Months before planning a backpacking trip to Kamas Lake in the Uinta Mountains, it seemed August would the the ideal time of year. Temperatures should be just right, an afternoon thunderstorm would be likely but not a concern, and the fishing should be hot. But as I exit my tent in the dawn hours and find a few inches of snow covering the landscape, it is obvious that anything can happen in these mountains at any time of year.
Kamas Lake is an almost ideal spot to take a beginner backpacker. It’s only 1.5 miles from the Pass Lake Trailhead, and elevation gain isn’t too extreme as there is a short (but steep) climb to the lake from Reids Meadow. Because of this, Adam Eakle and I think it would be a good option to take the KSL morning show anchors, including Andrew Wittenberg, Shara Park, and Lori Pritchard, none of whom have ever backpacked before, on their first overnight wilderness adventure.
We know going in that there might be some unusual summer weather, but we packed warm layers and rain gear and set out on the trail. The sun is out and it feels like a cool 55 degrees – perfect backpacking conditions. The hike starts at around 10,000 feet and goes west from the parking area, slowly descending into Reids Meadow. This is a beautiful spot with open views of Bald Mountain and Reids Peak.
From the meadow, the trail starts to climb. It’s steep but well-traveled as it makes its way up to Kamas Lake at 10,400 feet. After 1.5 miles under heavy packs, the newbies are exhausted, but in good spirits. The hike in hasn’t killed their enthusiasm. I’m afraid the incoming weather will.
Right after setting up my new Big Agnes Slater UL 2 tent, the thunder storm moves in. Lightning, hail, freezing rain and wind tear through camp, chasing us under the tarps Adam set up. While huddled under the makeshift shelter, an ear-splitting crack splits the air, followed immediately by a blinding flash. A lightning bolt makes contact with the earth right by Kamas Lake only a dozen yards away.
Soon after, the rain slows to a trickle, and the camp fire gets warm enough for us to spend the rest of the night dodging the smoke monster that follows no matter where you stand. Not long after dark, we crawl into our tents for the long, cold night.
It’s 6:30 a.m. and snow greets me when I exit the tent. August in the mountains doesn’t seem to play by the rules. I knock snow off the tent and tarps, make coffee, and watch the lake for signs of rising fish. The storm and cold seems to have chased the bugs away, and the fish aren’t eating. What was supposed to be hot fishing in the Uintas has turned off, and all morning we try to catch fish, but don’t get a single bite. Well, at least the storm is a good excuse…
Calling it a lost cause, we pack up and hike back to the trailhead under dripping snow that melts from tree branches. The fresh, summer snow makes the landscape a bit magical, and I’m glad that we get to taste winter. It makes the trip all the more memorable. As for the KSL anchors, they survived and remain enthusiastic about their wilderness experience, despite the lighting and snow.
If you want to backpack at Kamas Lake, know that it’s a beginner-level trip that gets a lot of traffic. It’s popular with day hikers and anglers fishing for trout. Campsites are sparse as most of the ground is very rocky around the lake. Get there early for a prime spot.
To get there, drive from Kamas on the Mirror Lake Highway up and over Bald Mountain Pass. Soon after passing Mirror Lake and Pass Lake, turn left onto the Pass Lake Trailhead parking lot. There is a sign marking the turnoff. At the west side of the parking area, locate the trail with signs to Lofty Lake and Cuberant Lake. Follow this trail, staying right at all intersections for 1.5 miles to Kamas Lake.
To watch the adventure, tune into KSL Outdoors on Saturday, August 30th at 6:30 p.m. and midnight on KSL 5.