Uinta Access, etc.

[kniephof]

My friend just called the ranger station and they told him they don't have the funds to plow highway 150. I guess they'll just let mother nature melt it down then.

Commuterlink says (http://www.bogley.com/forum/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=13):

[B]
SR 150 Mirror Lake Highway

Anticipated Opening Late-June CLOSED

[FONT=Helvetica-Bold][SIZE=2][FONT=Helvetica-Bold][SIZE=2]Kamas to Wyoming Border

[ibenick]

They don't have funds?! What the hell. You'd think too much snow would have been a sufficient excuse. :fitz:

[Dr. Nebz]

I am not sure you could even plow it this deep. This is a picture of Bald Mountain Pass taken just 2 days ago. That sign is the elevation sign at the top of the pass. Gonna be a while.

45049

[kniephof]

Oh man! That's still some deep stuff. It's gonna be a while indeed! Thanks for sharing Nebz. Makes me want a snowmobile...it would make for some good access to go bag some peaks...or...go ice fishing up at those lakes. :mrgreen:

[ibenick]

Who's packing the auger? :naughty:

[kniephof]

Who's packing the auger? :naughty:

Rumor has it you can pack some serious weight... :nod:

[Sombeech]

Dang, I was hoping to do some car camping with the family sometime this month just off the highway. What do you think will be the first areas open?

[ibenick]

Dang, I was hoping to do some car camping with the family sometime this month just off the highway. What do you think will be the first areas open?

There's plenty of good car camping right now. The snotels around 8000 feet are reporting nothing, the ones around 9000 feet are reporting a foot or two. So basically anything from Yellow Pine up through Soapstone and a little beyond would be fine car camping. A coworker told me that a friend of his went up there last week and was able to drive 8 miles past the closure gate at Soapstone before he parked to unload his snowmobiles just below Provo River Falls. I'm heading up this weekend and will report back on current levels.

[Sombeech]

Cool, thanks. It's been literally decades since I've gone the Kamas route. Is Mirror or Spirit Lake above the 8000' line?

[Dr. Nebz]

Cool, thanks. It's been literally decades since I've gone the Kamas route. Is Mirror or Spirit Lake above the 8000' line?

Mirror Lake is over Bald Mountain Pass, that is gonna be a while.

[ibenick]

There aren't really any lakes at all below 9400' or so and everything near the highway is pretty close to 10k where they're still reporting 70". But streams can be nice!

[ibenick]

Well, the road is clear to about a mile below Provo River Falls as of yesterday and it appears no work is being done to accelerate the process. At least not by UDOT. There was a Chevy truck commercial being filmed up there. They had a shiny new truck with a big plow on it along with a crew of about 100 people. They said they needed some shots of it plowing snow and didn't really have anywhere else to go this year. We checked that out and then backpacked the North Fork Provo River. Here's a couple of pics, as usual I'll be posting a trip report later this week.

Where the snow starts. A little on the sides of the road before this but nothing in the road. All of the campgrounds are clear up to this point as well.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3299/5826098335_f52cfba18d_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ibenick/5826098335/)

The Mirror Lake Highway is an awesome place to longboard when it's closed. If you're a little nuts anyway.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5031/5826103229_2d60af7ecb_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ibenick/5826103229/)

The Chevy stunt truck for the commercial. I'm looking forward to seeing this in an ad someday and knowing its the Mirror Lake Highway in JUNE!
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5274/5826660258_c44cd22453_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ibenick/5826660258/)

EDIT: The full trip report is up now, http://backcountrypost.com/?p=844

[Dr. Nebz]

This is good news. With the warmer temps expected, and the signs of full canyon melt happening in the tri-canyons, we may have the Uintas by early July. Nice recon Nick, thanks for the update.

[kniephof]

This is good news. With the warmer temps expected, and the signs of full canyon melt happening in the tri-canyons, we may have the Uintas by early July. Nice recon Nick, thanks for the update.

Agreed - nice recon. Thanks Nick.

Oh...how were the skeeters? You didn't mention them in your report so I'm assuming they were a non-issue

[ibenick]

Oh...how were the skeeters?

Pretty much non-existent, even down low where we were and water all over the place. Kind of surprising given how nice the temps were. We had a few float into camp right after sunset but they were gone in no time and I didn't bother putting on any bug dope.

[Iceaxe]

45239


AWESOME!!! :2thumbs:

[ibenick]

I was just looking at snotel data and it looks like the east end of the Uintas has a lot less snow, particularly above 10,000 feet. I imagine that's typical but I've never really paid attention. Perhaps it would be a good area to hit up in the next week or two? Anyone been over there in the early season that can vouch for it clearing earlier than the rest? For example, the Chepeta snotel is only reporting 2" of snow at 10,300 feet compared to 50+" in the 10k+ snotels to the west of King's Peak. Link to the snotel data: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/slc/avalanche/snotel/

Also couldn't help but notice they are cutting through 5-10 feet of snow right now on the Monte Cristo Road, where's the love for Mirror Lake Highway, UDOT?? Lame! http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=15972433
45345

[brookiekiller]

I was on the North Slope this weekend. Went over to the eastern side - Hoop Lake and Browne Lake are open and fine - the high country is still locked up - can't get to Spirit Lake. Went up the Blacks Fork drainage as well and you can only make it a little ways past the east fork junction. It will only be a couple of more days until you can make it to the trailheads, but the high country is still crazy with snow. Saw a lot of wildlife, so they are still hanging out in the lower elevations.

[uintahiker]

I was up there yesterday. The Mirror Lake Highway is open to just past the Slate Gorge overlook. Amazing how long the snow's been around this year!

[Deadeye008]

I'm headed up to Trial Lake this Friday/Saturday so I'll report on the conditions when I get back. Hopefully we can get up that far...

[ibenick]

I'm headed up to Trial Lake this Friday/Saturday so I'll report on the conditions when I get back. Hopefully we can get up that far...

Are you expecting to drive there?

[Deadeye008]

Are you expecting to drive there?

No, SnoTel is still reporting 49 inches of snow at Trial Lake. We are planning on finding the nearest camping spot that we can get the vehicles up to. We'll be hiking the rest of the way to fish Trial Lake.

[ibenick]

Packing an auger in?

[Deadeye008]

Packing an auger in?

Haha. One of my friends hiked back in there last week and said the lake was open

Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using Tapatalk

[kniephof]

Some more recent info/pics from DmMatrix in this thread (http://www.bogley.com/forum/showthread.php?56319-That-s-a-lot-of-SNOW). I appreciate the updates.

[ibenick]

Any updates from the east end of the Uintas like Chepeta or Spirit Lake areas? The 10k+ snotels over there ran out of snow more than a week ago, wondering how possible a JUly 4th backpacking trip to the area is going to be.

[brookiekiller]

Spirit lake still a no go - I am going this weekend to check it out again - and will check out Henry's Fork and China Meadows. The snow is still incredibly deep at the 10000 foot level - it is like a distinct line in that there is no snow at 9300, then at 9500 it is constant snow. I will have a better idea after this weekend.

[Deadeye008]

Here's a pic of Trial Lake from yesterday. We fished for about an hour or so but only caught a few.


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[ibenick]

Spirit lake still a no go - I am going this weekend to check it out again - and will check out Henry's Fork and China Meadows. The snow is still incredibly deep at the 10000 foot level - it is like a distinct line in that there is no snow at 9300, then at 9500 it is constant snow. I will have a better idea after this weekend.

I hiked Shingle Creek this weekend. Nothing much until about 8800 then patchy to just below 9000 where it became 3-6 feet deep. I'd say it will be three weeks before it's to typical July 1st levels based on comparisons in the same spot from previous years. How was it on the east end?. I'm really hoping I can get up there next weekend.

[brookiekiller]

The China Meadows and Henry's Fork trailheads are clear of snow. The road from the China Meadows campground to the trailhead was closed due to damage. The forest service said they are going to try to open the gate to Spirit Lake this weekend. I am thinking of trying to go up Henry's Fork or Red Castle this weekend as the snow looks as if it is melting out fast. China Meadows is around 10000 feet and it is no meadow, but a huge lake.

[ibenick]

The China Meadows and Henry's Fork trailheads are clear of snow. The road from the China Meadows campground to the trailhead was closed due to damage. The forest service said they are going to try to open the gate to Spirit Lake this weekend. I am thinking of trying to go up Henry's Fork or Red Castle this weekend as the snow looks as if it is melting out fast. China Meadows is around 10000 feet and it is no meadow, but a huge lake.

So you think the chances of backpacking around 10,300-10,500 feet on that end of the Uintas will be decent for this weekend? I don't mind patches of snow, just don't want to camp on top of it. I was thinking of hitting the lakes around Chepeta or Spirit.

[apcronnelly]

Today my dentist told me he was upKings Peak area last weekend. They camped at dollar lake and got tired of post holing around gunsight pass. He said it was wet but snow free aroun 10,000 ft.

He then went on to tell me about his through hike of the Winds he's planning for August. Yes my dentist is cooler than yours.

[dmMatrix]

Today my dentist told me he was upKings Peak area last weekend. They camped at dollar lake and got tired of post holing around gunsight pass. He said it was wet but snow free aroun 10,000 ft.

He then went on to tell me about his through hike of the Winds he's planning for August. Yes my dentist is cooler than yours.

Your Dentist IS, in fact, Pretty dang cool.

[brookiekiller]

So you think the chances of backpacking around 10,300-10,500 feet on that end of the Uintas will be decent for this weekend? I don't mind patches of snow, just don't want to camp on top of it. I was thinking of hitting the lakes around Chepeta or Spirit.

I think you could - especially in the Chepeta area. Spirit Lake will be good if you can drive up to it and plan on staying in the immediate area. If you go up the pass to Fish Lake, then the problem being the snow on the north-facing slopes.

[dmMatrix]

The Utah State Route Seasonal Closure List still shows Mirror Lake Highway Closed :(

Glad to see that picture of the ice partly gone from Trial Lake and that you caught a few fish. The pictures I took about 4 days ago at lily barely showed signs of water peeking through. I hope that there weren't too many winter kill casualties.

The pictures I took are still up on my blog http://ryanfreakingwood.blogspot.com. If anyone goes up there this week or next please take some pictures. Also the Snotel Report site that I was given shows about 30" of snow around Trial Lake as of this morning. Its lost about 13" of snow since last Thursday when I was there.

