Notch Mountain Trail, Uinta Mountains- July 2023

I got the opportunity to do a point to point hike of the Notch Trail this month. It is something I have wanted to do for quite sometime. Thanks to my friend Michael, who I did the Highline Trail with for the shuttle to Bald Mountain Pass. I headed in for a short first day to Dean Lake. There were a few deadfalls on the trail, but not as many as the previous trip. The meadows were so green and the flowers were just beginning to get going! I did not start till 3 pm, so I made Day 1 my short day and only had to do about 3 miles to my first camp. I passed Clegg Lake and then it was down to Dean for the night.

After getting things set for the night I went out to the lake to do some fishing. I had a couple of bites, but alas nothing landed. The sunset was very nice but the bugs really kicked up. I got my fire going. It was a beautiful clear night with the stars and the Milky Way bright overhead!. I eventually turned in for a good night sleep.

Morning of Day 2 came and so did the bugs! I made a pretty hasty pack of camp and got on the trail. I passed Notch Lake, then Bench Lake, then I moved onto the section of trail on this route that I have never hiked before. There were some really nice views, and some areas that looked like they had not seen another human in a number of seasons. I also saw a USGS survey marker which is unusual for a trail like this. It descended pretty steep then I had to gain all of that elevation back to climb up to Ibantik Lake. I wanted to fish here, but the wind was so strong I just had my lunch and topped off the water. I moved up past Lovenia Lake then up on the Notch. It was so windy up here, but that means no bugs! I spent a good hour up there just to enjoy breathing without them bothering me!

After enjoying the Notch, I made my way down to Twin Lakes for a break and some fishing. After about three casts I had one on. I hooked into a couple of more, but alas they got off. I then put the pack back on and made the short climb up to John Lake to set camp for the night. The wind was blowing hard so the skeeters were not around! After getting camp set I went out for some fishing. I hooked into something huge, but it got off on the way in! Bummer! Had a couple of more hits but no luck on any of them. Evening came in and I retired to my tent for a episode of Alone while I waited for the skeeters to go away after dark. Once the coast was clear, I got out, set up my camera, and let it run a Milky Way Timelapse while I ate my dinner. Then it was off to bed. I did not even want a fire. I just wanted to sleep.

Day 3 came and I was up and packed quickly because the skeeters were that bad! I had prepacked most of my gear so it was just get dressed and stuff it all in the pack. There was a chance of rain in the forecast so I made haste to move along and finish this hike off. 7 AM on this section was quiet and peaceful. The lower I got, the less the mosquitoes caused a problem. I eventually made it to the overfloow lot for the Crystal Lake TH and my journey was complete! 13 miles, 3 days, 2 nights, and about 1,800 feet of vert on this point to point trail. Enjoy the pics and check out my YouTube video from this adventure! More adventures to come!

Back In The High Uintas Wilderness, Utah- July 2023

It was time to get back in the High Uintas! Me and Jim who I did the Highline with decided to do a section of this trail down to one of my favorite lakes in this area! We departed the trailhead in the afternoon and the clouds were building. We made it pretty quick to the wilderness boundary and that is were it had been cleared of deadfalls to. After that it there were some big trees to naviagte including one big one I had to cross on the way in. After we reached the burn scar the trail opened up again and we made good time to the Junciton. Only a couple of trees to get around on the way in. After another mile or so we found ourselves standing in camp.

After getting set up we moved out to the lake to do some fishing. I kid you not first cast and I had a nice one on! We both fished for a while and I moved to the north end of the lake. It was fish on about every 2-5 minutes for nearly an hour. I stopped counting at 7 and I had at least 5 get off on the strip. Evening set in and I headed back to camp to set up for the night. We had crystal clear skies and a early moonset so I was able to get out and shoot the Milky Way! Just an all around great day one as I went to bed to finish off a fine day!

Day two we awoke to some pretty pesky mosquitoes so we made haste getting up, having breakfast, and then heading out to hike and fish a few lakes in the area. Our first stop was a bust so we made the hike over the ridge to the first lake we passed and I landed on second cast about a 12" brookie! We fished for a while getting a few more. Eventually it was time to head back to camp. Once back at camp we did some more fishing of our lake and I landed the biggest fish of the trip! Evening set in once again and it was time for more fun with the camera! After that it was time to turn in.

Day three brought more good weather, also a lot more mosquitoes. We quickly packed up camp and hit the trail to avoid the swarm. It was a nice hike out, perfect weather! The flowers on the way out were wonderful to see! Enjoy the pics and make sure you check out my YouTube video below from this trip! More adventures to come!

Our Sons First Backpacking Trip, Uinta Mountains- July 2023

My son wanted to get out backpacking so we decided to take the 4th of July weekend and make that happen for him. we kept the hike short, and there was fishing in store and the promise of s'mores! We made the hike in without too many difficulties. Having my wife out on trail with our son is a special treat for me. It was a fun short hike into the lake we would camp at for the night!

We got camp set then we decided to go fishing and explore. Fishing wasn't happening but we did find a amazing overlook which we all really enjoyed! Back to camp for dinner and S'Mores! We had a nice fire and all turned in for the night.

Morning came and we had breakfast then packed it up. There was a camp nearby which had quite a bit of trash in it so all three of us cleaned it up and hauled it out! Good Job Ash! Keeping the forest clean for others to enjoy! We took the packs lakeside and Ash learned to cast. My wife was having fun too! Eventually it was time to go. We had a nice hike out! It is a learning curve for little ones so be patient, expect the unexpected, and have fun! We all learned on this trip and that just made the expereince more meaningful. You can check out my Youtube video below from this trip and enjoy the pics! More adventure to come!