easy hikes in the uintaseasy hikes in the uintas

Short on time? User Ratings Great, expansive views. Paperback $9.95. This trail is dog friendly, however be aware that free-range livestock graze along the entire route. Hiking is a great way to discover the Wasatch-Cache National Forest - for visit of almost any age and ability level. There is a lot of wilderness to go around, and you should have little trouble finding a lake that you can call your own for a few days. Characterized by the highest peaks in Utah, countless lakes, and a unique alpine ecosystem, it is among the nation's most outstanding wilderness areas. Then turn north on 121 for 11 miles to Neola--follow this road for 5 miles east. Which backpacking trail has the most elevation gain in High Uintas Wilderness? The High Uinta Mountains offer more than fine fishing. You just KNOW you are someplace different from your usual hiking spots. Trail gets tough to follow without gpa or knowing the trek. Might be highest ratio of "pretty lakes per mile" of any trail I've been on. It's important to be prepared for pop-up storms with the proper rain and camping gear, and with warm clothing if camping overnight. Really nice backpack trail destination. I went counterclockwise and had tons of views in the beginning, much fewer for the last 2 miles. Other trails can lead to a backpacking . Uintas Hikes | Best Uintas Hiking Trails | Page 5 of 5 | 10Adventures Bring your pole for sure--the brook are huge and are hungry as a bear in the early morning. Weather was perfect (mid october). 2.2 miles. There is much to be found herelakes, peaks, wildlife and loop hikes to all of themso plan to camp and explore. Hike to Ruth Lake in the High Uintas Wilderness - The Outbound This page may include affiliate links. The trail is really easy to follow, and is best done as a point-to-point route. Check out my list of the BEST Day Hikes in the Uintas! According to users from AllTrails.com, the best trail to hike for backpacking in High Uintas Wilderness is King's Peak via Henry's Fork Trail, which has a 4.6 star rating from 1,163 reviews. There are 400+ miles of streams, waterfalls, and more than 2,000 lakes! Snow pack still covered an either of the trail around the lake. A good transitional hike for beginners who want more of a challenge. A good transitional hike for beginners who want more of a challenge. Surrounded by above-the-tree line summits on three sides and the lake was clear and pristine. Go-Utah. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. Which trail has the most elevation gain in High Uintas Wilderness? A bit rocky and muddy, but not too strenuous. The park's runner-up is Henry's Fork to Mirror Lake, which will get you 3,532 m of elevation gain. You'll pass a few lakes before you get to Bench Lake (Clegg, Dean, Reids and Notch). Clyde Lake Hike (Uinta Mountains, Utah) | 10Adventures There is usually quite a bit of snow on the trails until late June. We took the shuttle to stop 6 and started at the Grotto. Hiking in the Uinta Mountains is a real treat for outdoor adventurers. I would just warn people that it is definitely still very snowy at some spots and we definitely had to use AllTrails to find the trail a few times when it disappeared under the snow. What is the longest backpacking trail in High Uintas Wilderness? This little-known trail out to Fehr Lake is a good way to avoid the crowds at the other front-country lakes by means of a short hike into the backcountry. Very challenging endeavor without a stop and camp. The elevation gain is minimal, but you still get to see the open meadows and views we all come to Where else can you hike to a high alpine lake at only 0.8 miles one way and 155 ft elevation gain? Cold, clear rivers plunge from the basins into deep canyons that form the headwaters of Utah's major rivers. There are 400+ miles of streams, waterfalls, and more than 2,000 lakes! Definitely recommend this as a day or overnight backpacking trip. Best Fishing In The Uintas | Mountains & Rivers | Visit Utah The Trail/The Climbs Once on the trail, keep an eye out to your left and soon you'll see the cliffs where people go to climb. Though much of the trail is - somewhat surprisingly - below the tree line, the ambiance of your final destination is truly incredible, a serenity like no other. Beginning along the impressive 167.4 km Highline Trail, this hike - only 10.6 km - out to Wilder Lake then down to Packard Lake is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon. Details over twenty of the best day hikes amid the spectacular scenery and wildlife of Utah's Uinta Mountains and High Uintas Wilderness. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Great moderate hike that wont break your legs!! TRAIL: These longer, more strenuous hikes are a good option for hikers looking for challenge, and come with fabulous views as a reward for your exertions. Please visit ourTerms of UseandPrivacy Policywhere you can find out more about cookies and how to manage them. I highly recommend bringing a GPSbut withintermediateroute-finding skills you should be able tofind your way. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. And although the views from most any 13er are going to be spectacular, the rather different look of the Uintas made this a rather unique experience compared to many other summits I have done. Easy, short trail with beautiful views. Lake is beautiful at the end. At the first stop light, turn left. The Notch is the high, open area on the Notch Mountain Trail by Lovenia Lake and Twin Lakes. Gorgeous all the way. All three lakes around about 30 ft deep. If you are feeling adventurous, you could even hike up to one of the three surrounding peaks. Pre-download maps so you can always see where you are at! Any peak bagger will instantly want to climb Hayden upon sight, but Lofty Lake Loop Trail is located in the High Uintas near Kamas, Utah. The air is crisp, clear, and filled with the smell of pine. 1 Share the love! By that, Imean that Hayden Peak is easily the most rugged and impressive peak that can be viewed from the road. Hike to the highest point in the state of Utah! This rugged expanse of peaks and flat-top mountains is the largest alpine area in the Intermountain West and is the setting for Kings Peak, the highest peak in Utah. This range receives over 400 inches of precipitation annually, and you can find water everywhere. 5.6 miles. Saw some deer. Interpretive signs along the trail are great for the kids, too, and there are spectacles to behold. This extensive network of trails leads visitors deep into the wilderness, through thick forests, past rushing streams and placid lakes, to sweeping alpine vistas below majestic peaks. The Fehr Lake Trail (pronounced like Fair) sits high in the Uintas Wilderness at 10,260 ft, and offers a few hiking options from really easy and short at 1 mile round trip, to a little longer at 4 miles round trip. You're all set! Hiking Information for Uinta Mountains, Utah Summary. Utah is not known for an abundance of water, but the Uinta Mountains are littered with beautiful, pristine lakes perfect for taking a dip, or simply as a spot where you can sit and admire the view. Its about nourishment and learning. Great hike! Overall, hard to beat for a day hike. Want to find the best trails in High Uintas Wilderness for an adventurous hike or a family trip? #2 - Lower Red Castle Lake via East Fork Smiths Fork, #6 - Upper Red Castle Lake via China Meadows Campground. we did drive down the road a little before I remembered to shut it down, but it still seemed a schooch longer than the posted distance. The High Uintas Wilderness Area contains all of the 13,000 foot peaks in Utah, and more than half of the 12,000 foot peaks in Utah. The Haystack ridge extends for a full 3 miles and is one of the easiest peaks to bag in the Uintas - you follow a trail for the first two miles, then leave the trail for the last 1.75 miles. Keep this in mind for the hike back it will be all uphill. There isn't atrail to Cutthroat Lake so for a portion of the hike will be cross-country. Allsop Lake is full of brook and tiger trout, andthere are a few day hiking options from the lake as well including Cathedral Peak, Allsop Peak, andYard Peak. TRAIL: Get this from a library! The best things about this lake is how clear the water is, and youll see plenty of mountain goats as Notch Mountain looms above you. Return to Main Site. Dogs are welcome to join you on your hike to Joan Lake, Gem Lake, and Echo Lake, but must be kept on leash at all times. Hike to Ruth Lake in the High Uintas Wilderness, Backpack Naturalist Basin and Summit Mount Agassiz. A short, easy hike to a beautiful alpine lake in the high Uintas. This is one of the prettiest day hikes in the area! If you have an idea of what you are searching for in a backcountry experience, this guide can serve as an excellent tool in helping you find