautiful snowy views of the nearby Mt. Timpanogos to the Southwest and a view of Heber, Utah to the East. In Summer, Pine Hollow offers a well-shaded path for those needing some cool relief, and in Fall the mix of reds, oranges, and yellows offers amazing photography. To reach the Pine Hollow Overlook in summer, use that trail guide.

Directions

From I-15, take exit 284 heading east towards American Fork (AF) Canyon and Timpanogos Cave. The Pine Hollow TH is on the Alpine Loop Road, just after the 2nd hairpin turn. The parking lot is huge and has one restroom. In Winter, the winter gate closes right at the parking lot, so it is accessible year-round. Here is a driving map.

Trail Info

Distance: 5 miles RT

Elevation Gain: 1,352 ft

Time: 3-4 hours

Dog friendly? Yes, off leash

Kid friendly? Yes

Fees/Permits? There is a $10 fee to enter AF Canyon. It’s FREE if you have an annual AF Canyon Pass or annual National Park Pass. No Permits are required.

Hiking the Pine Hollow Trail: What to Expect

Official TH sign.

The parking area can hold about 50 cars, and there is one restroom. There is no trashcan, so carry out whatever you bring in. Leave no Trace rules apply.

The Pine Hollow Trail starts across the road from the parking lot. The sign is a little hard to see when you start walking, but the trail starts before the winter gate on the left (East side).

First trail split, stay straight.

Starting out you’ll get a fantastic view of the north summit of Mt. Timpanogos.

After about 15 minutes of hiking, you will be in the shaded section of the hike. Even in Spring, the trail can be iced over, so microspikes are recommended. Two streams flow year-round, which is nice for the dogs to drink from.

Hike up a few small switchbacks.

Trail Split

Welcome to the first meadow! By this point, we hiked 1.3 miles. Turn left.

Cross the stream.

At the 2nd meadow – so open! Be sure to bring sunblock up here even in Spring and Winter. The reflection of the snow was powerful, and that night my face was pretty sunburned!