[Deadeye008]

So the DWR site lists Browne Lake as closed because of a mudslide. Can anyone confirm this? I am planning on heading to that area this weekend. Hopefully Spirit Lake will be open by then also.

http://wildlife.utah.gov/hotspots/detailed.php?id=1156450687

[ibenick]

So the DWR site lists Browne Lake as closed because of a mudslide. Can anyone confirm this? I am planning on heading to that area this weekend. Hopefully Spirit Lake will be open by then also.

http://wildlife.utah.gov/hotspots/detailed.php?id=1156450687

Not good. I'm also planning on being in the area. I'll be making some calls in the AM. Keep us in the loop if you hear anything else.

[ibenick]

So the DWR site lists Browne Lake as closed because of a mudslide. Can anyone confirm this? I am planning on heading to that area this weekend. Hopefully Spirit Lake will be open by then also.

http://wildlife.utah.gov/hotspots/detailed.php?id=1156450687

Must be old information. I called the Forest Service up there today and the road to and campground at Browne Lake are both open.

[dmMatrix]

I have never been that far east into the mountains. One of these years when I have fished the entire north slope maybe Ill try to head that way :haha:

[Deadeye008]

Must be old information. I called the Forest Service up there today and the road to and campground at Browne Lake are both open.

Awesome. Thanks for the info.

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[brookiekiller]

UDOT is showing that the Mirror Lake Highway is going to open tomorrow - the 30th.

[ibenick]

UDOT is showing that the Mirror Lake Highway is going to open tomorrow - the 30th.

Late June. LOL

[Dr. Nebz]

UDOT is showing that the Mirror Lake Highway is going to open tomorrow - the 30th.

Don't get too excited. This video from the Provo Bros. was shot during the Summer Solstice- June 21st, 2011. As you can see, the upper part of the range is still buried. It is gonna be until late July to August before any of this opens up without needing to skin or snowshoe into anything good up there. Watch the video, and pray for a heat wave.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FriXPTqeyag

[ibenick]

Melting really fast though. I backpacked up there this past weekend. I'm pretty confident there will be plenty of good destinations by July 15. Specifically the sub 10,500 areas. The really high stuff and passes, yeah, late July into August.

[Dr. Nebz]

Melting really fast though. I backpacked up there this past weekend. I'm pretty confident there will be plenty of good destinations by July 15. Specifically the sub 10,500 areas. The really high stuff and passes, yeah, late July into August.

Where did you go this past weekend?

As you can see in that video, down to about 9,000 feet and it is still buried.

[dmMatrix]

Since the 21st the snow around Trial Lake has already Melted 26 inches. And the data will most likely show another 3" drop by morning (30th). Since the data is taken in the mornings.

I think that Trial is just below 10,000 feet.... Someone correct me if I am wrong.

But yeah, the snow seems to be melting around 3 - 4 inches a day.

Hey Nick, do you think Lofty Lake will be accessible at all this year??

[ibenick]

Where did you go this past weekend?

As you can see in that video, down to about 9,000 feet and it is still buried.

Shingle Creek, camped at about 8900 feet on dry ground just as it started to become patchy. Snow is consistent at low to mid 9k right now, in the shady areas it's thick patches down to 9,000 and then totally clear. I backpacked the exact same spot on June 3, 2006 (http://backcountrypost.com/?p=336) (typical snow year) and conditions were almost exactly the same. So June 25 minus June 3 = about 3 weeks behind schedule. So I figure if it's typically good to hit the sub 10,5k areas by late June/early July then July 15-ish should be about right this year. In '06 I also backpacked Amethyst Basin on July 4th (http://backcountrypost.com/?p=340) and it was nice and green, probably would have been doable 1-2 weeks earlier. But I guess we'll see how it all melts out. I do think however that everyone's fear of nothing til August is crap. Unless they just can't handle a little mud and a few patches of snow. I say embrace it, snow keeps beer cold way better than a lake!

But even right now, there are definitely snow-free, backpacking & fishing-friendly destinations to be had in the Uintas. The entire range is not in the same condition as the popular west end, you just have to drive a little bit further. Hopefully after this weekend I'll have photos of me pulling out brookies at 10k+ to share.



Hey Nick, do you think Lofty Lake will be accessible at all this year??

Without a doubt. It was wide open and dry when I hiked through on July 7th last year so add 2-3 weeks to that and I think it will be good. There's not really any areas around it that will hold snow unusually long. Maybe the trail up the backside between Kamas and Lofty could have some drifts but that's it. Trip report from last July 6-7th can be found here: http://backcountrypost.com/?p=170

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/5076690167_1e1b9c01e3_z.jpg (http://backcountrypost.com/?p=170)

[brookiekiller]

The North Slope is drying out in a hurry. Spirit Lake is over 10200 and has been snow free on its snotel station since the 15th of June - there is still a little snow around as they are just opening the road, but the Ashley doesn't open up the road until they are assured that no damage can happen on it. The Henry's Fork, Red Castle, and Blacks Fork are all snow free at the trail heads, and I have heard more than a few reports of people making it up to the upper basins of Henry's Fork. The ML Highway usually gets more snow than the rest of the range and is a poor indicator of what conditions are like further east. The North Slope generally gets less snow and moisture as well due to the path of the storms.

[ibenick]

One more little tidbit. I talked to someone in the Vernal Ranger District today who said that a couple days ago they sent a vehicle up to Chepeta and they were turned back about 3 miles from the lake by snow drifts. They have a 'larger' vehicle going today to see what it's like but they hadn't reported back yet. She figured it would be 2 weeks before it was all melted off up there but that the stuff on the NE side by Flaming Gorge is mostly open now. That's where I'll be this weekend. :cool2:

[brookiekiller]

One more little tidbit. I talked to someone in the Vernal Ranger District today who said that a couple days ago they sent a vehicle up to Chepeta and they were turned back about 3 miles from the lake by snow drifts. They have a 'larger' vehicle going today to see what it's like but they hadn't reported back yet. She figured it would be 2 weeks before it was all melted off up there but that the stuff on the NE side by Flaming Gorge is mostly open now. That's where I'll be this weekend. :cool2:

Maybe I will see you around as I will be up there as well - I am still trying to decide if I should day hike around or get the big pack on.

[Deadeye008]

Maybe I will see you around as I will be up there as well - I am still trying to decide if I should day hike around or get the big pack on.

I'll be over that way getting my fish on! Hopefully Spirit Lake is open. If not Browne will work.

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[ibenick]

Maybe I will see you around as I will be up there as well - I am still trying to decide if I should day hike around or get the big pack on.

Big pack!

[Dr. Nebz]

snow keeps beer cold way better than a lake!

This is very true, as you can see below, we had that experience on Boulder Mountain earlier this month. Gotta love the backcountry snowbank kitchen w/refrigeration.

45812


I imagine lower elevation spots are either ready to roll, or will be in a couple of weeks. I think anything above 10,000 ft is gonna be snowbound until the end of the month. I know this snow pack this year, really well. I have 90+ days on it. The January 8th rain crust that occurred is what is keeping the snow so cold, even with the warmer temps. It rained at 11,000 ft at the Bird Jan 8th, with similar conditions throughout the state. The rain turned the snow to glacial ice, then we did some 400 inches on top of it, freezing it to rock harness. We need a heat wave to bust it, and I am sure some of it is just not going to melt all summer. In patches, but it will be there when the snow returns. It is gonna be a tough year for those high elevation fish, I bet there is gonna be bad winter kill up there this year.

[ibenick]

I imagine lower elevation spots are either ready to roll, or will be in a couple of weeks. I think anything above 10,000 ft is gonna be snowbound until the end of the month. I know this snow pack this year, really well. I have 90+ days on it.

What happens at Snowbird is very different than what happens at Mirror Lake and what happens further east, totally different story. Only time will tell I suppose. Oh and maybe the pics I'll be posting on Tuesday of me chomping down High Uinta brook trout at 10k+ :lol8:

[Brian in SLC]

What happens at Snowbird is very different than what happens at Mirror Lake and what happens further east, totally different story. Only time will tell I suppose. Oh and maybe the pics I'll be posting on Tuesday of me chomping down High Uinta brook trout at 10k+ :lol8:

That's pretty darn funny!

[dmMatrix]

Without a doubt. It was wide open and dry when I hiked through on July 7th last year so add 2-3 weeks to that and I think it will be good. There's not really any areas around it that will hold snow unusually long. Maybe the trail up the backside between Kamas and Lofty could have some drifts but that's it. Trip report from last July 6-7th can be found here: http://backcountrypost.com/?p=170

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/5076690167_1e1b9c01e3_z.jpg (http://backcountrypost.com/?p=170)

Oh nice, That is one that I haven't been to yet. Nice TR too!! My wife likes to stick to the easier ones for now as she is a little out of shape (my boy is only 18 months and she just dropped 15 pounds of baby weight)(kinda slow for her, she usually bounces right back). I wanted to hit this lake this year but everywhere on the net has almost scared me off from it. Thanks for the info.

[Dr. Nebz]

What happens at Snowbird is very different than what happens at Mirror Lake and what happens further east, totally different story. Only time will tell I suppose. Oh and maybe the pics I'll be posting on Tuesday of me chomping down High Uinta brook trout at 10k+ :lol8:

I am not just basing my view on Snowbird Nick. My friends have been touring the Uintas all season. They know the snow pack as well as anyone out there. I would say Neil and Ian probably have more time in the Uintas in the last 6 month then all the users on this board combined. I am very inclined to trust their observations as they are actually getting out there above 10 K and seeing the conditions first hand. They said most of the lakes above the pass were still frozen over, meaning that those fish are starved. I bet a lot of them do not make it. And no insect hatches either, so no food. Some of them might be making a living on leaches, but there are not enough of those to go around to feed all the fish. I really, because of how late in the season it is, do not think the Uintas are going to be prime fishing this year. I am looking at other areas to hunt down some trophy sized biggies. I am as anxious as anyone to get out there, but I really think the wait is worth it. Fall fishing is the best IMO out there anyways. If they do have some that survive this long winter, they are gonna be hungry for my flies. I actually think the late snow has me checking areas I have never considered hitting, and some that I have wanted to hit. The crew is gonna tour the Duck Lake area via split boards this weekend, I will give a report when they return on how it was out there. I can't go because we are just into our new place, and I have lots of unpacking to do. Riding the Bird and hitting some local trails here that have opened up in the tri-canyons this weekend. Possible over nighter up BCC, depending on how much I get done around here.

