[Trip Report] Deseret Peak 9-28-11

Yesterday I set out to bag my second Utah high point, Deseret Peak, the first being Nebo. I took off from the Loop at 10 o'clock and was greeted by some very cool temperatures on the first stretch of trail through the trees. When I got to the first creek crossing I didn't realize the trail went left and ended up following the trail to the right and made me miss the fork. I continued up and started wondering why the trail was leading me so far away from Deseret Peak until I reached the Pocket Fork trail. Then I realized I had missed the first fork. From the Loop all the way up to the summit I only saw 1 other person camped out with their horses. It made for a very peaceful hike. When I reached the summit after what felt like I was hiking all day, I stopped and snacked. It was the second time I had a summit all to my lonesome. Awesome views. On the way down, I took the mill fork trail and met a few other hikers on there way up. In a way I'm glad I missed the first fork, because it made for an easier hike back down and I ran out of water about a mile back down the trail from the summit. I arrived back at the truck at 4 o'clock. Overall, a great hike, awesome views, no crowds, and some fall colors starting.