A Watch That Gets It

Enter “The Chrono S2” watch by Vincero. This isn’t your standard trail timekeeper. It’s got that rose gold glow for under $200, and it’s as ready for a night out as it is durable for your daylight escapades. Picture this: finishing a hike and heading straight to a dinner party without skipping a beat—or a minute, thanks to this watch.

Necklace Game, Trail Strong

Then there’s the “Sapphire Necklace.” Less than $100, and it catches the light like the surface of your favorite alpine lake at sunrise. It’s a piece of the night sky that doesn’t mind a little daytime sun. It’s for those moments when you’re looking back on a day well-spent outdoors and forward to an evening just as grand.

Here’s the deal—these Vincero pieces aren’t about being fancy for fancy’s sake. They’re about enjoying the contrast of life: rugged and refined, dusty boots and shiny baubles. It’s for the hiker who loves the journey and the destination.

So, if you’re scrolling through your gift list and you hit a name that stumps you—think about these offerings from Vincero. They might just be the perfect way to say, “Hey, I get you. You love the outdoors, but you also love a bit of sparkle.”

The post The Hiker’s Guide to Gifting: Luxe Finds from Vincero Collective for Under the Tree appeared first on Back o' Beyond.

For fishing enthusiasts, the backcountry offers a unique opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in nature’s serenity while pursuing the coveted big trout.

Remote wilderness settings provide not only the chance to reel in trophy-sized fish but also an unparalleled connection with nature. This guide aims to equip anglers with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in catching big trout in these pristine and secluded environments.

Selecting Your Destination

Choosing the right location is paramount in the backcountry fishing experience. Research is key here, as it determines the success of your expedition.

Look for national parks, designated wilderness areas, and remote lakes known for their healthy trout populations. Online resources, fishing forums, and local recommendations can provide valuable insights into the best spots to explore.

Your state is likely to have a trout stocking calendar so you’ll want to look it up. Here’s an example from Pennsylvania.

Trout exhibit diverse movements in lakes and ponds influenced by seasons and water conditions. In warmer months, they often inhabit cooler, deeper zones to find optimal temperature and oxygen levels.

During spring and fall, they approach shallow areas for feeding. In winter, they might stay close to the lake bottom where temperatures are more stable. Submerged structures like rocks and fallen trees provide cover.

Gear and Equipment Preparation

Packing appropriately for backcountry fishing involves striking a delicate balance between lightweight gear and essential equipment. Opt for backpack-friendly fishing rods, reels, and lines that don’t compromise on performance. While I don’t always recommend telescopic rods due to their lack of durability, they’re great for camping.

Ultralight tackle options are a game-changer in terms of weight reduction.

When it comes to fishing essentials, the right lures, flies, and bait are indispensable. Research the local trout species and their feeding habits to match the hatch effectively.

Selecting lures for trout requires understanding their preferences and the fishing conditions. In clear waters, opt for natural-colored lures like spinners and spoons, mimicking their prey. In murkier environments, brighter or metallic lures can attract attention.

Size matters; match the lure’s size to the trout’s typical prey. For more active trout, use lures with erratic movements, such as crankbaits or jerkbaits. In slower waters, soft plastic baits imitating worms or grubs work well.

Research the specific trout species and the water conditions of your chosen fishing spot to tailor your lure selection. Adapting to the surroundings enhances your chances of a successful catch.

Your camping gear should also be carefully selected. Look for compact tents, lightweight sleeping bags, and efficient cooking equipment. Bear-proof storage is crucial for food and any scented items to avoid attracting wildlife.

Top Fishing Techniques for Big Trout

Mastering fishing techniques is the heart of successful backcountry trout fishing. Understanding trout behavior is key—know their feeding patterns and habitats.

One of the core principles of successful fly fishing is matching the hatch. This means selecting fly patterns that closely resemble the insects or aquatic life that trout are currently feeding on. In remote wilderness areas, where trout are often less accustomed to human presence, this technique can be highly effective.

Observing the water’s surface for any insect activity and selecting the appropriate fly pattern can significantly increase your chances of enticing big trout to bite.

Fly fishing and lure fishing are the primary tactics in the backcountry. Fly fishing involves choosing flies that mimic the insects trout feed on. Precise casting techniques are essential for accuracy and distance, as trout in remote waters are often wary.

Lure fishing, on the other hand, utilizes artificial baits like spoons, spinners, and plugs. Learning how to use these lures effectively and mimicking natural prey movement can entice even the weariest of trout to strike.

