Description: There is a three-way trail junction at the start. Take the middle trail for Emerald Lake. At 1.8 miles, in you cross a spring and switchback north across two footbridges. On the third switchback you come to a sign for Scout Falls. After the falls, the trail switchbacks to a meadow nestled below a large cliff face. Watch for moose as you climb for the Middle Basin above the cliffs. In the basin, the trail smooths out before gaining altitude as it makes a big loop around the next set of cliff stairs. Above the cliffs, the trail turns north, then switchbacks into a large boulder field. From the field, the trail curves around to the Giant Staircase drainage, crosses it and switchbacks up a boulder field toward the Timpanogos Basin. You arrive at the basin about 5 miles into the hike. At the "Toilet" sign, continue left up the hill for the Timpanogos Summit junction. Go left for Emerald Lake. With no more shade, the trail smooths out in the wildflower basin and heads toward the large talus field below Mount Timpanogos. These baseball-size rocks are loose and the slope is steep as you traverse straight for the ridgeline. Take your time crossing this dangerous section of the trail. At the ridgeline, the trail drops to Emerald Lake with views of the Heber Valley. Storms approach quickly at this high elevation and the Timpanogos Shelter offers protection by the lake.

Directions: From Highway 92 in Utah County, drive up American Fork Canyon until the road forks. Take the right fork (Alpine Loop Road) and drive until you reach a sign on the right side of the road for the Timpooneke Campground. The trailhead and parking area are just past the campground.

All hikes are listed at www.sltrib.com/outdoors.