Timpooneke Rover
Hike the Timpooneke Trail as TERT's eyes and ears on the north side of the mountain, helping hikers with directions, water, first aid, and good advice on the part of the trail volunteers rarely reach.
"Several hikers told us they were grateful we were on duty, including a trio of ladies ages 69, 72, and 79, who said they felt more confident hiking up knowing that we were on the trail."
TERT Rover, 2026 seasonThe Rover started in 2026 to bring TERT's help onto the Timpooneke Trail itself, not just the trailhead.
On the trail
- Give directions and trail, route, and weather information.
- Check on hikers who are struggling or underprepared, and help them decide whether to keep going.
- Provide first aid within your certification level.
- Help hikers who are low on water.
- Protect the trail: discourage shortcuts, pack out trash, and share Leave No Trace.
What a Rover isn't
- Not a rescue team. Rovers assess, stabilize, and report. The Sheriff's Office and Search and Rescue handle evacuations.
- Not law enforcement. Rovers educate and observe, then report concerns.
- Not a solo assignment. Rovers work as a team of two and stay in radio contact with the trailhead.
-
8:00 AM
Start at the Timpooneke trailhead
Meet your teammate and the trailhead team, pick up the rover pack, and check your radios before you head up.
-
Morning
Hike up the trail
Talk with hikers along the way, answer questions, and keep an eye out for anyone who's struggling.
-
Midday
Up high on the trail
Spend time at the junction in Timpanogos Basin, approximately 5.5 up the trail, where hikers often need help with the route, water, or a decision about turning back.
-
Afternoon
Head down
Start down by the team's turnaround time, checking on hikers as you go. The hike out is often when you'll find someone who needs help.
-
Late afternoon*
Wrap up
Return the gear, restock the medical supplies you used, and report your day to the trailhead team.
* End times are approximate. If you're helping a hiker or with an incident, your shift may run later until it's resolved or handed off to Search and Rescue.
From the 2026 season, Rovers' first year.
Hikers asking the way
Confusing junctions and signs send hikers the wrong way. A Rover in the right spot keeps them on route.
Thirsty hikers
On hot days, hikers run out of water well before the top. Rovers carry extra for hikers who need it.
Trail cutting & trash
Shortcuts that erode the trail, illegal fire rings, and trash left behind. Most hikers are glad to learn why it matters.
Altitude & struggling hikers
Headaches, exhaustion, and hikers in over their heads. Some decline help, so you let the trailhead know to watch for them.
Ankle injuries
Rolled and sprained ankles happen on the rocky trail, far from the trailhead.
Wildlife
Mountain goats and moose share the trail. You'll help hikers, and their dogs, give them plenty of room.
A team of two
- Medical Rover: leads on first aid. Requires at least First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certification.
- Radio Rover: keeps the team in contact with the trailhead. A ham radio license is required.
- Every member needs current CPR and Basic First Aid.
Physical demands
- This is a long, hard day. 2026 Rovers compared it to hiking to High Camp and back, or more.
- You'll need High Camp-level conditioning to hike ~11 miles at altitude carrying a pack with medical supplies and extra water.
- Plan for a full day on your feet, and some recovery time after.
What to bring
- Plenty of water and food for yourselfFor a long day at altitude, plus a reserve.
- A comfortable daypackYou'll carry team supplies too.
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Layers and rain gearStorms build fast up high.
- Sun protection
- A headlampIn case you're helping a hiker down late.
- Your TERT shirt
- Your ham radio, and a way to charge it, if you're the Radio Rover
Once you're accepted, you'll complete the Rover course in the team portal before you can sign up for this station. It's built from what Rovers learned in the 2026 season.
The Rover role
Your duties, your limits, and working as a team of two.
Radio & communication
Staying in contact with the trailhead along the trail.
On the trail
Helping hikers, water, altitude sickness, injuries, and hikers who decline help.
Separated & missing hikers
What to ask and how to get the information to the right people fast.
Late day & after dark
Turnaround times and helping hikers who are still out late.
Ending your shift
Returning gear, restocking, and reporting your day.
New members also attend both spring training days.
I can't do overnights. Is Rover a good fit?
Yes, if you're ready for a long, strenuous day. It's a single-day shift on Saturdays and holidays. One 2026 Rover called it "the most schedule friendly slot."
How far up the trail do Rovers go?
Rovers hike to the junction at the start of the Timpanogos Basin, spend time there providing support to hikers, then work their way back down. Plan on ~11 miles round trip.
Do I need a ham radio license?
The Radio Rover must be a licensed ham. The Medical Rover doesn't need a license. See Radio Training and Resources to get yours.
Do Rovers give water to hikers?
Rovers carry some extra water for hikers who need it. Your training covers how much to carry and when to share it, so you always keep enough for yourself.
What if a hiker refuses help?
That's their choice. Share what you can, then let the trailhead know so the team can watch for them coming down.