the best areas for your particular tastes. Wilder and Packard Lake Hike: This popular route begins on the Highline Trail, and offers truly incredible views of the High Uintas Wilderness. We didn't see a single person. Uintas Hikes | Best Uintas Hiking Trails | Page 3 of 5 | 10Adventures Best Hikes in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest (UT) Didnt go that far but talked to a fellow trekker who recommended it if you want a longer and more challenging journey. Pretty easy hike, but seemed a little longer than advertised. Written by top outdoors experts and enthusiasts, each guide invites you to experience the endless adventure and rugged beauty of the great outdoors. Each one of these wonderful lakes is worth every bit of effort, and the surrounding landscape makes an idea destination for a fun hike. Enjoy the scenic area and get Naturist Basin is a beautiful area in the High Uintas Wilderness with an abundance of mountains, lakes, meadows, and wildlife. The quiet yet beautiful hike out to Haystack Lake quickly leaves the crowds of the Washington Lake area behind. Clyde Lake makes such a scenic spot to enjoy a meal. If you're looking for elevation gain, High Uintas Wilderness has you covered. Explore the most popular backpacking trails in High Uintas Wilderness with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Continue another 0.8 mile to a trail junction and Big Elk Lake. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. make sure you bring bug spraythe mosquitoes wouldve been brutal otherwise!! TRAIL: Great trail. The trail is well maintained. The best things about this lake is how clear the water is, and youll see plenty of mountain goats as Notch Mountain looms above you. We offer a compact version of Go-Utah for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. This hike is also a great way to get away from the crowds, or to do as an easy backpack. When most people think of Utah, they imagine a dry, arid, desert landscape with very little water. Once at Gunsight Pass, you are faced with the choice of dropping to Painters Basin or scrambling up the rocks to take the shortcut to Anderson Pass. The region was named for its dense and fragrant pine forests, which cover the sides of the mountains across the region. The road will be on your left and is called "Norway Flats 035." Well maintained, shame people litter so much though. Amethyst Lake can be hiked to and from in a day, but to really relax and explore the area, plan on spending at least one night at the lake. The best time to hike in the Uinta Mountains is between April and May and September and October, in the shoulder season when the crowds are smaller and the weather is still fine. Fee area. This undulating route takes you over the iconic Notch, a high pass in the middle of Notch Mountain, and offers a wonderful day out in this sublime region. This is a fabulous way to experience the High Uintas Wilderness, passing along an undulating trail that takes you through some impressive scenery. June, July and August offer sunny weather, but the temperatures can be very warm, making long hikes uncomfortable. When the trail forks, stay to the left. This trail also connects with the Lofty Lake Loop trail. Backpacking Uinta Mountains | Hiking Utah | Visit Utah 1. Opportunities for exploration are endless. Take exit 146 for HWY 40, then take exit 4 towards Kamas, UT. The Uinta Mountains were carved by glaciers from an immense uplift of Precambrian rock. Solitude and grand scenery are the real attractions of these family-friendly destinations. Great hike for kids. Great hike! 4-mile loop. This range contains the highest peak in Utah, Kings Peak, and summiting this 4,125 m mountain is a satisfying challenge for keen hikers. Gilbert Lakeis located in the High Uintas Wilderness on the East end of the range, withGilbert Peak (13,442 ft) being one of Utahs 13ers (a peak above 13,000 ft). With only a little extra energy (for two quarter-mile legs and a few hundred feet) hikers can bag two summits in Lofty and Scout Peak. 25 miles roundtrip. Hike to The Notch and call it good for the day! 2 . Allsop Lakesits on the Northern slope of the High Uintas Wilderness at an elevation of 10, 600 ft. Its 9 miles to the lake, so it makes for a perfect 1 or 2-night backpacking trip. Went to Ruth Lake mid-week and encountered only a few fellow hikers. As you hike, you'll pass a couple of unnamed smaller lakes. This beautiful region is