Hike, hike, hike. Damn my pack is heavy. Hike, hike, hike. Take a picture. Hike some more. That about describes a backpacking trip to Naturalist Basin in Utah’s Uinta Mountains. Oh, and the scenery is ‘effin’ spectacular. So much so, that Naturalist Basin is one of the most popular backpacking areas in the entire range. The search for solitude is a primary reason to load up a pack and head for the woods, but you won’t find it here. No matter, because the annoyance of the crowds is far less than the experience of exploring one of the Uinta’s most gorgeous spots.
Naturalist Basin is a unique, natural area. This place is special for its several high-alpine lakes, mountain meadows filled with wildflowers, and waterfalls and streams swollen with snowmelt. But the kicker is that the basin is surrounded by an amphitheater of giant peaks that loom over the basin floor.
A seven-mile hike along the Highline Trail leads into Naturalist Basin, where the path becomes a loop that skirts the edges of the basin. Dozens of lakes dot the landscape, but the trail visits notable ones like Morat, Faxon, Jordan and Blue. Veer off the path, explore the lakes, and choose your campsite.
Unfortunately, campfires are not allowed in Naturalist Basin due to it being loved to death over the decades. It’s a small price to pay for the honor of staying the night here. Once camp is built and the tents are pitched, a hike on the four-and-a-half mile loop around Naturalist and into the upper basin is a must-do. We suggest you check out all the alpine lakes that sit beneath the Uinta Crest. It’s an awesome place.
Imagine the image if you will – you’re standing above treeline, scanning crystal clear lakes shining bright blue below a massive wall of mountain granite. This part of the Uintas is no Colorado-style-range with dramatic peaks. The Uintas are more like a giant wall curving around the basin like the sides of a white cauldron towering around you. Soak in the scenery, then head back to camp for some dinner and bedtime. On the second day, you can hang out and fish the many lakes, or make it a one-nighter and backpack your return to the car waiting at the trailhead. for a total distance of around 17 miles.
If you have a hankering for an awesome backpacking experience in the mountains, then you can’t beat Naturalist Basin. some guidebooks even say it’s considered one of the top 12 hikes in the state. That’s not surprising considering the amount of mountain views and snow-fed lakes in one concentrated area, filled with wildflowers and waterfalls that makes for a photographer’s dream. Naturalist Basin is a paradise every serious backpacker should experience at least once in their lives.
To get to Naturalist Basin, drive to the town of Kamas and continue on down the Mirror Lake Highway. Drive over Bald Mountain Pass and follow the signs to the Highline Trail. Park at the trailhead and begin your hike here. The Highline Trail is very rocky, so sturdy boots are recommended. And don’t forget bug spray. Mosquitoes in the Uinta Mountains can be unrelenting.
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