[ibenick]

I am not just basing my view on Snowbird Nick. My friends have been touring the Uintas all season. They know the snow pack as well as anyone out there. I would say Neil and Ian probably have more time in the Uintas in the last 6 month then all the users on this board combined. I am very inclined to trust their observations as they are actually getting out there above 10 K and seeing the conditions first hand. They said most of the lakes above the pass were still frozen over, meaning that those fish are starved. I bet a lot of them do not make it. And no insect hatches either, so no food. Some of them might be making a living on leaches, but there are not enough of those to go around to feed all the fish. I really, because of how late in the season it is, do not think the Uintas are going to be prime fishing this year. I am looking at other areas to hunt down some trophy sized biggies. I am as anxious as anyone to get out there, but I really think the wait is worth it. Fall fishing is the best IMO out there anyways. If they do have some that survive this long winter, they are gonna be hungry for my flies. I actually think the late snow has me checking areas I have never considered hitting, and some that I have wanted to hit. The crew is gonna tour the Duck Lake area via split boards this weekend, I will give a report when they return on how it was out there. I can't go because we are just into our new place, and I have lots of unpacking to do. Riding the Bird and hitting some local trails here that have opened up in the tri-canyons this weekend. Possible over nighter up BCC, depending on how much I get done around here.

You heard it folks. Stay away from the Uintas until August! I like it that way, more solitude for me! :haha:

[dmMatrix]

You heard it folks. Stay away from the Uintas until August! I like it that way, more solitude for me! :haha:

More solitude for us too. We will take it.

The snow at Trial Lake is at 18" right now and that is just a pubic hair shy of 10K feet. I hope people stay away for a little longer, Ill go eat all the fish :naughty:

[ibenick]

18" this morning already down to 14" as of 2:00pm today. :mrgreen:

[dmMatrix]

18" this morning already down to 14" as of 2:00pm today. :mrgreen:

NICE!!!!!! Oh man, I have less than a week until my 5 day hike/fish trip up there. if its at 14" now then the snow should about be long gone in most places by the time I'm hiking. Although, I am still a bit worried about Ibantik lake. But, I'm sure it will be fine.

[ibenick]

NICE!!!!!! Oh man, I have less than a week until my 5 day hike/fish trip up there. if its at 14" now then the snow should about be long gone in most places by the time I'm hiking. Although, I am still a bit worried about Ibantik lake. But, I'm sure it will be fine.

Less than a week? I think there will still be way too much for something like that.

[dmMatrix]

Less than a week? I think there will still be way too much for something like that.

Well, we are going to be in the area next Wednesday... weren't planning on doing any "real" hiking until next Saturday and Sunday. Do you think we have a chance? Although, even if we just make it to the Three Divides and John Lake (for my bro-in-law named John) Ill be happy.

[kniephof]

UDOT is showing that the Mirror Lake Highway is going to open tomorrow - the 30th.

So is the road really open now? (I may have missed it in someone's reply...but I didn't see any official word).

[dmMatrix]

So is the road really open now? (I may have missed it in someone's reply...but I didn't see any official word).
45872

That info is here: http://commuterlink.utah.gov/PDFContent/SeasonalRoadClosures.pdf

[sillyman]

Hey dm, let me know how your trip goes as i'm planning on going up to those same lakes the following week.

[Dr. Nebz]

You heard it folks. Stay away from the Uintas until August! I like it that way, more solitude for me! :haha:

Explain to me where I ever said "Stay away from the Uintas until August." That is pretty presumptuous at best to take that from what I posted. :roll:

[dmMatrix]

Hey dm, let me know how your trip goes as i'm planning on going up to those same lakes the following week.

For sure, I will most likely be posting a Trip Report on the Sunday after (as we are planning to be home that Sunday (the 17th)). I will probably link the Trip Report right in this thread. I know there is someone else who was saying they were going to be up there today. It may have even been in this thread.

[dmMatrix]

I just got my hopes up pretty bad, but was then let down when I realized there are, in fact, more than one Lily Lake. I was checking the stocking reports and saw this:
45898

I checked the map just in case since I didn't know what the BR-11 designation meant... and it is a Lily Lake that is North of Butterfly Lake about 11 miles or so. I didn't even know that lake was there.

But Then I found this:
45899
The yellow pointer is pointing to Mirror Lake and as you can see from the legend it says Fishing is Fair!!!!

I don't know what their definition of "fair" is but it just helped with my worrying about how well the fishing will be next week :mrgreen:

[Deadeye008]

Just got back from a trip to Browne & Spirit Lakes. The road to Spirit is open. There are a few patches of snow near the lake but almost all the snow is melted there. The lake is 100% open. The creek coming out of Spirit is FULL. The fishing was ok. We caught the most in the little creek that comes out of Browne Lake. Tons of mosquitos at Spirit.

Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using Tapatalk

[AZAmy]

My family & I will be in the Unitas starting on the 11th. We were supposed to go to the Tetons and backpack... but well, the photos I've been seeing remind me of an arctic winter, so a friend suggested the Unitas. I realize that there is still snow here and we are willing to stay lower (I have a 14yo and a 16yo, they aren't interested in peak bagging!)... does anyone know of a 3-4 day backpacking trip that we won't end up in 3 feet of snow (patchy is fine) or stuck because we can't cross a stream? I've been reading lots, but not sure of anything. I'd like to start with at least a bit of a plan.

Thanks!

[dmMatrix]

My family & I will be in the Unitas starting on the 11th. We were supposed to go to the Tetons and backpack... but well, the photos I've been seeing remind me of an arctic winter, so a friend suggested the Unitas. I realize that there is still snow here and we are willing to stay lower (I have a 14yo and a 16yo, they aren't interested in peak bagging!)... does anyone know of a 3-4 day backpacking trip that we won't end up in 3 feet of snow (patchy is fine) or stuck because we can't cross a stream? I've been reading lots, but not sure of anything. I'd like to start with at least a bit of a plan.

Thanks!

My wife and I will be hiking and camping this week and should be back on the 10th. I know that is a little late for you to plan but if that helps I will be posting a link to the trip report that I have in here. There is someone else on this thread that is going up around the same time you are. Our trip will be around the Mirror lake highway lakes for the first maybe second day and then we will be doing some hiking into the Three Divide lakes, possibly Marjorie, maybe (if accessible) then Notch lake.

[northernoutpost]

A quick update for you, from today. Mirror partially open, Lost is essentially ice free, Wall has open water near the outlet, and no people, Trial is crowded but has lots of ice free surface. Notch still covered, Lovenia has open patches. There were a lot of lower elevation, ice-free lakes visible from the top of Bald Mountain this morning, but haven't tried to identify them. The basins around the highway are still largely snow-covered, but it was generally easy walking today, despite the heat.

[dmMatrix]

Trial is crowded but has lots of ice free surface.
How crowded is crowded? How did the lower campgrounds look? My wife is worried about finding a good site, she is making me ask :)

[northernoutpost]

I'd guess maybe 50-60 people on the short stretch of dam when I walked back at 4 PM yesterday. Campgrounds in the vicinity are closed, and lower down in the canyon, everything with an inch of flat space was crammed.

[dmMatrix]

I'd guess maybe 50-60 people on the short stretch of dam when I walked back at 4 PM yesterday. Campgrounds in the vicinity are closed, and lower down in the canyon, everything with an inch of flat space was crammed.
Ok, thanks for the info. Good thing we will be backpacking for most of it then. My wife might not get an actual camp sight *Tee Hee

[ibenick]

Explain to me where I ever said "Stay away from the Uintas until August." That is pretty presumptuous at best to take that from what I posted. :roll:

LOL. Just trying to make a little joke and bring this back to an easy going discussion about the Uintas! I'm sure you and your buds have skied plenty over the winter, not trying to say otherwise. I just think perhaps you're not seeing all of the data and observations available RIGHT NOW. A lot can happen in a week. And more importantly, I don't think anyone's opinion on this is important enough to warrant getting upset over. It's not the political forum! :haha:

But if you really want to know why I'm so 'presumptuous', these things you said might have helped.


I am as anxious as anyone to get out there, but I really think the wait is worth it. Fall fishing is the best IMO out there anyways.


I think anything above 10,000 ft is gonna be snowbound until the end of the month.


It is gonna be until late July to August before any of this opens up without needing to skin or snowshoe into anything good up there.

So I guess I'm sorry if my comment was somehow offensive. :ne_nau:

[ibenick]

Just got back from 3 days backpacking the eastern Uintas. Had zero snow all the way to Potter Lake at 10,200 feet. Still some drifts above the lake but I'm quite sure I could have followed the trail to 11k+ without much trouble. Beautiful but very rugged area over there. Hiked in 7 miles and didn't see a single person after leaving the trailhead for the next three days. Fishing was just okay, caught around 8, the water was a bit turbid, might have something to do with it. Trip report coming soon.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5316/5903276586_c2731cec68_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ibenick/5903276586/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5236/5902725587_b0210c22a0_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ibenick/5902725587/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5199/5903503092_0d4f7149db_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ibenick/5903503092/)

[kniephof]

Just got back from 3 days backpacking the eastern Uintas.

Nice Nick. I got out for a quick 1 nighter to Wall Lake with a few friends. Still tons of snow in the area. My friends bagged Mt. Watson while I checked out the Notch.

[ibenick]

Nice Nick. I got out for a quick 1 nighter to Wall Lake with a few friends. Still tons of snow in the area. My friends bagged Mt. Watson while I checked out the Notch.

I was just checking out your pics! Looks awesome, you guys are tough kicking through all that snow. Did you use crampons or micro spikes or were you just kicking in really well?

[kniephof]

I was just checking out your pics! Looks awesome, you guys are tough kicking through all that snow. Did you use crampons or micro spikes or were you just kicking in really well?

Funny, I was just checking out your Subway TR. I did Orderville last weekend with Scouts. Was fun.

We used snowshoes on the way in to Wall Lake(not very necessary - snow was hard enough). We didn't use them on the way out (but had a few spots of serious post-holing). But, I'm assuming you're asking about crampons for those that bagged Watson. They only wore their hiking boots and used trekking poles. It looked too dicey for me without the crampons/axe. They said it wasn't too bad...only a few spots where they had to kick steps. They even glissaded a lot of it on the way down.

(Saturday on Red Baldy, we used crampons/axe...in case you were looking at those pics).

[Dr. Nebz]

LOL. Just trying to make a little joke and bring this back to an easy going discussion about the Uintas! I'm sure you and your buds have skied plenty over the winter, not trying to say otherwise. I just think perhaps you're not seeing all of the data and observations available RIGHT NOW. A lot can happen in a week. And more importantly, I don't think anyone's opinion on this is important enough to warrant getting upset over. It's not the political forum! :haha:

But if you really want to know why I'm so 'presumptuous', these things you said might have helped.







