It’s a perfect day on the trail: blue skies with warm temperatures, and not a cloud in the sky. You’re hammering out the miles; only three more until you hit camp for the night. Your shoulders feel good, your feet don’t ache and your back is not a sweaty, uncomfortable mess. Everything you need is…
Category: Backpacking
Backpacking 101: Getting Started
Backpacking is awesome. There might be no finer way to truly experience the great outdoors: exploring remote areas, observing wildlife, and the unmatched solitude of a far away campsite are just some of the rewards awaiting you in the backcountry. There is also something to be said for the feeling of self reliance that comes…
Kelty Rally 45 Backpack review
I had a chance to visit the Kelty booth at last summer’s Outdoor Retailer convention here in Salt Lake City. They were showcasing a wide array of products, but the ones that excited me the most were the brand-new “Agile Series” backpacks. Needless to say I was very happy when the Kelty Rally 45 arrived…
Hike to Red Castle in the High Uintas Wilderness
The North Slope of the High Uintas Wilderness is a region of exquisite alpine splendor. The highest peaks in Utah rise up jaggedly against a wide open sky. Miles of well maintained trails allow hikers to wind their way through meadows, spruce and pine forests, and hundreds of scenic lakes filled with fresh water and…
Backpacking to Duck Lake in the Uinta Mountains
One of the the great natural treasures of Utah is the Uinta Mountains. Hundreds of miles of trails deliver unmatched high alpine scenery; towering peaks, picturesque lakes and thriving forests are just a few examples of what awaits hikers in the Uintas. Backpacking is a very popular activity in these mountains, and if you’re looking…
Hiking A1 Peak in the Uinta Mountains
Summer may be drawing to a close, but there is still time to collect one last snow-free summit. A1 Peak in the Uinta Mountains checks in at 12,377′; certainly a worthy elevation to top off your season with. The easiest summit route is from Hell Hole Basin, an oft-forgotten area that is usually devoid of…
Hike to Packard Lake in the Uinta Mountains
Hiking in the Uinta Mountains is like a craps game where you win on every roll. It seems that no matter where you decide to go, you will be rewarded with eye popping views of amazing Utah scenery. Packard Lake is just a short hike off of the Highline Trail and makes a worthy destination…
Backpacking to Scudder Lake in the Uinta Mountains
Backpacking in the Uintas brings to mind an exploration of the mountain range’s most postcard-esque landscapes, requiring heavily-laden packs chock full of enough supplies to last a month outdoors. But sometimes you just want a quick getaway for the weekend, yet demand an escape from the crowds at established campsites. There are many small, remote lakes in…
Backpacking Naturalist Basin in the Uinta Mountains
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….
Hike to the Palisades Lakes in Idaho’s Snake River Range
Shhh… don’t say it out loud, but every now and then it’s nice to get out of Utah. The Snake River Mountain Range in southeastern Idaho is largely below 9,000′, so if the Uintas are still melting out and the desert is just too stinking hot, a road trip could be in order. Make the…