From Deseret News archives:
Path cleared for Timp Cave tours
The remaining snow from a wetter-than-normal winter threatened the park's scheduled spring opening. But park Superintendent Denis Davis says 824 hours of work by employees and 300 hours of labor by volunteers are making it possible for the cave to open Saturday.
"It has been a harrowing experience this spring trying to figure if we could open up on time," Davis said. "Really, the thing that made it happen was the volunteer work we got. They supplied over a third of our effort to get it done, and it was really incredible."
Davis, who has been the superintendent for over a year now, said that the drifts have been amazing and that if it were not for the community support, the park would not be opening this weekend.
He also said that the park has not had a challenge like this in over 20 years.
"Most of the long-term employees said that the biggest snowpack like this was in the early 1980s," Davis said.
The monument will be open seven days a week, with tour times beginning at 7 a.m. Tickets for the last tour of the day must be purchased by 4:30 p.m. Tours will continue throughout the summer and into early fall.
The Ranger Evening" series will begin May 23 at the visitors center. Due to the popularity of the program, it has been expanded to include Sunday nights this summer.
The topics will include the history of American Fork Canyon, fishing in the canyon and birds of prey in Utah. The programs will be offered on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday evenings from 7 to 8 p.m.
The park will also continue the "Junior Ranger" program for children starting May 24, and the "Introduction to Caving" tours will be offered every day except Wednesdays. Reservations are required for most of these programs.
With plenty of snow at the cave exit and some drifts by the cave entrance, visitors who make it to the cave early will get to see some things they don't normally see during the summer.
"It will be an extra bonus for people that get up there in the next couple weeks," said Davis. "There are places where the snowdrift is 12 feet high and the trail is going right through the snow there."
E-mail: ethomas@desnews.com
Comments
- China activist gets 3 years in prison 10:05 a.m.
- Greenhouse gases hit record in '08 10:02 a.m.
- Home sales data carry stocks higher 10:00 a.m.
- KSL: Purses dirtier than bathrooms 9:41 a.m.
- Brazil wins volleyball championship 9:23 a.m.
- Action to be taken in soccer scandal 9:23 a.m.
- No charges against Tennessee safety 9:21 a.m.
- 4 U.S. die in Afghan attacks 9:21 a.m.
- NFL shifts in handling concussions 9:20 a.m.
- October home sales rise 10.1% 9:20 a.m.
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
207 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
199 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
178 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
162 - BYU records with win
130 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
129 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
102 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
99 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93
A little after midnight Wednesday morning, about 21 hours ago as I write...
Uphold the law - if you are in the country illegally - just as all other...
'Gays' parades offensive' - Title of article. So, following that logic,...
JD has what I believe to be a better team than this 09 team... JD will be 3-A...
RE:::: "I'm Glad" -You mean that big game that will determine who gets to...
The will be a close game but Utah will win simply because they are the better...
Karl was the most physical player the leage will ever see, he put fear in...
JW Morrison, I was quoting convicted sex offenders, child pornographers and...
How come the Rebels are not ranked? Our coach comes from Utah.
These parades offend most people and should be banned. It is time for the...
Just to let you know how little you know about the bcs and college football....




You can be the first to comment on this story.