You’ll spend months communing with nature, build jaw-dropping endurance, and develop lasting friendships along the way. Check out some of our favorite items in our guide to the Best Backpacking Gear for Women. We’re proudly donating 100% of our revenue from today to the following organizations to address social justice and policy change. We prefer lightweight backpacking because it’s more comfortable and it allows us to cover more ground with less effort. The parking lot is divided into a lower section (for general parking) and an upper section reserved for trailers (primarily for horse riders and shepherds). Ranger District Offices Stayed 7/15/20 - FREE. For more information contact the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Kamas office at (435) 783-4338 or the Evanston office at (307) 789-3194. Supervisor's Office (801) 999-2103 857 West South Jordan Parkway South Jordan, UT 84095 Mon-Fri:8:00am - 4:30pm. Our focus is building educational resources to help backpackers of all levels feel more comfortable in the wilderness. SLEEPING PAD: We used the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite and NEMO Tensor Insulatedsleeping pads on this trip. It’ll keep you toasty warm, even after spending hours jammed into the bottom of your pack. Staying hydrated and avoiding parasites in the backcountry is critical. For those reasons (along with pure coziness), they’ve become our most beloved pieces of clothing for hiking and everyday wear. Once you reach lake, and if you’re staying the night, break out the fishing pole as Amethyst Lake is well-populated and the cutthroat trout are hungry. © CleverHiker.com 2020 - Privacy Policy - Terms of Use, We stand in solidarity against systemic racism, discrimination, and violence. At the sign pointing to Amethyst Lake, turn left to head uphill on the Ostler Fork Trail. Select a campsite 200 feet from trails or streams. Amethyst Basin Backpacking Guide - High Uintas July 20, 2018 / Dave Collins. Trekking poles can add a lot of stability and comfort to your hike. I wanted to get to Amethyst and so pushed on to the top, and i’m so glad I did. This campground is situated at 8,800 ft. so be advised that it … In addition, we always hike with a lightweight compass. Whether you’re a weekend jogger or a seasoned racer training for your next ultramarathon, a running hydration vest can help you stay happy, healthy, and hydrated on the trail. The CleverHiker Gear Guide is a compilation of the very best backpacking Tents, Backpacks, Sleeping Bags, Stoves, Water Filters and a whole lot more. Amethyst Basin Locality, 7 miles southeast; Middle Basin Locality, 7 miles south; Landmarks. We've built over 30 instructional backpacking videos in two series - Essential Trail Skills & Lightweight Backpacking Foundations. Many people are making the switch from plastic to glass water bottles for the health of the environment and their bodies. Backpacking & Camping [Trip Report] Amethyst Basin- High Uinta Wilderness- Aug 2010 If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. Backpacking & Camping [Trip Report] Amethyst Basin- High Uinta Wilderness- Aug 2010 If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. A tough climb up to Indian Pass on the Continental Divide provided some pretty spectacular views. For a full list of wilderness regulations in this area, visit this website. Two well … Campaign Zero At the first light in town, turn left. We had success using caddis behind a bubble and several different spinners. I certainly have. If you hike during summer months above 10,000 feet, daytime highs rarely reach above 80 degrees, while night temperatures during summer range between 30-40 degrees. Reach Amethyst Lake (10,740 feet). As you near the lake, Amethyst Meadows open up to huge panoramas of Lamotte Peak to the east and the alpine cirque forming bordering the lake to the south. You'll be turned on to new videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring outdoor stories and much more. As always, difficulty ratings depend on the route you choose, experience, physical fitness, pack weight, and weather conditions. Extra days allow time for climbing Ostler Peak or walking the entire perimeter of the lake. Looking for some deep trail sleep? For local weather information below treeline, check the National Weather Service for the Uintas. Amethyst Lake lies in the extreme southern corner of Amethyst Basin, at an elevation of 10,740 feet. Water is plentiful along the trail to Amethyst Basin and accessible from small streams and lakes. I turned down road 464 and found a spot to the left, after a rough little dip (in a sedan). Though many sources look pure, Giardia and Campylobacter are present in this area so we recommend using a lightweight water filter (here's a list of our faves). Amethyst Basin July 10, 2012 Backpacking , Camping , Hiking , Trip Reports , Uinta Mountains Dennis For Father’s Day I got a new backpack, an Osprey Atmos 65, hoping I could get into backpacking without having issues like I had with my old backpack when … Because getting good trail sleep is crucial, we’ve researched, field tested, and narrowed this list down to the 10 Best Backpacking & Camping Pillows of 2020. the trail passes BR-24, an unnamed lake at the base of Ostler Peak. A hike to the summit of Ostler Peak can be made either as a long day hike, or an enjoyable and scenic backpacking trip. This hike seemed a lot longer and a lot more difficult than I remember, probably because of the heavy backpack. Black Lives Matter BACKPACK: We used Hyperlite Mountain Gear's Southwest 2400 backpacks on this trek. Amethyst Lake lies in the extreme southern corner of Amethyst Basin, at an elevation of 10,740 feet. Day 3 – Maccarib Campground to Clitheroe Campground and a side-trip to Chrome Lake and Wates-Gibson Hut. Camping is available along the lake’s spectacular western shore and in the meadows further north. I was SO hooked. The river is located just a short walk from the campground, and is an ideal spot from which to fly fish. It was a 7 mile hike into where we camped and the boys did surpisingly well. Drive another 3.5 miles and take exit 4, Kamas. Take two days to savor this 4.6-mile (one-way) climb that ends on the Pfeifferhorn, a rocky, 11,326-foot peak less than an hour from Salt Lake. There are lots of excellent stoves on the market to make your culinary adventures a success, but not all camp chefs have the same needs. The Copper Spur is a top pick on our best lightweight backpacking tents list. 1 Pair long john bottoms and a long john top for nighttime use (optional). Down jackets are lightweight, packable, and highly efficient at trapping body heat. We rounded up a bunch of the best coolers and put them to the test. Hiking later in the season is often bug-free. At CleverHiker, we believe that backpacking adventures provide some of life’s most rewarding experiences. You’ve likely heard travelers from all over laud their Turkish bath experience, and you’ve probably added it to your bucket list without even fully understanding what exactly a Turkish bath even is. Make sure you hang your pass in your windshield at the trailhead (even in overflow parking) or you will get ticketed. In fact, the only reason I’m able to give any “clever” hiking advice is because of all the laughably bad mistakes I’ve made over the years. A steamy cup of java on a crisp, quiet morning is just about the perfect start to any day in the wilderness. STARTING TRAILHEAD: Christmas MeadowsENDING TRAILHEAD: Christmas Meadows, Day 1 - Hike from Christmas Meadows to campsites on the far end of Amethyst Lake below the peaksDay 2 - Return to Christmas Meadows, TOTAL MILEAGE - 12-13 miles (depending on where you camp), Day 1 - Hike from Christmas Meadows to campsites on the far end of Amethyst Lake below the peaksDay 2 - Hike around Amethyst Lake or climb as far up Ostler Peak as you feel comfortable.Day 3 -Return to Christmas Meadows, TOTAL MILEAGE - 14-16 miles, depending on itinerary add ons, Day 1 - Hike from Christmas Meadows to campsites on the far end of the lake below the peaksDay 2 - Hike 11 miles to Ryder Lake, campDay 3 - Hike 11 miles back to Amethyst Lake, campDay 4 - Return to Christmas Meadows. And if you found this guide helpful, click the little like button below to give us a digital high five! Doing so will make for a more safe and enjoyable adventure. We rate most backpacking trips in this area as moderate. "Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. We use the Ultralight .7 Kit and add extras, like painkillers and personal medications. It’s a short 13.2 mile round-trip hike, so it can easily be done over a weekend or even as a day-hike. From BR-24, it is a short 15 or 20 minute stroll up to the end of the basin and Amethyst Lake tucked close to the steep surrounding walls. We’ll give you the inside scoop in our Best Women’s Hiking Pants Guide. MAP &  COMPASS: Although the trails here are well-marked, you always want to hike with a good map and GPS system, such as Gaia GPS. Keith, Melissa, Stoli, and Tonic in Amethyst Basin After hiking for several miles we reached our destination and camping spot for the night - Ostler Lake. Pairing down the essentials into one single bag can be fun and freeing as long as you have the right gear and the right travel backpack to pack it in. Explore Amethyst Basin in the High Uintas Wilderness Posted on August 7, 2018 by Ryan Malavolta High peaks, lush basins, oodles of wildlife and breathtaking views are just a few of the joys awaiting hikers in the High Uintas Wilderness of Utah. We fished Amethyst lake where all the scouts caught small brookies, many of which was there first ever fish. From BR-24, it is a short 15 or 20 minute stroll up to the end of the basin and Amethyst Lake tucked close to the steep surrounding walls. Backpacking to Amethyst Lake in the High Uinta Wilderness is a backpackers dream - a high alpine lake, lots of hiking and fishing, great campsites, not too many people, and cooler temperatures. Not only will they keep you dry when the skies open up, but they’ll also cut the wind and hold in valuable body heat to keep you safe and warm in the backcountry. TENT: We used the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3  tent on this trip for its lightweight livability. Choosing a tent that is comfortable, spacious, and easy to setup can make or break a camping trip. We love travelling - every detail of it. Wind river part three. Then snuggle up with one of the Best Sleeping Bags & Quilts of 2020. It was a 7 mile hike into where we camped and the boys did surpisingly well. COOKING SYSTEM: We used the BRS Stove, Snow Peak Mini Solo Cookset, and Snow Peak Folding Spoons on this hike, all of which make our top picks gear list and best lightweight stove list. This 5.3-mile out-and-back threads through a pristine alpine landscape with abundant streams, lakes, and wildlife on its way to a 10,650-foot peak in Wasatch National Forest. So when you're in the market for a new shelter, pick up one of the Best Backpacking Tents of 2020. Parking is available in the campground at the end of the road. Tired of sitting in the dirt? For more information on fishing in the lake, visit the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Web site. Amethyst Basin, Uinta Mountains, Utah. The trail will be very steep for the first two miles, but then it levels out in a meadow basin area. The Amethyst Basin and lakes trail is deep in the Uinta wilderness. We outline critical considerations and our favorite food choices in our Best Lightweight Backpacking Food Guide. There is a $6 fee to travel Mirror Lake Highway for 3 days, free if you have an annual Mirror Lake Hwy or American Fork Canyon pass, or an annual National Park Pass. WET WIPES: These can be useful for cleaning up after hiking. Multitools turn a whole box of big, clunky gadgets into a small, portable device so you're prepared for any task. Surrounded by high desert, the Uintas normally receive about 40 inches of precipitation annually—mostly snow. POCKET KNIFE: We brought along a small Swiss Army Knife, which came in handy here and there. Camping is available along the lake’s spectacular western shore and in the meadows further north. A backpacking tent will be among the heaviest items you carry on wilderness adventures, so it’s a good place to cut down on weight. From the overflow parking lot at the end of Christmas Meadows Road, head south through a pine-dotted valley on the Stillwater Fork Trail. The OR Helium Rain Jacket and Pants (updated for 2020) are among the most affordable options in the ultralight rain…, Amethyst Basin Backpacking Guide - High Uintas, Hiking Utah's High Uintas: A Guide to the Region's Greatest Hikes, National Geographic High Uinta’s Wilderness Trails Illustrated Map, list of the best backpacking shoos and boots, 10 Best Backpacking & Camping Pillows of 2020, 100 Gifts for Backpacking, Hiking & Camping, 8 Iconic Pacific Northwest Backpacking Trips, Wildlife, including elk, mule deer, black bear, Armies of mosquitos and horseflies, but also ticks and yellow jackets, Cold lakes makes swimming tempting, but challenging, Giardia and campylobacter are prevalent in the streams and lakes, Second meadow on your way up to Amethyst Lake. Here's my list of the Best Backpacks of 2020. It’s a breathtakingly diverse playground of craggy granite peaks, high alpine lakes, meadows socked with wildflowers, rugged windswept coastline, and more shades of green than your eyeballs can handle. We explore several key differences in women-specific gear. We love backpacking, international travel, useful gear, and all things nature. 1 Pair rain mitts for wet trips (optional). July 2011 My first backpacking trip to the Uintas was a 3-day trip into Amethyst Basin way back in 2003. Two other good lightweight options are the SteriPen Ultra and Aquamira Drops. Hayden Fork Campground Campsite; Beaver View Campground Campsite, 3400 feet southwest We're big fans of ours. This 14.6-mile dayhike serves up two Wasatch summits, some off-trail scrambles above an emerald-colored lake, and top-notch views. Bury human waste and fish entrails 6-8" deep and 200 feet away from water sources. This was one of my favorite shots from the hike. Use these exceptional tools to increase camp comfort and decrease trail weight. Wash yourself and dishes away from water sources and only use biodegradable soap when necessary. Amethyst lake has no trail to it so bring a good topographical map and a good compass. Camping is plentiful along the lake's western shore. Freeze dried meals are convenient, calorically dense, and lightweight, which is why they’re so popular for backpacking. Not all camping chairs are created equal, so we compared the most popular and top-rated chairs on the market and made this list to help you find the perfect portable chair for your needs. New videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring stories and more. We all use them, but many of us don’t really put much thought into it. So get in the mix! If you’re still sipping from that banged up old bottle you've had for a decade, it might be time for an upgrade. By 9:30 the next morning, we’d made the twenty-minute hike up to the top of the basin where Amethyst Lake sits under the imposing, 12,718-feet-high Ostler Peak. SHOES OR BOOTS: We wore Saucony Peregrine 8 trail runners (men's and women's) on this trail and they were excellent. Climb through the wildflower-peppered Alexander Basin en route to dazzling Salt Lake City panoramas from Gobblers Knob on this ferociously steep 5.5-miler. Peakbaggers love this 13.9-mile lollipop-loop which climbs past mountain lakes and rugged cirques to the second highest peak in the Wasatch. Amethyst Basin in Utah’s High Uinta Wilderness is another popular destination for impressive mountain scenery. From BR-24, it is a short 15 or 20 minute stroll up to the end of the basin and Amethyst Lake tucked close to the steep surrounding walls. Sign for Stillwater Campground sign, to the following organizations to address social and! Some distance is a top pick on our most recent trip and were with... 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