So I guess I'm sorry if my comment was somehow offensive. :ne_nau:

I guess I did not find it funny. Sorry about that.

As you can see over the last couple of weeks, I have put up solid pics and video of the conditions out there above the pass on Hwy 150. And I am sure even with the fast melt off there is still some snowbound areas with ice still on the lakes. I would say in the next couple of weeks (towards the end of July, as I was stating originally) they will be ready to go. Politics and politicians suck ballz, so really not interested in that angle. But I did have to ask what I did, because it kind of felt like you were putting words in my mouth, and that is not something I find funny, personally.

No worries, but if you are gonna post something like that, I am gonna call you on it because its just the kind of asshole I am.

[dmMatrix]

I guess I did not find it funny. Sorry about that.

As you can see over the last couple of weeks, I have put up solid pics and video of the conditions out there above the pass on Hwy 150. And I am sure even with the fast melt off there is still some snowbound areas with ice still on the lakes. I would say in the next couple of weeks (towards the end of July, as I was stating originally) they will be ready to go. Politics and politicians suck ballz, so really not interested in that angle. But I did have to ask what I did, because it kind of felt like you were putting words in my mouth, and that is not something I find funny, personally.

No worries, but if you are gonna post something like that, I am gonna call you on it because its just the kind of asshole I am.

Well, now that we got all that out of the way.

Nice Pics Nick. I want you to know that those fish look tasty. Although many will disagree with me I really do think that Brooke Trout are the best tasting trout. Sadly though, when I caught my last grayling I was quite disappointed but then drowned my sorrows in a nice Brookie :naughty:

[CarpeyBiggs]

i spent the night out at spirit lake last night. snow level is at ~ 10,300 for occasional patches, and i never hit any consolidated snow on the trail. unfortunately, my gimpy ass couldn't hike more than about a 1/2 mile up the trail. but the snow is definitely way above 10,500, and looked like it wasn't significant until well over 11,000...

the east side is opening up fast... :2thumbs:

[Dr. Nebz]

My friends who toured the Mt Watson area over the weekend July 2nd-4th returned last night and had a full report for the area up there. They skinned Mt Watson and rode it multiple times. They said the snow pack is still really deep up there. They said that Washington Lake, Weir Lake, Pot Lake, and Marjorie Lake, and Duck Lake were still frozen solid. They said that most of the basins up there were still really deep and the snow was still hanging in there. They did report warm temps over night, but trying to pack it in there would be post holing all the way, and that there was, minus Trial Lake, not much open water to fish up there. They said that the road to the Crystal Lake Trail Head was still 5 feet deep, and that they figured it was looking like 3 weeks, as I have said before, until it is ready up there. They did say that the water crossing by Marjorie Lake looked impassable due to high water, so it may be August until the runoff gets under control. They said that from the summit they could see most of the range, and it looked like Rock Creek might be thawing, but was still a few weeks out. I imagine anything worth while up there is going to be end of July to August before we are hitting it. Snow is just hanging out up there. :crazycobasa:

[ibenick]

They said that from the summit they could see most of the range, and it looked like Rock Creek might be thawing, but was still a few weeks out. I imagine anything worth while up there is going to be end of July to August before we are hitting it. Snow is just hanging out up there. :crazycobasa:

Dude! You're killing me! Pretty much everything east of King's is PRIME! If this doesn't look worthwhile, I don't know what is. :ne_nau:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5034/5904158858_205ea2f364_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ibenick/5904158858/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5076/5903037011_1e32b34de9_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ibenick/5903037011/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5272/5902716415_b005749b2a_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ibenick/5902716415/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6006/5906279729_74d89dc9af_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ibenick/5906279729/)

[Dr. Nebz]

Dude! You're killing me! Pretty much everything east of King's is PRIME! If this doesn't look worthwhile, I don't know what is.

Call Collin if you don't believe me. Him and Chris and the Voile crew did that trip over the weekend.

I would love to hit the east side, I have some places I would love to hit out there. But that is for sure a long way from Kings Peak. I am sure I could hit the Wellsville Mountains or the Left Fork of the Huntington with about the same distance driving. That is a long way out there. And since this is a HWY 150 conditions thread, I was giving a current update for that area since the crew just got back from there. I was not mentioning the east side of the Uintas at all.

[ibenick]

Call Collin if you don't believe me. Him and Chris and the Voile crew did that trip over the weekend.

I would love to hit the east side, I have some places I would love to hit out there. But that is for sure a long way from Kings Peak. I am sure I could hit the Wellsville Mountains or the Left Fork of the Huntington with about the same distance driving. That is a long way out there. And since this is a HWY 150 conditions thread, I was giving a current update for that area since the crew just got back from there. I was not mentioning the east side of the Uintas at all.

Are you kidding me? :facepalm:

Sorry to pollute the Uintas Conditions (HWY 150) thread with information on the central and eastern Uintas. I'll make sure and start a new thread next time I head out that way and have something to share. :roll:

[ibenick]

And by the way, the Wellsville's are a shorter drive from SLC than Trial Lake. Have fun backpacking and fishing in them. Let us know how that goes. :lol8:

[Dr. Nebz]

Are you kidding me? :facepalm:

Sorry to pollute the Uintas Conditions (HWY 150) thread with information on the central and eastern Uintas. I'll make sure and start a new thread next time I head out that way and have something to share. :roll:

Dude, what is your malfunction? Seriously, I post an accurate conditions report for HWY 150, specifically Mt Watson area, and you put up some chatter to try to make what I post look like I don't know what I am talking about? Have you been up any of the trails on HWY 150 above Provo River Falls this summer? I was on topic here with a report from our crew who hit that area splitboarding this past weekend. I am glad you are getting out there. Awesome you are exploring the east side. But there is no reason that you need to chime in with your attitude every time I put up accurate information regarding the HWY 150 area. :nono:

[Dr. Nebz]

And by the way, the Wellsville's are a shorter drive from SLC than Trial Lake. Have fun backpacking and fishing in them. Let us know how that goes. :lol8:


Sure, and the next time you talk like you can snowboard, tell that to someone who wants to buy it. You acted like you were down for the shred, instead you quit after four runs. On a pow day FTW? What was that BS you were talking out your :bootyshake:in your truck when you came up to the Bird? That you hated it when your friend just wanted to bail after 4 runs. And what did you do? You quit after 4 runs. We even cut our day short because I wanted to hang out with you. Me and my riding partner Jeremy bailed on a pow day to not make you feel left out. I actually considered you a friend Nick, remember, you decided we were not friends because of an internet post you were not even directly involved in. I am not sure what crawled up your yin yang after we hung out after the Bird on Superbowl Sunday, but you should really look into pest removal. I have been very respectful to you on here, and as of late, your manner is less than pleasant to say the least. If you want to act like you are still in high school be my guest. But I keep it real, and I do not have to act like anyone but who I am. And I don't need to be the most popular person, ever. If that is your thing, by all means, have at it.

But don't expect me to give two shits about that game Nick. Because I don't.

[ibenick]

Dude, what is your malfunction? Seriously, I post an accurate conditions report for HWY 150, specifically Mt Watson area, and you put up some chatter to try to make what I post look like I don't know what I am talking about? Have you been up any of the trails on HWY 150 above Provo River Falls this summer? I was on topic here with a report from our crew who hit that area splitboarding this past weekend. I am glad you are getting out there. Awesome you are exploring the east side. But there is no reason that you need to chime in with your attitude every time I put up accurate information regarding the HWY 150 area. :nono:


Sure, and the next time you talk like you can snowboard, tell that to someone who wants to buy it. You acted like you were down for the shred, instead you quit after four runs. On a pow day FTW? What was that BS you were talking out your :bootyshake:in your truck when you came up to the Bird? That you hated it when your friend just wanted to bail after 4 runs. And what did you do? You quit after 4 runs. We even cut our day short because I wanted to hang out with you. Me and my riding partner Jeremy bailed on a pow day to not make you feel left out. I actually considered you a friend Nick, remember, you decided we were not friends because of an internet post you were not even directly involved in. I am not sure what crawled up your yin yang after we hung out after the Bird on Superbowl Sunday, but you should really look into pest removal. I have been very respectful to you on here, and as of late, your manner is less than pleasant to say the least. If you want to act like you are still in high school be my guest. But I keep it real, and I do not have to act like anyone but who I am. And I don't need to be the most popular person, ever. If that is your thing, by all means, have at it.

But don't expect me to give two shits about that game Nick. Because I don't.


Clear the area folks, meltdown in progress.

BTW, Christian, you can always block me if you don't like my 'atittude'. This thread explains the process. http://www.bogley.com/forum/showthread.php?54347-Ignore-hide-users-posts

[Dr. Nebz]

Clear the area folks, meltdown in progress.

BTW, Christian, you can always block me if you don't like my 'atittude'. This thread explains the process. http://www.bogley.com/forum/showthread.php?54347-Ignore-hide-users-posts

Meltdown? Haha, now that is funny. I'd say that was "saving face speechless." :fitz:

I really have not even thought about blocking you because until a few weeks ago, you have kept it pretty civil on here. You can also block me, so idea goes both ways. But as I told you before, just because I disagree with someone, does not mean I would end my friendship with them. I mean for real man, its not like I was banging your wife, stealin your stash, or robbing your wallet. I participated in a discussion on here. I could think of 1,000,000 things worse that you could do to a person. I honestly see no reason to get all butt hurt because I have an opinion. I have not always agreed with what you post on here, but I don't make it a point to point out what I do not agree with. I think everyone has a voice, and deserves to be heard. :nod:

[ibenick]

Meltdown? Haha, now that is funny. I'd say that was "saving face speechless." :fitz:

I really have not even thought about blocking you because until a few weeks ago, you have kept it pretty civil on here. You can also block me, so idea goes both ways. But as I told you before, just because I disagree with someone, does not mean I would end my friendship with them. I mean for real man, its not like I was banging your wife, stealin your stash, or robbing your wallet. I participated in a discussion on here. I could think of 1,000,000 things worse that you could do to a person. I honestly see no reason to get all butt hurt because I have an opinion. I have not always agreed with what you post on here, but I don't make it a point to point out what I do not agree with. I think everyone has a voice, and deserves to be heard. :nod:

LOL. But seriously, I really encourage you to block me. It's clear that this could go on forever. I could start talking about all of your shortcomings and personality flaws and why I felt after going on a few outings, it was a good idea not to associate with you anymore. Then you could talk more about how I bailed out on snowboarding and why I'm such a jerk, blah, blah, blah. But why bother? It's totally unproductive, childish, unkind and utterly pointless, so I won't engage in it. So let's just leave this as I fundamentally disagree with the way you interact with people and you obviously feel the same way about me. Argument done. So really, you should block me.

