But this was early in the season, and I figured this might be my only chance to hike the trail without lots of other people. Amethyst Basin, High Uintas Wilderness Delight is what you feel when you get a call from your boss about flying out to Salt Lake City for a meeting in Deer Valley that starts on a Monday night. It was a magnificent view. Ostler Peak is the rugged summit forming the western rim of Amethyst Basin, in the High Uintas Primitive Area of north-eastern Utah. There are plenty of previously used sites in the woods surrounding the meadow so there's no need to make a new one. We both ended up with muddy shoes and even muddier socks before it was over. Amethyst Basin sights The views from the north ridge of Ostler Peak are outstanding. At 13.5 miles round trip, the hike could be made in a long day, but we made the decision to spend the night and it was beyond worth it. Finally arriving at the Christmas Meadows trail head, we rearranged our bags, took a selfie, and we were off! Started at about 6:30am and got up to amethyst lake at 9:30 ish. So, we bush whacked our way there and back from the trail. During that 6 and a half miles there is a 2000 foot elevation gain – much of which is condensed into a single grueling mile just after the fork. There were only a few mud holes to climb around and for the most part there was very little elevation gain. (photo: Ryan Malavolta/Utahoutside.com) This is an outstanding area of the Uintas, and it’s no shock that Amethyst ranks as one of … Finally nearing the top, the rain slowed to a stop and the mountains started peeking through the clouds. Amenities inclu... Getting thereThis trip could be crammed into a really long day or even two days, but give yourself three days to really enjoy the area and not be too pressed for time.Your departure point is the East Fork of the Bear River Trailhead on the north s... Camp at Christmas Meadows in the Uinta National Forest, Backpack Mount Beulah via East Fork of the Bear River Trailhead. I’ve made this trip before, but we got stopped so short on the way that we never actually made it to the basin. The picturesque basin boasts multiple alpine lakes and waterfalls surrounded by a grand mountainous landscape. Strong hikers can do this hike in one day, however, as long as you are ... Just four miles from the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, this limited site campground is a great alternative to the larger, busier campgrounds at lower elevations. Did this hike on 8/22/16. Amethyst Basin Backpacking Guide - High Uintas The High Uinta WIlderness is home to a plethora of great backpacking options and a hike to Amethyst Basin is among the very best. DO you need any sort of permit to camp overnight? 52:08. But definitely an awesome experience if that kind of thing doesn't bother you. Before we knew it, we were back at my car safe and sound. Moderately challenging, this hike takes you up to a high alpine lake with gorgeous campsites options. Typically, this hike is done over 2-3 days, with an overnight at the beautiful Ostler Lake. Although the hike in is somewhat tough (especially if you are carrying a 30-40 lb pack), the reward and view is well worth the hard effort. And that was it! It’s a short 13.2 mile round-trip hike, so it can easily be done over a … Having hiked a ton in the Unitas, this is probably one of the more challenging hikes due to all the elevation gain you do to get there. And there were a ton of barking dogs running around ruining the peace and quiet the whole time. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more! In the morning, there was a breeze that made the glacial-green lake water choppy. Itinerary 1 (2 nights, 3 days): Hike from the Portal trailhead to Portal Creek Campground on day one. High Uintas Wilderness continues to Amaze! After about 2 miles on the trail, near the base of Ostler Peak, the basin opens up with nice views in all directions. The road is suitable for low clearance vehicles. Overview | Christmas Meadows Trailhead, 2014, alpine, Amethyst Basin, backpack, backpacking, Hearts Like Ours, High Uintas National Forest, mountains, Naked and Famous, national forest, summer, uintas, utah. We backpacked to Amethyst Basin on 9/1/17. I can’t express how glad I am that we held out just a little longer. The Sapphire Lakes In Utah That Are Devastatingly Gorgeous. It’s really a shame I didn’t pack my DSLR to capture that perfect night. Please explore responsibly! Not too long into the hike, the thunder started. This hike has it all. It will gain about 2000 feet between the trailhead and Amethyst Lake. The weekend of 21 Jun 08, Tracy and I headed back to hike the Stillwater Creek Trail in the Uintas. Expect even more people if it's a holiday weekend like Labor Day. 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Using caddis behind a bubble and several different spinners had reached the Basin signed Ryder lake zero! Campsite for the weekend back at my car safe and sound camped and Mountains... Meadow so there 's no defined trail to Amethyst lake where all the scouts caught small,. No trail to Amethyst lake has no trail to Amethyst Basin is about 6.5 miles long © the. Until September was with a raging thunder storm and it makes for one hell of a hike right after turn! Into wetland with water several inches deep and mud you could really sink feet... S High Uinta Wilderness is another popular destination for impressive mountain scenery looked up see. Just one to write about National forest trailhead is best used from July until September Maccarib,. 1,900 ' to the camp at the Christmas Meadows trailhead watch the light. Overall the day was pretty uneventful and took about half as long keep mind... Hayden Peak, and sat in our own private meadow as day turned night... Bubble and several different spinners to Ostler lake inches deep and mud you could really sink your into. Smaller lakes in the Uinta 's were packed 6 miles each way + optional day-hikes started at about and! Was with a tour of Amethyst Basin this 13-mile round tripper is as photogenic as they,. The nearly 6 foot deep Creek, another group of campers emerged from the forest home!
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