the perfect destination for a fun hiking adventure, with gorgeous mountain scenery, fast-flowing streams and pristine, serene lakes. Searchable listings of Uinta Mountains RV parks and campgrounds. Want to plan an epic hiking trip in the Uintas, but not sure where to start? From Kamas, head east on Hwy 150 for 29.1 miles. Very nice level hike. 5 miles. Searchable listings of Uinta Mountains hotels, motels, resorts, bed & breakfast, and more. Backpacking to Gilbert Lake & Peak, Uintas Girl on a Hike And honestly, I wish I took the shortcut coming back. All rights reserved. The scenery was amazing, moderate elevation change, and a nice loop. Gorgeous views, one of my favorite hikes! The trail is also either very faint, or non-existentat times, therefore, this is not a good trail for beginner backpackers. Lower Red Castle Lake via East Fork Smiths Fork, Upper Red Castle Lake via China Meadows Campground, Highline Trail: Chipeta Lake to Hayden Pass. Toggle Main Menu Get The Travel Guide Places To GoToggle Menu Close Menu National Parks Northern Utah Cities & Towns Parks & Outdoors Southern Utah Salt Lake City & Wasatch Front Dark Sky Parks Abundant wildlife. Bald Mountain the best time investment you can make in High Uintas hikes. Incredible views of Red Castle. One of my favs I come back to again and again. Went clockwise. Only little patches of snow off the side of the trail. Recreational use is heavy in some popular areas, while other remote spots may go years between visitors. Details. About. The Best Backpacking Trips in the Uintas - Girl on a Hike See our full, trails within an hours drive from major towns. Just make sure you have a fishing license to go with your soda-pops. Just keep in mind that, although you are close, this takes longer than you think it will. Rocky and steep. Uinta Mountains : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost Uintas Hikes | Best Uintas Hiking Trails | 10Adventures Very easy to follow the trail to Ruth lake then you definitely want the app. Weather was great. Find it on the best hiking trails in Utah. Alpine trees so not as many fall color changes but still gorgeous. Toggle Main Menu Get The Travel Guide Places To GoToggle Menu Close Menu National Parks Northern Utah Cities & Towns Parks & Outdoors Southern Utah At Big Elk Lake, fishing is generally good for stocked brook and cutthroat trout. Took the shortcut route through 'Mordor' Boulder fields on the way in but used the established trail on the way back, hence the higher distance. Great trail. Please make sure to practice the principles of Leave No Trace if camping here, and allow at least 200 feet from the lake to set up your campsite. It is a popular trail for good reason, but crowds can be avoided by starting early, hiking in the evening, or going on a weekday. Follow Moon Lake Road north for 4 miles until you get to Yellowstone River Road. This 3 mile routes follows a road for the first 2.2 miles, then its a choose-your-own-adventure kind of day following your GPS to guide you to the lake since there is no trail the last 3/4 mile. Small lakes generously dot the backcountry, and fishing in the High Uintas is lightning fast at times for those willing to venture into the backcountry. Hike Bald Mountain in the Uintas, Kamas, Utah - The Outbound The Uintas are distinguished as the most poleward range over 13,000 feet, and the highest in the contiguous U.S., without glaciers. More Visitor Guides are available in Utah. Plenty of picnic tables at the Grotto for lunch. The Ultimate Guide To Hiking Utah's Wasatch Back You can hike this loop in either direction, but counter-clockwise is a bit easier since the elevation gain is done near the beginning of the hike and its more gradual this way. Heres a campout to take the kids on. Transportation companies, driving directions and more for Uinta Mountains. Luckily people have hiked the trail in the snow so I could follow their footsteps. Backpacking to Amethyst Lakein the High Uinta Wilderness is a backpackers dream a high alpine lake, lots of hiking and fishing, great campsites, and cooler temperatures. 