Safety and Wilderness Education

Backcountry fishing is not just about catching fish; it’s about embracing the wilderness responsibly. Following Leave No Trace principles is imperative to minimize your environmental impact. Pack out all waste, maintain campsites, and avoid disturbing natural habitats.

The post Backcountry Fishing: A Guide to Catching Big Trout in Remote Wilderness appeared first on Back o' Beyond.

• Dates: Thu, Oct 21, 2021 to Sun, Oct 24, 2021
• Route: Lipan Point > Grandview Point
• Weather: Sunny, with partly cloudy afternoons. Highs in the 60s and 70s, lows in the 30s and 40s.
• Distance Hiked: 33 miles
• Time: 4 days

Map

Background

In June of 2021, Max attained permits for an October descent into the Grand Canyon on the Escalante Trail, a relatively unpopular route that has a reputation for being more treacherous and difficult than the average Grand Canyon trek.

Although the standard trip length for this route is 4 nights, Max requested a 3-night permit to make it more likely our friends could get the time off to do it with us. The park rangers cautioned him against this due to the strenuous nature of the trail, but Max held his ground and they gave in.

We were surprised and amused when we received the permit, which said in large red letters, “AGGRESSIVE ITINERARY! HIKER INSISTED ON ITINERARY.”

Despite this delightful warning, our friends Jason and Dana still decided to join us. Max has extensive experience in the Grand Canyon, having worked there as a guide and completed multiple hikes, including the R2R in a day, Havasupai, and Salt Trail Canyon to LCR Gorge. Jason and I also have quite a bit of experience in desert backpacking, and Dana is a kick-ass rock climber, so we were all feeling a bit cavalier about our odds of success on this trek.

By the end of our 3 nights, we were rightfully humbled by the Grand Canyon, and Max had earned the cheeky nickname “Aggressive Itinerary.”

Summary

We embarked out of Grand Junction and drove to Utah to drop our daughter off with her grandparents. Max had all of his meals and snacks provided by Right on Trek, which made preparation for the trip very easy.

Jason and Dana flew in from Chicago. We picked them up at the Las Vegas airport, and headed to Arizona. We spent the night before our trek camping on a forest road outside of the park. It was freezing cold, and we were grateful for the beer and pizza we had in Williams to keep us warm.

The next morning, we had a leisurely breakfast at the Foodie Club restaurant in Tusayan, blithely ignorant of the ass-kicking we would receive in the canyon. We headed into the park that afternoon and left our vehicle at Lipan Point at about 2 PM on October 21st to begin our descent.

Day 1

Distance: 10.7 mi
Ascent: 475 ft
Descent: 5,123 ft

The trail drops steeply in the first 2 miles, with lots of scree scrambling and boulder hopping. I began to lament that I had not done more squats and lunges to prepare. I was grateful for my trekking pole.

After mile 2, the trail was less rocky, with flat sections to break it up. We were shaded from the warm autumn sun through all of it, and there were breathtaking views and geological wonders to entertain us as we descended down further.

Within a few hours, the setting sun painted a crimson streak on the cliff walls across from us, and we began to wish we had started earlier. We passed a group of hikers who had to stop and make camp early after one of them sustained an injury. It was a good reminder not to underestimate the canyon.

It was full dark when the temperature noticeably rose, and we began smelling the sweet, reedy aroma of the Colorado River. After four hours of hiking, we had reached the bottom at last!

We heard the roar of the Tanner Rapids in front of us and felt a moment of relief. Unfortunately, thanks to our “aggressive itinerary,” we had another 4 miles of hiking to do before we could stop and camp.

We took advantage of the pit toilet at Tanner – which was a godsend as my legs were jelly and I couldn’t squat even if I wanted to – and then continued downriver with our headlamps on.

The trail was well marked with small cairns, and squirreled up and down the rocky hills that make up the toes of the canyon walls. The almost-full moon crept over the south rim, lighting up the splendor around us.

Despite the beauty, it was a grueling two and half hours, and we were grateful when we heard the whoops and greetings of the rafters camping at Cardenas, our night’s destination.

The rafters invited us to drink some beer with them, but we were spent after the day’s exertion. Dana had already developed bad blisters, and we were all aching and exhausted.

We found a sandy grove a few hundred feet from the river and collapsed into our tents. We had to take precautions to keep the mice from our food while we slept. The earplugs I brought helped tune out the sounds of revelry from the rafting camp. We all had a great night of sleep in the warm riparian air.

