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THE GREAT OUTDOORS — Utah has some of the best backpacking opportunities in the Lower 48. Just like other Rocky Mountain states, however, the window for enjoying these opportunities is short, due to snow.
With the sheer variety of places to visit, deciding where to take a backpacking trip this summer isn't an easy task. Here are three of the best backpacking trips in the Beehive State and why they should be on your list for 2018.
Also, it should be noted that all of these hikes are in Utah, but for some of them the nearest city is in Wyoming.
King's Peak near McKinnon, Wyoming
The highest mountain in Utah at 13,527 feet, King's Peak towers over the rest of the Uinta Mountains.
The trip to King's Peak takes you through sweeping high-mountain meadows, up steep ridges, and eventually puts you on top of Utah. From that perch, you can easily see into the Atwood, Yellowstone, and Smith's Fork basins.
How to get there
Take eastbound I-80 to Evanston, Wyoming, and then continue on eastbound I-80 until Exit 34 toward Fort Bridger. Turn right off the exit and continue toward Fort Bridger. Then turn right onto County Road 219 (Cemetery Road) and follow that road until Highway 411, then turn left. Drive eastbound until Highway 410 East and drive southbound to Robertson, Wyoming. From there, take Forest Service Road 283 south. Continue on that road, until Forest Service Road 072. Then follow that until you turn left onto Forest Service Road 017. Continue south until you reach Forest Service Road 077— the trailhead is at the end of Forest Service Road 077.
Length and difficulty
From the Henry's Fork Trailhead, located at the end of Forest Service Road 077, it's a 28-mile round-trip hike to the top of King's Peak.
This isn't a technically challenging trip, but the length and altitude make it tough for even those in great shape.
Crescent, Circle, and Halfmoon Lakes near Boulder, Garfield County
Boulder Mountain is a nationally renowned spot for big brook trout. Though their size has decreased dramatically in past years — and there has been a sharp uptick in the mosquito population — this group of three lakes located on Boulder Mountain offers great fishing.
From Spectacle Lake, on the south slope of Boulder Mountain, hike east 1.2 miles to get to the lakes. Crescent Lake is managed for quality Bonneville Cutthroat trout, while Spectacle Lake is home to trophy tiger and brook trout populations.
The fishing is the main attraction here, though it's hard to beat the scenery atop the highest timbered plateau in North America.
How to get there
Just north of Boulder, head west on Forest Service Road 165. Stay west on 166, and keep west at the fork for 514. Spectacle Lake is at the end of the road.
Length and difficulty
All in all, you'll end up walking about 3 miles round trip if you visit all three lakes. It's rugged country, but anyone in decent enough shape will enjoy themselves.
Red Castle near Robertson, Wyoming
This is arguably the most scenic peak in the entire Uinta Mountain range. Located northwest of King's Peak, it's at the end of the Smith's Fork River. This is a popular place for Boy Scouts to hike, since it's 20 miles round trip with only 1,500 feet of elevation gain, according to AllTrails.com.
The fishing here is spectacular as well, though the scenery of Red Castle is what draws so many people to this remote part of the Uintas. The gorgeous red cliffs stand in stark contrast to the lush green meadows surrounding it.
How to get there
Hop on Highway 410 in Wyoming to Mountain View. Take Forest Service Road 072 south, following the signs for the China Meadows Trailhead. The hike starts there.
Length and difficulty
Red Castle is 19.4 miles round trip, but the elevation gain is moderate. It's a great backpacking trip for someone who wants to see how they'll do on a longer hike, but don't want to take too much risk going into more remote areas of the Uintas.
Utah might not have enough room on I-15 for everyone, but it has more than enough room for a few folks to spread out and enjoy the high country. If you've always wanted to take a backpacking trip, this summer is a great time to start. And these destinations will likely help you fall in love with Utah's backcountry.
As always, make sure you are prepared with the right equipment and knowledge of the area before heading outdoors. And always tell someone where you are going and when you'll be back.
Where are your favorite places to go backpacking? Let us know in the comments.
Editor's note: The directions to King's Peak have been updated to reflect a more direct route.