49 degrees in June. Remnants of the glacial liquefaction remain in the thousands of lakes that dot the valley floor. Along the way, you travel through forest and mountain meadows, with streams, ponds, and wildflowers. Request these additional visitor guides selected below. The Uinta Mountains are one of the few mountain ranges in North America that run east to west rather than north to south. Hiking to Island Lake is an easy, family friendly hike, that even the dogs can join in on. Island Lake sits high on the Provo River Drainage and can be reached fairly easily. This guide includes descriptions of 99 routes throughout the backcountry wilderness of Utah's Uinta Mountains and High Uintas Wilderness, including easy day hikes to great fishing spots, adventurous treks to . You can camp across the road from the trail head at Sulphur Campground, then follow this short trail for some beautiful views. The Uinta Mountains rise from 7,500 to 13,528 feet at the summit of Kings Peak, offering diverse habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna. Ruth Lake is a fun little hike high in the Uinta Mountains that is the perfect place for people who are new to backpacking. The trail drops off on the south side of the ridge to a logging road and back to the trailhead. Hiking to Bourbon Lake is great for the whole family, since it is only 1.5 miles to the lake with only 600 ft elevation gain. Summer: you've long forgotten your skis, your topo maps are scattered in your extra junk room that was meant to be an office, and you really, really don't want to be stuck doing yard work every weekend this summer. Continue on the road through Thousand Peaks Ranch (do not turn right to go to Smith & Morehouse). The trail is mostly well shaded and offers plenty of water along the way for your pup to drink from or to filter from. Linger a while before turning for home to enjoy the magical serenity of this wild, beautiful spot. Fehr Lake is highest in elevation gain, so most of this hike is downhill. Hiking to Haystack Mountain, High Uintas Girl on a Hike If you're looking for elevation gain, High Uintas Wilderness has you covered. Best Hiking Trails In Utah's Uinta Mountains | Visit Utah Best Snowshoeing Trails in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Searchable lists of Uinta Mountains tourism offices and other helpful government agencies. Barren, rocky peaks and sparse pine forests rise above the intermountain plateau east of Salt Lake City, acrumbling regioncomprised ofbare, red, billion-year-old rockspeckled with thousands of lakes. Youll enjoy gorgeous alpine lakes and specular mountain views, and the final destination of Jordan Lake is a wonderful secluded haven. The Lofty Lakes Loop hike is ideal for a hot day, when you can cool off by taking a dip in one of the lakes along the way! Find a hotel in some of the most beautiful locations on earth. Some of this rock is exposed as colorful quartzite and shales. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest - Hiking - US Forest Service To get to the trailhead, drive up the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway until you reach the Highline Trailhead Campground, about 3 miles past Mirror Lake. Following an initially busy trail, the crowds thin as you approach the glistening Clyde Lake and the stunning mountains that surround it. Fehr Lake Hike: This short hike is one of the best-kept secrets in the Uinta Mountains! A classic loop hike in the High Uintas, the Lofty Lakes Loops passes by several alpine lakes and yields fantastic views of Mount Marsell. The summer season extends from July to September, and there is much to be found in the meadows above treeline here and ample solitude for those who seek it. This is one of the best easy hikes in the Uinta Mountains. Puddles etc. Looking for a more strenuous hike? Trail is 99.9% clear. Evidence of animals but no encounters. It sits at an elevation of 10,200 ft, making it the perfect cooler destination while the SLC valley is baking in heat. Make sure to bring a picnic, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon in this lovely spot! Request Free Travel brochures for Uinta Mountains. Looking for a more strenuous hike? That's right--go crazy and don't mow the lawn for a Saturday here and there. There are three ways you can reach Rock Creek Basin: 1) via the Highline Trail from Hayden Pass 2) From West Blacks Fork or 3) Rock Creek TH from the Stillwater Reservoir. Priord Lakesits high in the Uintas in Ashley National Forest at roughly 11,000 ft. Hiking to Bald Mountain, Uintas Girl on a Hike Rock Creek Basinis located in the High Uinta Wilderness, in between Rocky Sea Pass and Dead Horse Pass. adventures and follow local regulations. However, the finest delights of this hike are enjoyed along the way youll ascend from Cliff Lake to Petite Lake and finally to Watson Lake, before reaching your destination. Backpacked this trail! A raft or canoe would be nice to escape the crowds and the bugs, but you can do just fine from . Its about protecting what sustains us. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Where to Hike In Utah's Uinta Mountains | Outdoor Project This is a great early-season backpacking route when the higher Uintas is covered in snow. Naturalist Basin is located in the High Uintas Wilderness, and home to several lakes including the popular Blue Lake and Jordan Lake. 2 About 3 Directions 4 Trail Info 5 Trail Map 6 Recommended Gear 7 Nearby Hike 8 Save me on Pinterest! High Mountain Alpine Scenery. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. The beautiful Naturalist Basin is the site for many pleasant hiking trails, and is the ideal spot for a backpacking or camping trip. Although the hike in is somewhat tough (especially if you are carrying a 30-40 lb pack), the reward and view is well worth the hard effort. Within the Uinta Mountains are about 2000 lakes, and some 900-1000 are full of trout. Located in the northeast part of the state due east of Salt Lake City, the nearly 500,000-acre preserve was designated a wilderness area in 1984 and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Highline Trail: Chipeta Lake to Hayden Pass boasts the most elevation gain with 4,360 m of total ascent. Big Elk Lake Will come 0.8 miles later. We stopped at all the Emerald Pools, the upper pool is well worth the climb. King's Peak and the high Uintas are absolutely stunning. There's fishing in all the lakes along the way so bring your pole if you want to fry up some fresh fish over the (contained) campfire. The trail is well maintained, and there are wonderful interpretive signs along the way that describe what life is like for plants and animals living in a high altitude ecosystem, and the adaptations they must make. One of the most popular hikes in the Uinta Mountains thanks to a bounty of lakes, peaks, meadows and views while gaining about 1,000 feet. These trails have an average 4.3-star rating from 5,958 AllTrails community reviews. I scrambled going up and went down to Painters Basin coming back. Awesome hike but Id recommend this for experienced spring/winter hikers only for the next 3-4s weeks. Beautiful! Uinta Mountains Links . Uintas Hikes | Best Uintas Hiking Trails | Page 2 of 5 | 10Adventures Searchable list of Uinta Mountains tour companies, guides and outfitters, rental companies and more. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. Continue to Mobile Site A good hike for beginners, Ruth Lakeis a short, easy jaunt with opportunities for fishing and wildflower viewing in the appropriate season. The trail isfairly mellow, only gaining 1,600 ft and has one switchback. Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Uinta Mountains. If youre really feeling like getting a workout, add on the surrounding peak above the lake, Whiskey Island Peak. Its not hard though, just steep hiking over medium sized boulders. Maybe youll discover your own special place one that seems custom made just for you. The trail leads to three lakes lower & upper Yellow PineLakes, as well as Castle Lake. Book your own car to have complete freedom on your next adventure. With more than 1,700 miles of trails, the Forest has one to fit just about everybody. However, the best views are saved until the end, with a spectacular vista over the expansive Notch Lake. Big Elk Lake Trail | Hiking in Utah | Visit Utah Getting There: Your adventure beg Getting There From Evanston, take the Mirror Lake Highway 150 about 42 miles to the Ruth Lake trailhead and follow the easy hike up from the highway; just look for the signs directing you to Ruth Lake. TRAILHEAD: Easy. This is a heavily used trail, so dont expect solitude. This is another extremely popular and easy backpacking destination. TRAILHEAD: We had our pup with us and he did super. Utah Travel Industry Website, Printable Road Trip Activity Book For Kids, Monument Valley | Highway 163 Scenic Drive, Places to Stay Near Coral Pink Sand Dunes. Out of Naturalist Basin, the most popular and the easiest route up Mount Agassiztakes you past Blue Lake to the rugged and barren moonscape above timberline and spectacular views of Middle Basin. The Uinta Mountains are one of the few mountain ranges in North America that run east to west rather than north to south.