[kniephof]

My friends who toured the Mt Watson area over the weekend July 2nd-4th returned last night and had a full report for the area up there. They skinned Mt Watson and rode it multiple times. They said the snow pack is still really deep up there. They said that Washington Lake, Weir Lake, Pot Lake, and Marjorie Lake, and Duck Lake were still frozen solid. They said that most of the basins up there were still really deep and the snow was still hanging in there. They did report warm temps over night, but trying to pack it in there would be post holing all the way, and that there was, minus Trial Lake, not much open water to fish up there. They said that the road to the Crystal Lake Trail Head was still 5 feet deep, and that they figured it was looking like 3 weeks, as I have said before, until it is ready up there. They did say that the water crossing by Marjorie Lake looked impassable due to high water, so it may be August until the runoff gets under control. They said that from the summit they could see most of the range, and it looked like Rock Creek might be thawing, but was still a few weeks out. I imagine anything worth while up there is going to be end of July to August before we are hitting it. Snow is just hanging out up there. :crazycobasa:

Hey Nebz, it must have been your buddies that my group bumped into on Sunday afternoon near at the Trial Lake 'trailhead'. They were cool and looked wiped out. They gave us some info on the conditions back there right before we headed out. I was too lazy before...but I'll post a few pictures of the conditions in the area from our 1 night trip on July 3 and 4th. (I hope not resizing them doesn't turn out to be ridiculous).:

1 - Area we explored

45947

2 - Trail head...I think that's Nebz friends' dog =)

45944

3 - Heading into Wall Lake - snowshoes kept us from post-holing, but you could actually stay on top 95% of the time

45945

4 - Just below Wall Lake

45948

5 - Lane above Wall Lake

45942

6 - Me in the mother of all post-holes. =)

45951

7 - Just below Mt Watson, giant cornice that had fallen

45946

8 - Heading up Mt Watson

45943

9 - Clyde Lake (I think)

45950

10 - Almost to summit - not sure which lakes are in the background

45949

[Dr. Nebz]

LOL. But seriously, I really encourage you to block me. It's clear that this could go on forever. I could start talking about all of your shortcomings and personality flaws and why I felt after going on a few outings, it was a good idea not to associate with you anymore. Then you could talk more about how I bailed out on snowboarding and why I'm such a jerk, blah, blah, blah. But why bother? It's totally unproductive, childish, unkind and utterly pointless, so I won't engage in it. So let's just leave this as I fundamentally disagree with the way you interact with people and you obviously feel the same way about me. Argument done. But really, you should block me.

What shortcomings? What personality flaws? You went on a weekend trip and an over nighter that I invited you to join me and my friends on, and we hung out one day (four runs snowboarding.) You can never know someones personality or shortcomings with that little time spent knowing them. Be real.

What is childish, and utterly pointless is how you are being on here. There was no argument in the first place. When you you wanna be real, and not act like a douche, I am all ears.

[Dr. Nebz]

Hey Nebz, it must have been your buddies that my group bumped into on Sunday afternoon near at the Trial Lake 'trailhead'. They were cool and looked wiped out. They gave us some info on the conditions back there right before we headed out.

That was probably Adam and one of the managers at Voile. Chris, Robbie and Ryan and Collin stayed until Monday. Yeah I am sure they were beat, climbing Watson on skins multiple times with big packs on is a lot of work. Chris said they were all beat on Sat night. Looks like you got the snowshoes on. Nice one!

[ibenick]

What shortcomings? What personality flaws? You went on a weekend trip and an over nighter that I invited you to join me and my friends on, and we hung out one day (four runs snowboarding.) You can never know someones personality or shortcomings with that little time spent knowing them. Be real.

What is childish, and utterly pointless is how you are being on here. There was no argument in the first place. When you you wanna be real, and not act like a douche, I am all ears.

Disengage... NOW.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xfQg-xGKPME/TIvPxgLawDI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/UnNOsMHS24o/s1600/picard.jpg

:haha:

[Dr. Nebz]

45953

[CarpeyBiggs]

nebz, are you really as crazy as you seem on this forum? if so, i want to meet you. i'll bet there is never a dull moment. fireworks baby, fireworks!


I have to say, ibenick, summit, blueeyes, and a host of others have been totally rad, and are a great example of why I was drawn here. They keep it real, what this place was all about and why I came here in the first place- the outdoors. There have been many other good interactions on here with other users, too many to name, but I do remember every post, and I appreciate those who kept it real.

I, for everyone's sake am done feeding the trolls. I have said my peace with those that I do not like, and will not be participating in anymore threads other than ones related to photography, snowboarding, hiking, backpacking, camping and fishing. If you choose to continue with this bullshit (you all know who this is directed at) I will discontinue using this message board. That is all I have for any of you who want to continue this retarded behavior. I wont hold my breath, because I do not see it ending from their end of things. It ends from my end here and now.

[Wasatch Rebel]

Hmm. So has anyone actually been on the trail to Kings this year?

[Dr. Nebz]

nebz, are you really as crazy as you seem on this forum? if so, i want to meet you. i'll bet there is never a dull moment. fireworks baby, fireworks!

Depends on your definition of crazy. I look at all the people from of our species, and they all seem a little crazy, if you are looking at it by the definition of "crazy." Does being blatantly honest make me crazy? If so, then I guess a straight jacket and a rubber room is in order for me.

CarpeyBiggs, I enjoy your posts on here. I think if you did meet me, you would see that I am just another human being. That is all I claim to be, honest, fair, and real. I guess in a plastic world like we live in today, being yourself could be interpreted as crazy. Life is for the living, so for sure in my life, there is never a dull moment.

[Dr. Nebz]

Hmm. So has anyone actually been on the trail to Kings this year?

I don't think you are going to see that place melt out all the way this year. I have heard of no one, even on skis or splits that have been up there this year. I imagine it has to be buried if HWY 150 area still is. It is north facing, so it is gonna hold its snow longer.

[Deadeye008]

I don't think you are going to see that place melt out all the way this year. I have heard of no one, even on skis or splits that have been up there this year. I imagine it has to be buried if HWY 150 area still is. It is north facing, so it is gonna hold its snow longer.

I remember reading a post where someones friends had gone through Henry's Fork, camped at Dollar Lake and then made it to Gunsight Pass but turned around because of too much snow. I'll see if i can find it.

[Deadeye008]

Hmm. So has anyone actually been on the trail to Kings this year?

Check out post #32 in this thread:

Today my dentist told me he was upKings Peak area last weekend. They camped at dollar lake and got tired of post holing around gunsight pass. He said it was wet but snow free aroun 10,000 ft.

[ibenick]

Hmm. So has anyone actually been on the trail to Kings this year?

Hey now... lets keep this thread on topic! :roflol:

[Deadeye008]

Sorry, I didn't mean to encourage him...

Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using Tapatalk

[Dr. Nebz]

Check out post #32 in this thread:

Today my dentist told me he was up Kings Peak area last weekend. They camped at dollar lake and got tired of post holing around gun sight pass. He said it was wet but snow free around 10,000 ft.

Nice, this is good news. Maybe we will have a chance at those basins up there this summer. We had originally planned a Kings trip this year, but I do not think the peak will be ready in the time frame we were looking at.

[CarpeyBiggs]

i'm sure kings will be doable soon. certainly part of the equation has to do with everyone's comfort in snow. there will likely be some snow until august. but looking at the stuff around spirit lake over the weekend, you could easily make it into fox and dime lakes without much trouble or snow, i'm guessing. there just isn't that much snow left out there. from there, it's a cruise to kidney lakes. you can day trip kings from kidney's pretty easy. if you come at kings from the east i imagine you'll have less snow earlier, and really only have significant snow on the final leg, is my guess.

but, it's easy to armchair this stuff. wish i could really go see it for myself. maybe in august :nod:

[ibenick]

Just noticed the Five Points Lake snotel SE of King's Peak at 10,900 feet has been out of measurable snow since the 4th. Trial Lake snotel will hit zero this afternoon. Looking pretty good out there. Especially for those willing to drive a bit further. :naughty:

45982

[Sombeech]

Is this East of King's Peak?

http://www.bogley.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=45945&d=1309927150

http://www.bogley.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=45950

[Dr. Nebz]

Is this East of King's Peak?

No that is the Mt Watson area up by the pass on HWY 150. Kings Peak is quite a bit east of this location.

[ibenick]

Is this East of King's Peak?

That's the Trial Lake area.

[Wasatch Rebel]

Hey now... lets keep this thread on topic! :roflol:

:lol8:

[Wasatch Rebel]

Check out post #32 in this thread:

Today my dentist told me he was upKings Peak area last weekend. They camped at dollar lake and got tired of post holing around gunsight pass. He said it was wet but snow free aroun 10,000 ft.

Cool. So, maybe by the 13th, we could make it up over the pass. I don't think I'll be able to talk my friends into going there, after we changed it to Boulder Mountain, but at least I'll have some ammo to use in the discussion.

[qedcook]

What do you guys think of Naturalist Basin? Clear of significant snow by July 15th?

[ibenick]

What do you guys think of Naturalist Basin? Clear of significant snow by July 15th?

I doubt it. Most of Naturalist is pretty high, pushing 11k. I'd give it another couple weeks for that stuff.

[ibenick]

Cool. So, maybe by the 13th, we could make it up over the pass. I don't think I'll be able to talk my friends into going there, after we changed it to Boulder Mountain, but at least I'll have some ammo to use in the discussion.

