easy hikes in the uintaseasy hikes in the uintas

Its about nourishment and learning. According to AllTrails.com, there are 61 camping trails in High Uintas Wilderness and the most popular is King's Peak via Henry's Fork Trail with an average 4.6 star rating from 1,176 community reviews. Be aware: the entire trail is above 10,000 feet. All Rights Reserved. Bald Mountain is one of the most popular hikes in the Uintas, so get an early start if you want to beat the crowds. Easy. There isn't atrail to Cutthroat Lake so for a portion of the hike will be cross-country. Once at the lake you can fish and take in the beautiful reflections and mountain scenery, with a great view of Hayden Peak to the East. Once at Anderson Pass, it is just a matter of boulder hopping to the summit. Best easy day hikes, Utah's High Uintas. How many lakes are in the Uinta Mountains? From Heber, drive east on US 40 for 69 miles to Duchesne. Ibantik Lake sits at the opening of a canyon formed by the Notch Mountain Massif, and its pale blue water is a feast for the eyes. #2 - Lower Red Castle Lake via East Fork Smiths Fork, #6 - Upper Red Castle Lake via China Meadows Campground. Within the Uinta Mountains are about 2000 lakes, and some 900-1000 are full of trout. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-Utah on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop. The Uinta Mountains are a wonderful destination for a family hiking trip, with plenty of easy, family-friendly trails that are perfect, even for little legs! This is a fairly mellow trail with some areas of good elevation gain, enough to get your heart working. This is another extremely popular and easy backpacking destination. Bring bug spray the mosquitoes are pretty bad on this trail because of how wet this trail is. A short, easy hike to a beautiful alpine lake in the high Uintas. 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. The Uinta Mountains defy all expectations, and its somewhat surprising that they are not more widely known among travellers from outside Utah. Hike to The Notch and call it good for the day! What animals live in the Uinta Mountains? I cant wait to go again. All three lakes around about 30 ft deep. The trail is undulating and not too challenging, and descends to the tranquil Wilder Lake, where you can stop and admire the view. The Uintas are the only mountain range in the lower 48 states that run East to West. Views on views on views! FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Great hike, matched description. Very cool seeing all the different lakes my phone died as we got there so double my distance if your following my map. About. The Fehr Lake trail will take you to three lakes Fehr, Sheppard, and Hoover Lakes. Younger visitors will love exploring the regions many beautiful lakes, the ideal place to cool off on a hot day. Following the famous 167.4 km Highline Trail, the hike out to Naturalist Basin is a real gem. Click on any state to see what's available. Snowy! Bring a hammock and enjoy the scenery! Amazing trail! Definitely recommend this as a day or overnight backpacking trip. Check out our guide to how to plan a trip to the Uinta Mountains for trail recommendations and lots of practical tips to make sure you enjoy every aspect of your trip. 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. The Uinta Mountains are indeed a remote and unusual range. Also options to extend for backpacking. This trail is dog friendly, however be aware that free-range livestock graze along the entire route. The Uinta Mountains are one of the few mountain ranges in North America that run east to west rather than north to south. The trail is moderately strenuous, but the views and scenery at this high elevation are filled with glaciated rocks and lots and lots and lots of lakes/ponds along the way. Gorgeous views! Becoming an annual favorite to do. You'll reach a river crossing after just a few miles. So sad because I had 3 dogs with me and anyone could blame me. Be sure tocheck firerestrictionsbefore heading out. Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure. Pack a picnic for this bad boy. 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. 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. In autumn, the fall foliage bursts into life like a golden flame, setting the forests on fire in a blaze of color. 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. Nice 5 mile hike. 8.1 Share the love! Most of these hikes are in the Western Uinta Mountains alongside highway SR-150, just outside of the actual High Uinta Wilderness Area. Continue on the road through Thousand Peaks Ranch (do not turn right to go to Smith & Morehouse). The winter months can be cold and snowy, but January and February offer wonderful possibilities for cross-country skiing. It should go without saying that you can see a lot of Utah from this height. This hike is also a great way to get away from the crowds, or to do as an easy backpack. We took the shuttle to stop 6 and started at the Grotto. Kings Peakis the highest point in the state at over 13,000 feet, and it earns its crown: It is one of the most prominent peaks in the Lower 48. Hiking in the Uinta Mountains is a real treat for outdoor adventurers. What is the longest backpacking trail in High Uintas Wilderness? Maybe youll discover your own special place one that seems custom made just for you. Love this hike!! The wind was absolutely menacing on the day I went and was for sure a factor as it was gale force headwinds pretty much the whole way up. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. The air is crisp, clear, and filled with the smell of pine. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best trail to hike for backpacking in High Uintas Wilderness is. Best Easy Day Hikes: Utah's High Uintas Uinta Mountains, please search our full coverage of . If you have time, I highly recommend backpacking this mountain range as well. I went counter clockwise. This range receives over 400 inches of precipitation annually, and you can find water everywhere. Just make sure you have a fishing license to go with your soda-pops. 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. Most lakes receive only light to moderate pressure. Highly recommend ! For the next four miles (or so), the trail passes through subalpine meadowland as it makes its way toward Gunsight Pass. It's important to be prepared for pop-up storms with the proper rain and camping gear, and with warm clothing if camping overnight. Did this hike on 10/19/2022 in one day. The beautiful Naturalist Basin is the site for many pleasant hiking trails, and is the ideal spot for a backpacking or camping trip. From Kamas, head east on Hwy 150 for 29.1 miles. It is a very popular lake to camp at, and therefore you wont have much solitude. Bourbon Lake sits at an elevation of 9,800 ft and offers a beautiful high alpine lake in the High Uintas. The views at each point of the lake are stunning as you walk youll see Reids Peak, Murdoch Mountain and eventually the Mount Agassiz Massif reflected in the peaceful waters. The Notch is the high, open area on the Notch Mountain Trail by Lovenia Lake and Twin Lakes. You could also explore some of the other lakes like LeConte, Walcot, and Everman lakes, or bagSpread Eagle Peak (12,540 ft)! Check out these epic hiking trails in the Uinta Mountains for more information and a little inspiration! We also have the following visitor guides in Utah. This trail is 40.2 km long with an elevation gain of 1,281 m. According to AllTrails.com, the longest backpacking trail in High Uintas Wilderness is Highline Trail: Chipeta Lake to Hayden Pass. This trail is 40.2 km long with an elevation gain of 1,281 m. According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in High Uintas Wilderness is Highline Trail: Chipeta Lake to Hayden Pass. Peace and quiet abound in the expanses of the backcountry. Full information on Uinta Mountains Tourist Attractions, Scenic Drives and other easy vacation activities. Click on any additional guides you would like to receive. The Uinta Mountains are indeeda remote and unusual range. Youll enjoy gorgeous alpine lakes and specular mountain views, and the final destination of Jordan Lake is a wonderful secluded haven. Kermsuh Lake sits in one of the three basins in Christmas Meadows Ryder and Amethyst Lake are the other two, more popular lakes. The trail is really easy to follow, and is best done as a point-to-point route. Cold, clear rivers plunge from the basins into deep canyons that form the headwaters of Utah's major rivers. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? Hike to the highest point in the state of Utah! 3,010' elevation gain. . Kings Peak. Linger a while before turning for home to enjoy the magical serenity of this wild, beautiful spot. Drive up along Mirror Lake Scenic Byway was a treat, too. How many trails are in High Uintas Wilderness? Characterized by the highest peaks in Utah, countless lakes, and a unique alpine ecosystem, it is among the nation's most outstanding wilderness areas. Hiking in the Uinta Mountains is a real treat for outdoor adventurers. 5.5 miles one way. Follow Moon Lake Road north for 4 miles until you get to Yellowstone River Road. TRAILHEAD: 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. You'll pass a handful of lakes before you reach North Erickson Lake. The trail is really easy to follow, and is best done as a point-to-point route. This lake gets its name from the color of the lake the deep amber color reflected against the surrounding cliffs creates an amazing reflection of yellow and golds. Dog Friendly Restaurant Patios in Salt Lake City, Hike to the Paper Airplane at Powder Mountain. Great, expansive views. Youll see plenty of small lakes along the way, and the trail has a good mix of uphill and level slopes. Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure. I scrambled going up and went down to Painters Basin coming back. Lake is beautiful at the end. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Although doing this hike in a day seems to be made out to be a herculean feat and is highly discouraged, it is actually not too bad. Red Castle Lakesis sure to be on everyones Uintas to-do list, especially if you are a backpacker. The trail is quite steep; climbing over 2500 in elevation before reaching the lake. This area is best to visit in July, August and September when the snow melt has lowered significantly and its safer to explore this canyon. Saw some deer. 