Big Water/Little Water Loop to Dog Lake, Millcreek Canyon, Wasatch-Cache National Forest- October 2022

Warmtober continues and though I have wrapped up my Uintas adventures for the year, the Wasatch had one more day in store before moving to winter. I have a Millcreek Canyon pass and I had not been up there yet this year with it. I decided to hike the Big Water/Little Water Loop up to Dog Lake. This is a favorite of mine because it has such a variety of terrain and things to see, and it gives you a feeling of what the Wasatch looked like historically. I made my way up to the Great Western Junctionon the Big Water Trail, then kept climbing the Big Water side. Most of the trees have lost their leaves, but there was still color and leaf litter everywhere. The ocassional tree was still holding its golden leaves.

After 2.5 miles I came to the Big Water/Little Water split, and headed up to Dog Lake. Thes temps here for Mid-October were absolutely perfect! A short hike up hill, then down to Dog Lake! There were a few people, and of course K-9 friends playing and chasing sticks into the water! I personally don't have a dog, so I walked myself to Dog Lake. The views were beautiful and I circled the lake. As the sun headed west, the light became beautiful up there! The lake view of Reynolds Peak was spectacular and the one last hold out aspen with leaves by the lake was awesome!

The Little Water Trail to complete the loop is not as long as the Big Water Trail, but has much steeper sections. On the way down I found the last of the fall colors in groves in the aspens. The light mixed with the golden colors was so amazing! I spent some time just wandering up hill off the trail to see them. Gorgeous last of the fall colors for sure! The trail had shadow the rest of the way out for it being evening. This was the last warm day of fall as the very next day our mountains got anywhere from 1-2 fee of snow! Enjoy the pics! It was a great day hiking! Looks like winter had reclaimed the high terrain. So foothill hiking and the winter activities are on tap! If you liked this blog post make sure you watch my YouTube video from this trip that I have linked below! Please like, share, and subscribe! More adventures to come!

Clyde Lake Loop, Uinta Mountains- October 2022

Winter decided to postpone its arrival in the Uintas by one more week so you know I was going backpacking! I made my way back to the Uintas and put on the pack and headed in. The trail was mostly empty, just a few hikers, but it was really quiet out there. I took the Clyde Lake Loop, and made my way past Cliff, Petit, Watson, and Clyde Lakes before finding my spot and settling in camp.

After getting camp built, I put together the fly rod and went fishing. There was a lot of activity on the water, but the fishing for me was really slow. I did manage to deep hook my finger on a snag on a cast. But I did get two out of the West Twin and one nice Tiger Trout out of the East Twin. Best fish of the trip. I made my way back to camp in the evening to settle in for the night. I got my night layers on and enjoyed the evening!

The sunset came and gave up the pink clouds I was hoping for! I got my fire going and settled into camp. It was a beautiful night, crystal clear for the most part. I was able to get my D810 out for some astrophotography both stills and timelapse! Fall brings the opportunity for a long night which give you ample time to shoot not only single shots but timelapse as well. This night was no exception! I even got to attempt some astrophotography on my iPhone 13 Pro and I got a couple of shots which surpised me! After a great fire and some really good fun with the camera it was time to turn in.

Morning came and I stayed in my sleeping bag till the sun was all the way up. Overnight temps were 28 degrees and everything was frosty at sunrise. It warmed up quickly and soon I was out having coffee and breakfast while packing up my camp. Soon I was saying goodbye for the final time this season to my camp in the Uintas and I hit the trail. I made my way on the second half of the Clyde Lake Loop enjoying the sights and I even stopped to fish Hope Lake on the way out. This was the last Uintas backpacking trip of the season! Its been a damn good year out here! I am grateful for the season I had out here. I am going to miss it! Enjoy the pics! Check out my YouTube video from this adventure below. Till next year Uintas! More adventures to come!