No doubt there are people who will disagree with me on this but I think you'd be better off heading out east into the Uintas rather then going to Boulder Mountain. Here's my opinion on it; Boulder Mountain, no matter how you slice it has ATV trails and dirt roads intersecting every trail on the mountain. Yes, there are lots of trails where they aren't allowed but it is very challenging to find more than 3-4 miles of continuous trail that doesn't at least cross one of them or go within a very close distance. Second, the scenery there in my opinion is kind of boring. Lots of trees but nothing even remotely dramatic except for the occasional views out into the desert. I mean really, the name 'Boulder Mountain' is pretty misleading considering the entire top of it is pretty much dead flat. If I were crunching to put a trip together for next week I would just head east. Weyman Basin, Lamb Lakes, Spirit Lake area, probably even the Chepeta/White Rocks areas are all ripe for the picking right now. Whether you can make it over the pass to King's, that I wouldn't bank on. I posted a TR from last weekend over there if you're interested. http://backcountrypost.com/?p=891

And as for the road situation down there, check out the topo. Full screen version (http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?q=mymap,214533597045798101523.0004a77d67 ee08e30552d&t=t2)
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?q=mymap,214533597045798101523.0004a77d67 ee08e30552d&t=t2

[Dr. Nebz]

Cool. So, maybe by the 13th, we could make it up over the pass. I don't think I'll be able to talk my friends into going there, after we changed it to Boulder Mountain, but at least I'll have some ammo to use in the discussion.

FYI, Deer Creek/GWT/Chriss Lake Loop on Boulder Mountain is a bit over 5 miles, and zero ATV access. And if you have time if you go up there, go southwest of that area on the GWT. There is miles of lakes and off trail exploring you can do. I will make a longer trip next year to explore more of the area. 3 days was not enough for me.

[kaufnizer]

I'm about to trek up to Lost Lake and have heard elsewhere that Washington Lake and Trial Lake area are melted off. I actually found these snow cover layers for google earth (nohrsc.noaa.gov/earth/). To check validity of these models, I checked all the areas that have been claimed to be snow free from this forum, and sure enough they are. These data layers are updated every day, so they may prove to be very useful!

[Dr. Nebz]

I'm about to trek up to Lost Lake and have heard elsewhere that Washington Lake and Trial Lake area are melted off. I actually found these snow cover layers for google earth (nohrsc.noaa.gov/earth/). To check validity of these models, I checked all the areas that have been claimed to be snow free from this forum, and sure enough they are. These data layers are updated every day, so they may prove to be very useful!

Pretty cool link. Thanks!

[kniephof]

I'm about to trek up to Lost Lake and have heard elsewhere that Washington Lake and Trial Lake area are melted off. I actually found these snow cover layers for google earth (nohrsc.noaa.gov/earth/). To check validity of these models, I checked all the areas that have been claimed to be snow free from this forum, and sure enough they are. These data layers are updated every day, so they may prove to be very useful!

That's pretty sweet. I love google earth. But, I wonder how accurate that data is. I looked at the various snow layers (7/7/11) and it doesn't show any snow at Wall Lake where I was just at a on Monday (see pictures earlier in this thread). I wonder how they obtain/calculate the layers??

[Wasatch Rebel]

I don't think I can convince my friends to go to the Uintas now. Thankfully, I have my own planned trip next month with another friend. Not to Kings, but up near Fish Lake.

[Wasatch Rebel]

FYI, Deer Creek/GWT/Chriss Lake Loop on Boulder Mountain is a bit over 5 miles, and zero ATV access. And if you have time if you go up there, go southwest of that area on the GWT. There is miles of lakes and off trail exploring you can do. I will make a longer trip next year to explore more of the area. 3 days was not enough for me.

I'm pretty sure that's about where we're heading. I guess I'm more interested in getting away from people and fishing than anything else.

[Wasatch Rebel]

No doubt there are people who will disagree with me on this but I think you'd be better off heading out east into the Uintas rather then going to Boulder Mountain. Here's my opinion on it; Boulder Mountain, no matter how you slice it has ATV trails and dirt roads intersecting every trail on the mountain. Yes, there are lots of trails where they aren't allowed but it is very challenging to find more than 3-4 miles of continuous trail that doesn't at least cross one of them or go within a very close distance. Second, the scenery there in my opinion is kind of boring. Lots of trees but nothing even remotely dramatic except for the occasional views out into the desert. I mean really, the name 'Boulder Mountain' is pretty misleading considering the entire top of it is pretty much dead flat. If I were crunching to put a trip together for next week I would just head east. Weyman Basin, Lamb Lakes, Spirit Lake area, probably even the Chepeta/White Rocks areas are all ripe for the picking right now. Whether you can make it over the pass to King's, that I wouldn't bank on. I posted a TR from last weekend over there if you're interested. http://backcountrypost.com/?p=891

And as for the road situation down there, check out the topo. Full screen version (http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?q=mymap,214533597045798101523.0004a77d67 ee08e30552d&t=t2)
http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?q=mymap,214533597045798101523.0004a77d67 ee08e30552d&t=t2

Thanks. Like I said, my friends will be hard to convince at this point, though I'm rarin' to get up into the Uintas. I'm gonna give it one more shot to convince them. But I think Boulder Mountain could be kind of interesting considering I've never been there.

[kniephof]

This is a sweet report from someone that did a Uinta fly-over. Pretty sweet. Includes pics:

High Uintas Helicopter FlyOver July 8th
(http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?post=677207)

[Dr. Nebz]

I'm pretty sure that's about where we're heading. I guess I'm more interested in getting away from people and fishing than anything else.

Make sure you got shade, and pick the shady spots for camp, I imagine it is gonna be warm down there now. Look forward to your report when you return. :2thumbs:

[Scott P]

Everyone's worried about the snow, but IMHO, now is the time to go. Once the upper basins are mostly melted off, it will be mosquito heaven. In 1995, another heavy snow year, early July was great (albeit snowy) and the mosquitoes were horrible when we went in mid-August (in light snow years they're mostly gone by then). 1998 was similar as well.

The snow is usually hard in the morning hours, wet in the afternoons. In a heavy snow year, if I had to choose between snow or hordes of mosqitoes (and they will come out-but much later this year), I would choose the snow.

[CarpeyBiggs]

bird's eye view of the uintas from today. uh, tons of snow still... lol.

http://www.bigfishtackle.com/forum/Utah_Fishing_Forum_C55/Utah_Fishing_General_F58/High_Uintas_Helicopter_FlyOver_July_8th_P677207/gforum.cgi?post=677207;forum_view=forum_view_colla psed

[Dr. Nebz]

Everyone's worried about the snow, but IMHO, now is the time to go. Once the upper basins are mostly melted off, it will be mosquito heaven. In 1995, another heavy snow year, early July was great (albeit snowy) and the mosquitoes were horrible when we went in mid-August (in light snow years they're mostly gone by then). 1998 was similar as well.

The snow is usually hard in the morning hours, wet in the afternoons. In a heavy snow year, if I had to choose between snow or hordes of mosqitoes (and they will come out-but much later this year), I would choose the snow.

100% deet is always in my pack. After Alaska, where that sometimes just was not enough, I always pack nothing less. And compared to the skeeters I dealt with in Alaska, these pesky little bastards here in Utah are like the size of gnats.

Last year we hit the first snow free weekend in the Uintas, Duck Lake, first weekend in June 2010. When it was not raining, it was swarming time! Did not matter morning, noon or evening, you had to have a skeeter net on unless you were in a windy spot or it was raining. We both had the black cloud of blood suckers hovering around us. Trust me, I am glad I can pinch a loaf in a jiffy, for them swarming, biting, blood suckers will try to tap a vein where ever they can. Ouch! :scared:

I think some of the hatches have died, and some of them have already happened. I think the upper reaches will not see it as bad as the low lying boggy areas out there this year. Standing water out there this summer is gonna be a nightmare of skeeters no matter how you slice it. Just too much water to avoid the hatches. Grand Daddy Basin for example is gonna be terrible with the skeeters. Bring Ya Deet! :nod:

[dmMatrix]

Hey Guys, we just got back from the Uintas today actually. We were planning on coming home tomorrow but the "people pollution" got to me. I am going to be blogging my trip later tonight as well as leaving a trip report.

But, I just read the last two pages of this thread that I missed and WOW!! I was laughing so hard :roflol:

But seriously, Washington is partly froze.... Trial is crowded as crap.... Echo was fun but we got hailed on so hard it isn't funny. It rained and hailed almost all day Thursday. It rained every night since wednesday. Pass was fun but there were kids there all day throwing rocks in the lake and yelling :angryfire: Butterfly is about 75% froze. The back road to trial was kinda fun but we couldn't make it the last 3 miles because my big ol' dodge couldn't get up the "river hill" (I was in 4 low and climbing but my wife made me stop). and the rest will be in a report later tonight.

[dmMatrix]

and by "river hill" i mean that the rocks were way too slick since there was a river flowing down the hill spanning the whole width of the road.

[Dr. Nebz]

But, I just read the last two pages of this thread that I missed and WOW!! I was laughing so hard :roflol:


Hey, I aim to please. :haha:

On a serious note- Yeah, heard the same thing, no where to park and tonz of tourists. I am still saying fall is gonna be sick up there. The upper Wasatch is opening up. Maybe hit a few of those areas before rolling into HWY 150 this year.

[dmMatrix]

Ok everyone. My trip report here on bogley can be found here: http://www.bogley.com/forum/showthread.php?56896-Uinta-Report-July-6-9-2011&p=462772#post462772

The full report can of coarse be found on my blog @ http://ryanfreakingwood.blogspot.com

These posts: http://ryanfreakingwood.blogspot.com/2011/07/5-day-uinta-trip-post-1-mostly-driving.html
http://ryanfreakingwood.blogspot.com/2011/07/5-day-uinta-trip-post-2-let-it-rain-let.html

[kaufnizer]

Trial Lake is melted. Hiked up to Long Lake this weekend. The trailhead should be accessable by now, but there was some snow on the road a day ago. People with trucks and SUV's can make it for sure, and sedans today or within the next day or two probably. The hike to crystal is mostly melted off, easily accessable IMO. The trail to long lake is mostly covered in snow, but we made the trek anyway. The lake is still patchy ice. Saw one fish, but an hour or so of fishing yielded nothing. We used a map and compass to find our way since the trail was covered.

[Pfrosty]

Keep the info coming. I'm planning on Kings Peak at the end of the month via Henry's Fork. Is there a different thread on this forum specific to conditions around Kings?

[ibenick]

Keep the info coming. I'm planning on Kings Peak at the end of the month via Henry's Fork. Is there a different thread on this forum specific to conditions around Kings?

No. This is a great thread for that stuff! I'll be reporting back from a trip next weekend that should be very helpful.

Yo Mike, since you started this thread, you should change the title of it to just Uinta Access (edit your OP and click go advanced), delete the "(HWY 150)" so maybe we won't have any more issues. :lol8:

[kniephof]

No. This is a great thread for that stuff! I'll be reporting back from a trip next weekend that should be very helpful.