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. Hike south in the gorge as you pass by several deep pools of water. Very challenging endeavor without a stop and camp. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. TRAIL: First trail hike above 10,000 ft (I am normally hiking below 3,000 ft on the east coast). It is one of the easiest trails in the Uintas, making it great for families with children, or perfect for the beginner backpacker. Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers. About To reach Gilbert Peak you'll need to be comfortable hiking off trail, route finding, and boulder hoping. Plus, I just preferred the look and feel of the higher alpine country. To make the loop, the trail then heads up a steep hill to the west to a ridge. The first five miles (or so) is nice enough. Maybe a little easier, actually. 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. (Bring a filter.). Fehr Lake is highest in elevation gain, so most of this hike is downhill. To help you along the way to jewel lake and the cutthroat. Moderate going up the 1st 1/2 mile then easy. The snow makes a slower trek and Id budget an addy hour into the hike. Close to the downtown Salt Lake area, and with upwards of 600 fishable lakes, the High Uintas is an angler's dream fly fishing spot for escaping the city and catching a variety of fish. Want to find the best trails in High Uintas Wilderness for an adventurous hike or a family trip? We stopped at all the Emerald Pools, the upper pool is well worth the climb. The road will be on your left and is called "Norway Flats 035." There are 103 trails in High Uintas Wilderness. This is one of the best easy hikes in the Uinta Mountains. I went counterclockwise and had tons of views in the beginning, much fewer for the last 2 miles. 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. The Uinta Mountains are an important habitat for many different species of animals and birds. The trail has the three bad Ms marshy, mucky, and moist. Bring plenty of calorie dense food and for sure salt and electrolytes. Easy, short trail with beautiful views. eBook $6.99. Overall, hard to beat for a day hike. When the trail forks, stay to the left. Beautiful! If you're looking for elevation gain, High Uintas Wilderness has you covered. Great hike! Trail is 99.9% clear. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best hiking trail for snowshoeing in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is Stewart Cascade Trail #056, which has a 4.6 star rating from 6,893 reviews. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. You can camp across the road from the trail head at Sulphur Campground, then follow this short trail for some beautiful views. The far side of the lake still has patches of snow and quite a bit of mud, but passable. Highline Trail: Chipeta Lake to Hayden Pass boasts the most elevation gain for backpacking trails with 4,360 m of total ascent. Saw a few fish. But be careful, the rocks are extremely slippery. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your The Uintas are distinguished as the most poleward range over 13,000 feet, and the highest in the contiguous U.S., without glaciers. 2 The Best Backpacking Trips in the Uintas 2.1 Yellow Pine Trail 2.2 Backpacking to Gilbert Lake & Peak 2.3 Backpacking to Red Castle Lakes 2.4 Backpacking to Dead Horse Lake 2.5 Backpacking to Allsop Lake 2.6 Backpacking to Priord Lake 2.7 Backpacking to Amethyst Lake 2.8 Backpacking to Rock Creek Basin Details Distance 23.13 miles Elevation Gain 2149 ft Route Type Out-and-Back Description Added by Sam Watson Incredible scenery, photography opportunities. Explore the most popular trails in my list Easy Hikes for the Fam - Uintas with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Kermsuh Lakeis an alpine lake in the High Uintas Wilderness. Not fun right now - way too snowy and tons of downed trees. It was so beautiful. Naturalist Basin Hike: Tracing the route of the 167.4km Highline Trail, this trek to Naturalist Basin is certainly one of the most epic hikes in Uinta Mountains. Copyright 2023 Utah.com. Hiking is a great way to discover the Wasatch-Cache National Forest - for visit of almost any age and ability level. These trails have an average 4.3-star rating from 5,958 AllTrails community reviews. Pretty easy hike, but seemed a little longer than advertised. Evidence of animals but no encounters. The quiet yet beautiful hike out to Haystack Lake quickly leaves the crowds of the Washington Lake area behind. The popular Naturalist Basinhiking destination is so named for the Swiss-American naturalist Louis Agassiz and his cadre of Cornell and Harvard student-followers, for whom the peaks surrounding the basin are named. This trail is estimated to be 121.5 km long. Definitely recommend this as a day or overnight backpacking trip. Naturalist Basin is located in the High Uintas Wilderness, and home to several lakes including the popular Blue Lake and Jordan Lake. Highly recommend it. All Rights Reserved and. We may get a small commission for the purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.We only recommend tools we personally think are great. We had our pup with us and he did super.