Jeffrey Probst - Best Easy Day Hikes Utahs High Uintas

Best Easy Day Hikes Series

Best Easy Day Hikes Utahs High Uintas

Jeffrey Probst and Brad Probst

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Copyright 2007 by Morris Book Publishing, LLC

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, except as may be expressly permitted by the 1976 Copyright Act or in writing from the publisher. Requests for permission should be addressed to The Globe Pequot Press, P.O. Box 480, Guilford, Connecticut 06437.

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ISBN-13: 978-1-4930-0573-4

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Contents

The Hikes

Introduction

The best is not always the easiest, and vice versa. This book brings you the best of the easy day hikes in the High Uinta Mountains. Some are more strenuous than others. Some are easy to navigate, while others may require some map and compass skills. The hikes in this book are meant for hikers who may not have a lot of time to spend. Perhaps you only have a day or a few hours. This book will help you pinpoint a hike to fit your schedule.

Dont let the word easy mislead you. The High Uintas is a wilderness, and one must always come prepared. Good physical conditioning is a must, as are sufficient provisions. Pack enough supplies to make it through unexpected weather or trouble. You may not need them, but if you are prepared, youll feel and fare a whole lot better.

Hiking times are mentioned for each hike. These are based on the average hiker. If you like to walk more slowly than most hikers, then allow extra time. Be sure you know when sunset is. You dont want to be hiking out in the dark.

Enjoy the High Uinta Mountains. With more than 400 fishable lakes and hundreds of miles of trails, there is an endless supply of things to see and do. If youre looking for more adventure and wish to stay overnight or hike farther, take a look at Hiking Utahs High Uintas, which includes many longer hikes in addition to the hikes in this guide. So choose your book, pick a hike or two, and start exploring the High Uinta Mountains. And come back oftentheres enough wilderness for a lifetime of hiking.

High Uintas Portfolio

The High Uinta Mountains, named for the Uintat Indians, have the distinction of being the only mountain range in the lower forty-eight states that runs east to west. It is the birthplace of several major rivers that make up Utahs watersheds, including the Provo, Weber, Duchesne, and Bear Rivers. There are more than 400 miles of streams in these mountains, along with 1,000 ice-cold lakes and ponds. Over half these lakes are managed to provide some of the best high-country fishing found anywhere.

Most of the High Uintas lie within an official wilderness area reestablished in 1984. Since then, no motorized vehicles or machinery has been allowed, including bicycles. These regulations have helped immensely in preserving a pristine environment. Livestock grazing still continues in some localized areas, but there is plenty of space where you can avoid their annoyances. Most cattle and sheep seem to be found around timberline, where they can feed on high grasses and then retreat to the shelter of the pines.

Utahs tallest mountain is nestled deep in the center of the wilderness area. Kings Peak (elevation 13,528 feet) stands between the Yellowstone and Uinta River Drainages, but it is probably best reached from the North Slope via Henrys Fork Drainage. Because it is Utahs highest point, it is extremely popular among peak baggers and can be conquered without the aid of climbing gear. Just walk on up if youre in good physical condition. Its a long hike though, no matter which approach you attempt.

Blue-ribbon backpacking is abundant throughout the High Uintas. Enjoy true wilderness experiences in rugged places with such names as Spread Eagle Peak, Highline Trail, Dead Horse Pass, Hells Kitchen, Lightning Lake, Yellowstone Creek, Buck Pasture, Amethyst Lake, and hundreds more. For more overnight hikes or lengthier treks, check out Hiking Utahs High Uintas.

The western half of the High Uintas is more popular, due simply to its proximity to Utahs main population centers of Salt Lake City, Provo, and Ogden. A two-hour drive from any of these cities can put you at any one of a dozen Uinta trailheads. Generally, the farther east you travel by car will determine how much solitude youll find when traveling by foot or on horseback.

The terrain is characterized by large stands of pines that lead into alpine basins and cirques. Small lakes generously dot the backcountry. They can be found almost anywhere: along a stream, at the foot of a talus slope, adjoining a lush meadow, or at the bottom of a towering cliff. Encase all of this within steep, rocky peaks that rise thousands of feet, and youll have a pretty fair picture of whats in store for you.

Winter lasts a long time in the High Uintas. There isnt much hikable backcountry available until late June, and mountain passes may be snowbound until mid-July. Anytime after the middle of September, you risk being caught in a serious snowstorm. As you can quickly figure, the High Uintas hiking season lasts only three months, if were fortunate. The best time to plan a trip into these mountains is during the second half of August. Then the days are warm, the snow is long gone, and those pesky mosquitoes have mostly died off. If you dont mind cooler temperatures, visit after Labor Day. Youll have the trails all to yourself.

Those familiar with mountain travel know that the weather can change rapidly. Regardless of the forecast, you should always be prepared for searing sun, pouring rain, lightning, and even snow. Wear and pack your clothes in layers. With a T-shirt, long-sleeved collared shirt, sweater, jacket, poncho, and brimmed hat, you can adjust your attire to match any weather condition.

The High Uintas vary in elevation from 8,000 to more than 13,000 feet. Most likely you will be camping somewhere between 10,000 and 10,800 feet. Going any higher than this puts you above timberline, where campsites are scarce and uncomfortable. At these elevations it is essential to know the effects elevation has on humans. The most dangerous is altitude sickness. It can kill. If someone develops a hacking cough, spits up blood, or seems irrational or confused, then that person may have altitude sickness. The only solution is to go down. If you have suffered from altitude sickness in the past, limit yourself to an altitude gain of 1,000 feet per day. Unfortunately, this may include elevation gained by your ride to the trailhead.