Yo Mike, since you started this thread, you should change the title of it to just Uinta Access (edit your OP and click go advanced), delete the "(HWY 150)" so maybe we won't have any more issues. :lol8:

Done! (Thanks...I actually wasn't sure how to change the thread name...now I do).

[ibenick]

Done! (Thanks...I actually wasn't sure how to change the thread name...now I do).

:2thumbs:

So anyone been out on the east side of the Uintas lately? :lol8:

[out4fun]

Anyone know if Elizabeth ridge is open yet? We are supposed to be camping on the 23rd near lyman lake. Anyone know of how this area is?

[dmMatrix]

I just checked the Fish Stocking report and several of the lakes on Hwy 150 were stocked this week including: Trial, Lily, Lost, Teapot, Mirror, and Pass. There may have been more but those are the ones that I did see. So, if you are heading up there soon the fishing is sure to be great :2thumbs:

[wes242]

I fished at Mirror Yesterday and my friend and I caught about 60 of there... Mostly Rainbow planters a few Tigers, Albinos and Brookes. Fished Washington and Crystal.... pretty slow there..

[dmMatrix]

I fished at Mirror Yesterday and my friend and I caught about 60 of there... Mostly Rainbow planters a few Tigers, Albinos and Brookes. Fished Washington and Crystal.... pretty slow there..

I wanted to fish Crystal Last week but decided not to. Hopefully it will pick up by the next time I'm up there. I want to hit Ibantik and the Three Divides sooooooo badly.

[CarpeyBiggs]

Anyone know if Elizabeth ridge is open yet? We are supposed to be camping on the 23rd near lyman lake. Anyone know of how this area is?

drove over it on the 14th. it's golden, nothing to worry about. heading up to elizabeth ridge from lyman lake there was a spot i couldn't get my honda civic past. higher clearance recommended.

[CarpeyBiggs]

just back from a couple of nights in amethyst basin. snow is inconsequential. amethyst was probably 80 percent frozen when we got there, maybe 70 percent or less when we left. still snow at 10,500 in big drifts, but nothing to worry about.

oh yeah, and ZERO mosquitoes. good times. :2thumbs:

[ibenick]

just back from a couple of nights in amethyst basin. snow is inconsequential. amethyst was probably 80 percent frozen when we got there, maybe 70 percent or less when we left. still snow at 10,500 in big drifts, but nothing to worry about.

oh yeah, and ZERO mosquitoes. good times. :2thumbs:

Sounds to me like the western Uintas (except passes) are now ready for backpacking. Thanks for the update. I'll snap a pic of amethyst next weekend. It will be interesting to see what one week can do for a half frozen lake.

[CarpeyBiggs]

ice at amethyst, from friday july 15, 2011

[ibenick]

ice at amethyst, from friday july 15, 2011

Lookin' pretty damn good for 10,800 feet. :nod:

[dmMatrix]

Lookin' pretty damn good for 10,800 feet. :nod:
Agreed, that is still a pretty lake.

[sillyman]

Sorry for the late post. I was up Echo lake last tuesday then hit the crystal lake trailhead wednesday through thursday. Echo is still really wet with occasional snow drifts. The road to crystal lake is completely clear. There are still a bunch of snow drifts in the area and more so as you start going up on the trails. We only went up to cliff lake and camped there. There's still a lot of snow and it was fairly difficult finding a dry spot to camp. The lake still had some ice on it around the shoreline, but was mostly clear. Fishing was not very good. I hiked up the ridge to petite lake and it's pretty much still frozen with the exception around the inlet. I hiked above that and could see clyde lake. It looked open and I saw a couple people camping down there. I believe you could make it to the divide lakes, but it's very wet and I would highly recommend waterproof boots. I bet by the end of this week conditions would be favorable. We ended up fishing trial lake on thursday and the fishing was very fast. I'll try to get around doing a trip report later today.

[dmMatrix]

Sorry for the late post. I was up Echo lake last tuesday then hit the crystal lake trailhead wednesday through thursday. Echo is still really wet with occasional snow drifts. The road to crystal lake is completely clear. There are still a bunch of snow drifts in the area and more so as you start going up on the trails. We only went up to cliff lake and camped there. There's still a lot of snow and it was fairly difficult finding a dry spot to camp. The lake still had some ice on it around the shoreline, but was mostly clear. Fishing was not very good. I hiked up the ridge to petite lake and it's pretty much still frozen with the exception around the inlet. I hiked above that and could see clyde lake. It looked open and I saw a couple people camping down there. I believe you could make it to the divide lakes, but it's very wet and I would highly recommend waterproof boots. I bet by the end of this week conditions would be favorable. We ended up fishing trial lake on thursday and the fishing was very fast. I'll try to get around doing a trip report later today.

That is so good to hear. I was waiting a bit before going back again this month. Hopefully the fishing in there will pick up a bit.

[brookiekiller]

Now is the time it seems. I went up to Island Lake (Provo) on Sunday - then went to Fire Lake. Fished Island, Fire, Duck, Wier, Marjorie, and Pot lakes - no fish. The snow was thick in places - especially around Island and Duck lakes. I don't know why I went over there - I hate the areas West of Hwy 150 as they are the absolute worst fishing in the Uintas.

[out4fun]

drove over it on the 14th. it's golden, nothing to worry about. heading up to elizabeth ridge from lyman lake there was a spot i couldn't get my honda civic past. higher clearance recommended.

Thanks for the update. We're excite to get up there. I've heard the road from lyman lake through elizabeth ridge is pretty bad. We've decided to take a alternate route do to the poor road conditions. Had a friend head up there last weekend that gave thumbs up to the route from Fort Bridger wy to lyman lake.

[dmMatrix]

Now is the time it seems. I went up to Island Lake (Provo) on Sunday - then went to Fire Lake. Fished Island, Fire, Duck, Wier, Marjorie, and Pot lakes - no fish. The snow was thick in places - especially around Island and Duck lakes. I don't know why I went over there - I hate the areas West of Hwy 150 as they are the absolute worst fishing in the Uintas.

Wait..... WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Its just this year is all. Last year at marjorie around this time we were catching a fish around every 3rd or 4th cast.... not to mention they were nice sized. plus the greyling. most of the lakes you mentioned are all full of fish normally but this year had lots of winterkill. Don't give up on those lakes quite yet.

[Wasatch Rebel]

Wait..... WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Its just this year is all. Last year at marjorie around this time we were catching a fish around every 3rd or 4th cast.... not to mention they were nice sized. plus the greyling. most of the lakes you mentioned are all full of fish normally but this year had lots of winterkill. Don't give up on those lakes quite yet.

Yeah, about this time two years ago, I was hauling fish out of Weir. What were you using? I found worms to be quite effective, and usually do in those Uinta Lakes. The lakes with grayling I've caught them mostly on flies reeled slowly behind a bubble.

[moonfire711]

Has anyone been to Spirit Lake, Tamarack Lake, or Fish Lake yet this year? This is where we're planning to trek in on July 27-30. Anyone have any thoughts about how muddy it's gonna be? We expect some snow, but hope that the mozzy's won't be out in full force yet. Thanks for any input.

[CarpeyBiggs]

search function... :2thumbs:

you'll be fine, the eastern side is good to go.

http://www.bogley.com/forum/showthread.php?56770-Green-River-Spirit-Lake

http://www.bogley.com/forum/showthread.php?56822-Potter-Lake-Eastern-Uintas-July-2011

[Dr. Nebz]

Now is the time it seems. I went up to Island Lake (Provo) on Sunday - then went to Fire Lake. Fished Island, Fire, Duck, Wier, Marjorie, and Pot lakes - no fish. The snow was thick in places - especially around Island and Duck lakes. I don't know why I went over there - I hate the areas West of Hwy 150 as they are the absolute worst fishing in the Uintas.

How was the trail out to Duck Lake? Were you post holing or just walking over piles of snow? How were the skeeters?

We got a report from a friend who was out there this past weekend and he said the ice is off Duck Lake and the Cuttys were spawning. Any info on this would be great. Thanks. :nod:

[moonfire711]

Sorry, I am new to the forums as you can tell, and I have been reading like mad for the last few days trying to find any info I can. Using ctrl+f a lot, but forgot to check for a built in forum search function. Thanks for the links to the posts.

[CarpeyBiggs]

Sorry, I am new to the forums as you can tell, and I have been reading like mad for the last few days trying to find any info I can. Using ctrl+f a lot, but forgot to check for a built in forum search function. Thanks for the links to the posts.

no worries. welcome to bogley. be sure to let us know how it goes. btw, i'd expect not much snow, but the mozzies will be unmerciful i bet. have a good time.

[brookiekiller]

How was the trail out to Duck Lake? Were you post holing or just walking over piles of snow? How were the skeeters?

We got a report from a friend who was out there this past weekend and he said the ice is off Duck Lake and the Cuttys were spawning. Any info on this would be great. Thanks. :nod:

The trail was very wet and it was mainly just walking over piles of snow - it should be gone quite fast. The camping areas on the East side was completely snow covered, and across the outlet was just a muddy mess, but yes - I did see some fish spawning as well. There were no skeeters. Junior lake was completely frozen over.

[dmMatrix]

Yeah, about this time two years ago, I was hauling fish out of Weir. What were you using? I found worms to be quite effective, and usually do in those Uinta Lakes. The lakes with grayling I've caught them mostly on flies reeled slowly behind a bubble.

My wife and I use smaller flies behind a bubble for the grayling.... if I recall now I was using a double renegade... maybe or a parachute adams, I have forgotten. My wife I believe was using a small bead head.

I typically use various colors of Jakes Lures for all of the Uinta Lakes and those catch trout all day long if you have the right color for the time of day, cloud cover, temperature, etc. This year those are much less effective than previous years. My wife has been out-catching me this year with flies. Although, even she is catching less so far than usual. I am sure it will pick up but I bet several of those lakes won't recover until next year :cry1:

[brookiekiller]

My wife and I use smaller flies behind a bubble for the grayling.... if I recall now I was using a double renegade... maybe or a parachute adams, I have forgotten. My wife I believe was using a small bead head.

I typically use various colors of Jakes Lures for all of the Uinta Lakes and those catch trout all day long if you have the right color for the time of day, cloud cover, temperature, etc. This year those are much less effective than previous years. My wife has been out-catching me this year with flies. Although, even she is catching less so far than usual. I am sure it will pick up but I bet several of those lakes won't recover until next year :cry1:

I was trying Jakes and flies - all kinds of flies. I could see some fish in the lakes, but they didn't like what I had to offer - I really think that the area gets way to much pressure. I was after a short and easy hike, and that made the trip worth it. If I really want to catch fish I will head over to the primitive area and get away from the crowds. I was at the divide lakes one year and couldn't keep them off my hook, and then went back another year and the lake seemed dead. I happened to mention that to a fish cop up there and he told me that one of lakes can't even support fish year round.

