Uphill in the Uintas

We spent the weekend in the Uintas doing some hiking above 10,000 feet, as part of our preparations for Kilimanjaro next month. Almost all of our Kili group converged on the Moosehorn campground -- Lisa and Mary, Karla (along with Darrell, and Max the dog), and Frank and Patty flew in from Los Angeles for the weekend. What a great group!

On Saturday we hiked the Lofty Lake loop, with an out-and-back spur most of the way to Cuberant Lake. About 6.5 miles or so, with perhaps 1000' or so of elevation gain/loss. We saw a bull and cow moose pair, up close and personal; fortunately they were very calm. The scenery is spectacular. Here is Lisa looking down to Lofty Lake.

On Sunday morning, Frank and Patty had to drive back to SLC to catch a flight home. We were all impressed with how well they were able to fly in from sea level and spend the next day hiking above 10,000 feet. Karla, Darrell, and Max also headed back to the city. Lisa, Mary, Jill, and I did a morning hike up Bald Mountain, a very popular trail. The summit elevation is 11,943, reached by 2 miles of good trail from the trailhead 1250' below.

Fortunately the weather was cooperative while we were hiking. About an hour after we finished, the thunder and lightning started. Lisa and Mary then headed back to Smog Lake. Jill and I stayed another night at the campground. It rained hard Sunday night, we stayed comfortable in the Scamp. That was our first trip into the Uintas, but it won't be our last. It is gorgeous territory, and only about 4+ hours from Jackson via Evanston.