Day 2

Distance: 8.1 mi
Ascent: 1,744 ft
Descent: 1,828 ft

We slept in and broke camp slowly, limping on our stiff legs. I discovered that my water reservoir had sprung a big leak and was useless, so I made my way down to the rafters to see if they could help me out.

They were a large group out of Aspen, CO. They were incredibly kind to us, offering to take our garbage, supply us with beer and seltzer, and gave me a large jug to carry my water in. We were floored by their generosity!

We filled our water bottles in the Colorado, which was clear enough to require very little filtration, then started on the trail at about 11 AM.

It was warm and sunny with a mild breeze. We climbed about 1300 feet onto a mesa several hundred yards away from the river. The trail was narrow and exposed, with sheer scree slopes on the side. It seemed like it was created for bighorn sheep rather than people. Any misstep would have been disastrous.

As we hiked, the rainbow of surrounding geography lifted our spirits. Black lava slopes, green flaky layers, deep red cliffs, and rocks with polka dots, stripes, and swirls decorated the canyon around us.

Dana’s feet were rapidly deteriorating, forcing our pace to slow. She was suffering from a multitude of bad blisters and beginning to lose sensation in part of her foot. She joked that her feet were made of “puff pastry.”

We encountered Escalante Creek at about 3:30. It was dry, but fortunately we were still carrying plenty of water and were able to continue on.

At about dusk, we skirted along the yawning abyss of Seventyfive Mile Canyon. There is a steep scramble where you descend into the canyon, and then continue back toward the river.

It was a shame we didn’t get to pass through the canyon in the daylight, but the sheer walls around us were impressive even in the dark. We were also able to enjoy the performance of the many bats that careen through the canyon at night. There were still a few datura blooming in the sand at our feet.

We arrived back at the river, and began to ascend back onto the steep, arduous trail toward the Papago Wall. We quickly realized that it was too dangerous to continue in the dark and turned around at about 7 PM.

We found several sandy camping spots on the beach upriver of Nevills Rapids. We had the area to ourselves, and moonrise lit up the whole canyon at 9 PM. I took advantage of the moonlight and solitude to take a bath in the cold river. The water was still clear, but the taste was a bit siltier here.

Day 3

Distance: 9.0 mi
Ascent: 2,072 ft
Descent: 962 ft

After vowing to get an earlier start, we broke camp and started on the trail at 8:30 AM.

The terrain was quite difficult approaching the Papago Wall, and I was grateful we hadn’t attempted it in the dark. The scramble itself was straightforward, albeit exposed. None of us struggled with it.

The trail immediately after it was rocky, exposed, and difficult to follow. We cliffed out, had to backtrack, and climb higher up another sandstone scramble.

After enjoying some stunning vistas, we had to follow a steep, shifting boulder field dropping 200 feet. We split up to avoid hitting each other with rockfall. I found it much scarier than the Papago, and was glad to have it behind us.

We encountered another group of rafters just upstream from Hance Rapids. This group was from Tennessee, and was even more welcoming than the last, if that were possible. We were laden down with plenty of beer and supplies when we walked out of their camp after lunch time.

Their generosity put us all in a fabulous mood for the next several miles, which was aided by the uncharacteristically easy trail we followed. We found a bag of garbage near the river, and gathered up as much as we could to take with us before photographing it to notify the park rangers.

After that, Max and I decided to split off and book it to the next campsite to ensure we could find a spot before dark. We stopped only once to enjoy the sunset and inhale some of the delicious snacks provided by Right on Trek.

We arrived at Hance Creek around 6:30 PM and found a pleasant, sandy campsite surrounded by trees. We were delighted to find that the water bubbling out from the creek rocks was crystal clear, delicious, and warm!

Jason and Dana hiked in around 8, following the light of our headlamps to find our site. Dana’s feet were in terrible shape, but she maintained a smile and a positive attitude.

Day 4

Distance: 5.3 mi
Ascent: 3,793 ft
Descent: 125 ft

We got another early start and began the steep ascent toward the canyon rim.

The trail was a lot more simple and straightforward than what we had been traversing, and we enjoyed a relatively easy day despite the elevation gain.

We stopped to check out an old mine and and the rusted equipment around it, a great reminder of the Canyon’s history as a site for uranium mining.

As we neared the top, we made a short detour to investigate a crumbling old mess hall with a large rusty cauldron in the fireplace. Signs warning of radiation decorated the land around it.