[Dr. Nebz]

The trail was very wet and it was mainly just walking over piles of snow - it should be gone quite fast. The camping areas on the East side was completely snow covered, and across the outlet was just a muddy mess, but yes - I did see some fish spawning as well. There were no skeeters. Junior lake was completely frozen over.

Awesome. Thanks for the info. :2thumbs:

[Pfrosty]

I just spoke with the Evanston Ranger District regarding Henry's Fork. As of a week ago when their rangers hiked in the area:

The road in is clear and good to go.
Bugs are pretty thick below Bear Lake.
The bridge at Elkhorn Crossing is wiped out.
Due to the bridge being gone, they headed west to Bear Lake and Henry's Lake but still had to cross some rivers up to knee deep but very doable.
All North facing slopes at Gunsight Pass are full of snow
It is possible to skirt the west facing slope near Gunsight and boulder hop to the pass.
They didn't climb Gunsight Pass, so no info on conditions above it.
I'm sure the ridge to Kings still requires mountaineering tools for safe climbing. I can imagine there are lingering large cornices and snow drifts the entire ridgeline.

[CarpeyBiggs]

I'm sure the ridge to Kings still requires mountaineering tools for safe climbing. I can imagine there are lingering large cornices and snow drifts the entire ridgeline.

i'm not so sure about this... i would expect that the snow would come off that ridge much quicker than it would off of the north facing slopes and gullies. but i haven't seen it myself. however, in amethyst last weekend, almost none of the north facing ridges had any snow on ostler peak... only the gullies. i highly doubt that mountaineering tools are required. maybe micro-spikes and a lightweight axe, but likely not tools

from amethyst - kings is farther east, but gives you an idea.
http://www.danransom.com/TripReports/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Amethyst-8.jpg

[andym]

I'm headed to Kings Peak from Henry's Fork next Thursday and Friday - any insight on what to expect with a group of Boy Scouts?

[dmMatrix]

Beautiful Pictures Biggs


I was trying Jakes and flies - all kinds of flies. I could see some fish in the lakes, but they didn't like what I had to offer - I really think that the area gets way to much pressure. I was after a short and easy hike, and that made the trip worth it. If I really want to catch fish I will head over to the primitive area and get away from the crowds. I was at the divide lakes one year and couldn't keep them off my hook, and then went back another year and the lake seemed dead. I happened to mention that to a fish cop up there and he told me that one of lakes can't even support fish year round.

They do get lots of pressure, especially on the weekends. I usually slay all day long with just jakes but so far this year all I can get are the fish to follow and not hit :(

When you said one of the lakes couldn't support fish.... were you talking about one of the divide lakes? or which lake?

[brookiekiller]

Beautiful Pictures Biggs



They do get lots of pressure, especially on the weekends. I usually slay all day long with just jakes but so far this year all I can get are the fish to follow and not hit :(

When you said one of the lakes couldn't support fish.... were you talking about one of the divide lakes? or which lake?

Yes - one of the divide lakes. He didn't specify which one and I don't fish them enough to know.

[dmMatrix]

Yes - one of the divide lakes. He didn't specify which one and I don't fish them enough to know.

Hmmm, I actually have never fished the divide lakes so I was just curious. I planned on fishing again in that area and hitting them in a few weeks.

Thanks for the info

[moonfire711]

I'm heading to Spirit Lake, Tammarack Lake, Fish Lake, and a few others this weekend. I'll be sure to post back with a picture or two explaining the conditions I find there. Thanks to everyone that has provided me with valuable insight to the conditions up there this year. It has been a good help in our planning.

[CarpeyBiggs]

July 23 & 24 - Middle Basin and Naturalist Basin

headed into middle basin via the highline trail shortcut, still tons of snow up there. mcpheters was 60 percent frozen, and ryder was tough to find camping at because of all the snow drifts. made the climb up over the pass into naturalist basin this morning, and snow was good for kicking steps until about 10:30 or 11, then it softened up a bit. blue lake was still 40 percent frozen, and lots of snow around morat lakes as well. nothing too significant though.

summitted hayden peak and spread eagle, both were essentially snow-free. :2thumbs:

[rbowerbank]

7/21 - 7/23
From Crystal lake TH to Divide Lakes via Wall Lake, had to traverse numerous snow patches, fallen trees, and a lot of muddy trail, but made the trip without much trouble. No ice to be seen on any of the lakes. Some snow on east side of Divide Lake 1. Fishing pretty slow using spinners.

From Divide Lakes over Notch, had the biggest snow traverse on the south side of the notch (about 40 ft, probably 3 ft thick) where the trail was buried. Surprisingly little snow on north side of the notch.

Trail past Lovenia, Ibantik, down to Meadow lake had a lot of muddy patches, and downed trees, but again, not bad. Not many snow patches on this stretch. Lakes were clear of ice and no snow on the banks. Again slow fishing.

Trail from Meadow to Bald Mountain TH was similar - Occasional snow patches, tree fall, and mud. Notch lake fishing slow again.

Mosquitoes were there throughout the hike, but not too bad. You will want to bring your favorite repellent, though.

All the lakes were very full and finding dry campsites due to snow melt took some time, but not too bad. Lots of tasty fresh snowmelt for water was everywhere.

We had perfect weather and had to deal with an uncomfortable sunburn on the arms and neck. Wore a sweatshirt in the evening and morning as it cooled down, but nothing more. Slept warm in a 40 degree bag, with warm socks.

As for the fishing, perhaps a more skilled fisherman would do better...

Stopped at Dick's Uinta Drive-in for the most awesome burgers in the world. At least after 4 days of backpacking.

[brookiekiller]

This weekend I went from Spirit Lake into Island Lake of the Burnt Fork. There was a little snow lingering at Island, but not much - every meadow was a swamp. The bugs are AWFUL. The fishing is good and the trail was in decent, but swampy shape. Had a good time overall, just wish the bugs were not so bad - I think I came out of the hills a few quarts low.

[Pfrosty]

Kamas Ranger District is reporting that the bridge has been restored at Elkhorn Crossing. No word on how dry the trail is past that though.

[kwoolley]

I'm planning on hiking highline trail east to west starting August 7th. Anyone been over Anderson, Red Knob, or Dead Horse passes lately? Particularly interested in Dead Horse, wonder if it's still a glacier, or if passable.

[Scott P]

Anyone been over Anderson, Red Knob, or Dead Horse passes lately? Particularly interested in Dead Horse, wonder if it's still a glacier, or if passable.


Even in an average snow year, an ice axe is recommended for Deadhorse Pass until late July or later. The other two passes should be fine even if there is snow.



but i haven't seen it myself. however, in amethyst last weekend, almost none of the north facing ridges had any snow on ostler peak... only the gullies. i highly doubt that mountaineering tools are required. maybe micro-spikes and a lightweight axe, but likely not tools

from amethyst - kings is farther east, but gives you an idea.



Very surprsing photo. There is actually much less snow than in 1995. In 1995 over July 24th weekend, Amethyst was completely frozen over and everything had almost total snow cover. I would have thought that it would be similar this year.

[justo]

Yes - one of the divide lakes. He didn't specify which one and I don't fish them enough to know.

the furthest lake west, which i think is divide #2. i was just up there and no fish. the rest had lots and lots and lots and lots!:mrgreen:

[dmMatrix]

the furthest lake west, which i think is divide #2. i was just up there and no fish. the rest had lots and lots and lots and lots!:mrgreen:

Sweet, good to know. Now I know which one to avoid when I am up there in a few weeks.

Were they mostly Brookies? Brooke trout have always tasted better to me than any other trout :popcorn:

[bigred72]

Just got back from an overnighter in the Uintas. We started at the Crystal Lake TH, Hiked past Wall Lake, camped between the Twin Lakes, went up through the Notch and down to Ibantik Lake. The conditions were near perfect. Only a few spots where there was snow and snow on the trail, but nothing that stopped our trek. Pictures to come.

[moonfire711]

This weekend I went from Spirit Lake into Island Lake of the Burnt Fork. There was a little snow lingering at Island, but not much - every meadow was a swamp. The bugs are AWFUL. The fishing is good and the trail was in decent, but swampy shape. Had a good time overall, just wish the bugs were not so bad - I think I came out of the hills a few quarts low.

I too just got back from the Spirit Lake area. We hiked past Tamarack Lake, and camped near Fish Lake. Tamarack had nice sized fish, while Fish lake had nothing at all. I didn't see a single fish jump at Fish Lake. We hiked up around to Burnt Fork Lake and the small Lake above that probably called Upper Burnt Fork, but I'm not sure. Both Lakes had a lot of small to medium trout. We also fished a few of the near by rivers with a fair amount of success just using any gold spinner. We didn't run into any snow, but the ground was quite wet all over due to rain. There is lots of mud, but still completely doable. The mozzies were the worst. I came home soaked to the bone in 100% deet. I also had a mosquito net for my head and had it on for most of the trip. Other than that, the trip was a great success and I would still do it again even knowing the conditions.

[Pfrosty]

I just took a group up to Brown Duck Basin from Moon Lake. It's all dry and basically classic mid-summer Uintas conditions. Here's the trip TR: http://www.bogley.com/forum/showthread.php?57775-Brown-Duck-Basin&p=465802#post465802

[rcrockett]

Has anyone been up over Rocky Sea Pass out to Lightening Lake and Ouray Lake? I am taking a group of scouts there the second week of August, and I'm hoping the snow will be gone by then.

[CarpeyBiggs]

Has anyone been up over Rocky Sea Pass out to Lightening Lake and Ouray Lake? I am taking a group of scouts there the second week of August, and I'm hoping the snow will be gone by then.

i did spread eagle peak last week, and it was completely clear, minus some insignificant patches way lower in the trees. by 2nd week of august, i'd be astonished if there was any snow on rocky sea, looked fine even last weekend. you'll be fine.

[dmMatrix]

Pretty soon we get to revive this thread...... I know this post is premature but I am already trying to plan out my summer.

Lets hope the snow melts faster this year, I want to hike like crazy if this is going to be the last year I will ever get to.... Stupid Mayans, could have waited a few more years ha ha.

[accadacca]

:popcorn: