Mount Agassiz & Naturalist Basin

For a more extensive hike into the Uinta Mountains, the Naturalist Basin is a favorite place that many hikers enjoy going to.  This area features a series of lakes that are at or above 10,500 feet elevation close to the timberline.  Along the west boundary of the basin is Mount Agassiz (pronounced "ag-uh-see"), which was named after the Swiss-born American geologist and naturalist, Louis Agassiz.  A scramble up the slopes of this mountain offers spectacular views of Naturalist Basin and the surrounding landscape.  To enjoy the beauty of the Naturalist Basin more fully, this hike can be turned into a two-day overnighter – the first day in and the second day out.  When camping, be sure to observe all wilderness regulations and exercise no trace camping as much as possible.  Always check the weather forecast before hiking into the wilderness area and be prepared for sudden storms that include hail, lightning, and strong wind.  Keep in mind that subfreezing temperatures can occur at night during any time of the year at this altitude.

To reach the West Highline trailhead coming from the west along I-80, take the exit at Silver Creek Junction (Exit 146) and continue southward along U.S. Highway 189.  Take the Park City/Kamas exit (Exit 4) and turn left (eastward) onto SR 248 for approximately 11.5 miles to Main Street in the town of Kamas.  Turn left (north) onto Main Street for two blocks, then turn right (east) onto Center Street (SR 150) and continue about 34 miles over Bald Mountain Pass.  Look for the turnoff to the right (east) just beyond the Summit County sign.  Once on the turnoff, veer to the right (south) to reach the trailhead.  From east along I-80, take the Front Street exit (Exit 5) in Evanston, Wyoming and turn left (east) onto SR 150 to head out of town.  Utah is entered after about 22.5 miles, yet the route number remains the same.  Around 21 miles beyond the border, look for the turnoff to the left (east) just before the Duchesne County sign.  After turning onto the turnoff, veer to the right (south) to reach the trailhead.  A $6.00 fee is required for a one to three-day recreational use pass that can be paid at the self-service fee box near the trailhead.

West Highline trailhead signs –

Photo credit: Girl on a Hike

View looking over Blue Lake
from east ridge of Mount Agassiz

At the trailhead is a wilderness registry, which is always wise to fill out so that officials know your whereabouts and your expected time of return.  After all, this is a huge wilderness area that stretches nearly 60 miles from east to west, and it becomes quite easy for inexperienced individuals to get lost.  Also, be aware and considerate of backpackers traveling with horses along the trail.  The Highline Trail begins by dropping slightly to its junction with the Mirror Lake extension trail at about three-quarters of a mile.  Continuing to the left (eastward) towards the Naturalist Basin, the route falls below 10,000 feet elevation before climbing gradually towards Scudder Lake at approximately 2.0 miles.  About 2.1 miles beyond Scudder Lake is the Naturalist Basin trail junction to the left (northeast).  Here the climb increases a little before leveling off some at the Jordan Lake trail junction just over one mile further.  At this point you can choose which direction to take for the lake loop tour around the Naturalist Basin.  To continue on to Mount Agassiz, veer to the left (westward) and continue up the trail that goes between the Morat Lakes towards Blue Lake.  Mount Agassiz looms to the northwest of Blue Lake as you make your way north of the lake up the steep rocky slope.  While there is some exposure along the north side of the east ridge, the climb is more of a scramble up to the 12,428-foot summit of Mount Agassiz.  Great care must be taken, however, while climbing over any loose rock.  Total distance from the West Highline trailhead to the summit of Mount Agassiz is approximately 6.8 miles one-way with an elevation gain of about 2,490 feet.  This factors in an elevation loss of 440 feet.  The loop around the Naturalist Basin is approximately 3.7 miles – added to the 5.2 miles to get there.

Scrambling up the east
ridge of Mount Agassiz

View of the Naturalist Basin near
the summit of Mount Agassiz
Photo credit: Outdoor Project

Bald Mountain, Utah

Located at the west end of the Uinta Mountains in northeastern Utah is a popular area known as Mirror Lake.  During the summer months, it draws lots of fishermen and recreational enthusiasts from all around to escape city life and cool off from the hot temperatures below.  Access to this area is made possible by the scenic Mirror Lake Highway, which features the highest asphalted highway in Utah at 10,715 feet elevation.  The road is closed to automobiles and opened to snowmobiles during the winter months.  About one mile west-southwest of Mirror Lake is Bald Mountain – so called because of its rounded top that is void of trees.  Though not a particularly strenuous hike, its summit is higher than any point in the Wasatch Range.  It gives you that feeling of being "on top of the world" upon reaching the summit.  Due to its proximity to the Mirror Lake Highway, this hike can become quite crowded, particularly during the weekends – so plan accordingly.  It is always wise to check the weather forecast as well as thunderstorms are frequent in the area, especially during the late summer season.

To reach the Bald Mountain trailhead along I-80 from the west, take the exit at Silver Creek Junction (Exit 146) and continue southward along U.S. Highway 189.  Take the Park City/Kamas exit (Exit 4) and turn left (eastward) onto SR 248 for approximately 11.5 miles to Main Street in the town of Kamas.  Turn left (north) onto Main Street for two blocks, then turn right (east) onto Center Street (SR 150) and continue about 29 miles to Bald Mountain Pass.  The trailhead is on the left (north) up a short dirt road to a parking area.  From the east along I-80, take the Front Street exit (Exit 5) in Evanston, Wyoming and turn left (east) onto SR 150 heading out of town.  Utah is entered after about 22.5 miles where the route changes to Utah 150.  Continuing southward for about another 26 miles, the trailhead is reached – where you will turn right (northeast) next to Bald Mountain Pass up a short dirt road.  A $6.00 fee is required for a one to three-day recreational use pass that can be paid at the self-service fee box at the trailhead.

Directional sign near the Bald
Mountain Trailhead

Ascending the trail with the east face
of Bald Mountain in the background

Before starting on the hike, be sure to carry plenty of water as there are no drinking sources along the entire route.  Since there is minimal shade along the trail, it is also wise to wear a hat and use plenty of sunscreen for sunburn protection.  Upon leaving the trailhead, the path soon begins to ascend the south slope of the mountain through several switchbacks.  There are places where it becomes necessary to climb up rocky steps, so watch your footing.  At just over one-half mile, the trail curves onto the southwest ridge and flattens out some through the last patch of low-lying trees.  Once out of the trees, the path traverses through an alpine tundra landscape where marmot sightings become common.  Near the east face of the mountain, the trail becomes more exposed and steepens as it switchbacks again before reaching the 11,943-foot summit of Bald Mountain.  Keep in mind that frequents rests may be necessary due to the thinner air at this altitude.  On clear days, the Wasatch Mountains are visible to the southwest and Mirror Lake is visible immediately below to the east along with various peaks of the Uinta Range.  Distance from the Bald Mountain trailhead to the summit is approximately 1.4 miles one-way with an elevation gain of about 1,185 feet.

Approaching the final summit
block of Bald Mountain

View overlooking Mirror Lake
from the summit of Bald Mountain