We continued on, reaching Grand View trailhead at about 4:00 PM. The air was frigid compared to the balmy temps at the canyon bottom, and we immediately dropped our packs and donned several layers of winter gear. We had hiked into a different climate zone!

The trailhead was packed with tourists who had come from all over the world to look into the canyon. None of them were backpackers, and many of them stared at us, congratulated us, or asked us about our trip. We felt a bit like minor celebrities and laughed as we realized we had become part of the tourist attraction.

Max grabbed a ride back to Lipan with one of the couples who had stopped to talk to us, and I was able to kick back, relax, and contemplate the magnitude of the canyon.

As I watched the crowds of tourists come and go and surveyed the incredible views, I realized that the Grand Canyon is a land with many competing claims upon it – miners, tourists, indigenous peoples, rafters, and hikers like me. All of us are insignificant compared to the scale of the canyon walls, and none of us can truly claim it. It has been around long before all of us and will be there long after we are gone.

I was just grateful to be able to pass through it, marvel at its wonders, and come out unscathed – despite our “aggressive itinerary.”

Food

This year, RightOnTrek brought Max on board as an ambassador and offered to support our hikes and outdoor activities with custom meal plans.

On their website, you can order backpacking meals with fresh ingredients, shipped directly to you.

For the Escalante Trail, Max customized a plan that provided him with 3000 calories per day.

RightOnTrek’s meals are way tastier than the competition, and a great way to nourish your adventures without the hassle of shopping.

Use code BackOBeyond50 for 50% off your first order

View at RightOnTrek

The post Trip Report: The Escalante Route of the Grand Canyon appeared first on Back o' Beyond.

Use code FORMAX15 to receive a 15% discount at checkout: funwaterboard.com

Between all of the hiking, rock climbing, and RV’ing we’ve done over the past few months, we haven’t gotten out on the paddle board as much as I’d like. That being said, the few times we’ve taken it out have been dreamy.

Back in June, we camped at Bear Lake for three nights and took the paddle board out every day. The unboxing experience was exciting and I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to get the SUP (stand-up paddle board) inflated and ready to take on the water.

This was our first time owning a paddle board and only our second time using one, but we had no problems getting the product to work as it should.

The SUP came folded up in a tidy backpack case with shoulder straps. A manual pump was included, along with a 3-piece paddle, ankle leash, three removable fins, a waterproof dry bag, and a waterproof case for the beach.

Although I was impressed by the paddle board’s stability, the lake’s waves tested my balance, even though they were small by Bear Lake standards. This SUP definitely performs best on smooth, glassy water.

This morning, Kim and I took turns paddle boarding at Snooks Bottom in Fruita, Colorado. The water was as flat as a pancake and we had a wonderful time! We made friends with a pointer mixed dog who wasn’t camera shy. He wanted us to take him for a float, but his owner decided to continue walking him instead.

For beginner paddlers that are looking for an affordable SUP to take out on lakes, I can’t recommend this paddle board enough. Funwater has made a quality product at a low price, which is why it doesn’t surprise me that this paddle board has the “Amazon’s Choice” designation.

The only accessory I wish I had was an electric air pump. The manual pump gives your arms a great workout, but it is a bit laborious. Maybe I’ll pick one up down the road.

The post Review: Funwater Inflatable Paddle Board SUP Cruise appeared first on Back o' Beyond.

I know what you’re thinking – “But Max, isn’t Back o’ Beyond a hiking blog? These shoes don’t look like hiking shoes.”

Well, you’re right. Contrary to what you might assume based off my posts, I don’t spend 100% of my time hiking. Sometimes my wife makes me do other things, like go to nice restaurants, bar hops, and wineries.

Kim and I are longtime fans of wearing merino wool, but I can’t say that I’ve ever owned shoes made of the stuff. Almost all of my socks and t-shirts are made from the sheep fiber, for two reasons:

1. Merino wool doesn’t stink as quickly as cotton or synthetics. This comes in handy when we’re boondocking in our RV and can’t take as many showers.
2. Merino wool wicks sweat and retains its insulating properties when wet. This is great for hiking and sitting in an 85-degree fifth wheel on a hot summer day (our single A/C doesn’t always keep us cool).

As you can tell, I’m already sold on merino but had no idea that there were wool shoes on the market. Anyway, I decided to give them a try.

Ultimately, Isobaa has made an extremely comfortable shoe that looks more expensive than it is. I’ve worn them a handful of times now and they match well with my button up Patagonia Bandito Shirts.

I normally wear size 10.5 US shoes, but Isobaa ships from the UK so I ordered size EUR 45 in smoke. They fit perfectly!

I love the fact that they source merino from farms that don’t use a technique called “mulesing”, that hurts sheep.

On top of that, the shoes use recycled Polyester. Since they’re a “merino blend”, Polyester makes up 30% of the shoe’s fabric.

These are seriously the most comfortable, best looking shoe I’ve ever owned. I’ll definitely bust them out anytime Kim asks me to hang up my hiking shoes and do something fancy. I don’t think I’ll even complain! ?

More Minimalist Footwear Reviews

• Xero Shoes – Z-Trail
• Earth Runners – Cadence Adventure Sandals
• DaVinci Barefoot – Primavera Wax Tan
• Skinners – Sock Shoes

The post Review: Isobaa Merino Blend Trainers appeared first on Back o' Beyond.

In anticipation of our arrival to the Western Slope this summer, I started doing research on climbs and hikes in the area.

Monument Canyon got onto my radar when I found out about Independence Monument, a desert tower that was first ascended by John Otto in 1911. He did it in cowboy boots! The tower is located at the meeting place of two canyons, Monument and Wedding.

When I first got to town, I hit up Randy Langstraat, a Grand Junction local who happens to write one of my favorite desert southwest hiking blogs.

He was kind enough to give me a list of must-do hikes in the area. At the top of the list, was Wedding and Monument Canyons Loop (aka Wedding Canyon Loop).

On a hot August evening, I parked at Lower Monument Canyon Trailhead and ran the loop in a counterclockwise direction, up Wedding and down Monument.

Quick Facts

• Distance: 4.5 mile loop
• Hike Time: 2-3 hours
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 620 feet
• Fee: $15 for individual
• Dogs: No
• Difficulty: Moderate

Hiking Wedding and Monument Canyons Loop

In August 2021, I ran up Wedding and down Monument then back to Lower Monument Canyon Trailhead, where I started.

At 0.1 miles, I went right at the junction. You can go either way but for whatever reason, I was in a counterclockwise mood.

The first 1.1 miles are mellow, with some gentle ups and downs in and out of washes.

The next 0.6 miles are a steep climb. This section really got my heart pumping, it was strenuous.

At the 2.4 mile mark, there is another junction. The trail to the right continues another 3.6 miles to Upper Monument Canyon Trailhead on Rim Rock Drive. You are directly underneath Independence Monument here.

Bear left to continue down Monument Canyon, past Monolith Spire and to another junction next to the East Entrance of Monument Canyon. This is at the 4.1-mile mark.

Make another left here and finish the last 0.5 miles to the trailhead.

Maps

Colorado National Monument Map – Downloadable PDF

Location

From Grand Junction, head toward Redlands and take Colorado State Highway 340, then turn onto Fawn Lane and park in the dirt lot.

Get Directions

Resources

Guidebooks

• The Best Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Hikes by Colorado Mountain Club

Topo Maps

• Colorado National Monument [McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area] by Nat Geo

Links

• wedding canyon loop // ADVENTR.co
• Hiking Wedding Canyon and Monument Canyon Loop in Colorado National Monument, CO

The post Hiking Guide: Wedding and Monument Canyons Loop appeared first on Back o' Beyond.

Trip Data

• Dates: Wed, Jul 21, 2021 to Sun, Jul 25, 2021
• Route: West to East. Uinta Highline Trailhead > Hacking Lake Trailhead
• Weather: Partly cloudy mornings, afternoon t-storms. Torrential downpour on Night 2. Hail and lightning on Day 5.
• Distance Hiked: 81 miles
• Time: 5 days
• Passes: Rocky Sea, Dead Horse, Red Knob, Porcupine, Tungsten, Anderson, North Pole, Gabbro

Map

Background

Earlier this year, our group applied and did not receive permits for the John Muir Trail.

In lieu of hiking the JMT this summer, I got permits for a thru-hike across the Grand Tetons and Justin planned a thru-hike of the Uintas.

In 2014, we took seven days to hike an 81-mile leg of the Uinta Highline Trail from east to west. This time, Justin wanted to do it in reverse, from west to east but in only four days.

He knew it was possible, because he had done it with Jason in the summer of 2019. The weather was mostly bad for their trip, which is typical of the High Uintas. Jason’s boots were so waterlogged, they joked that if he took them off his trench foot would have left nothing but “skeleton feet”.

To be honest, I wasn’t thrilled about the idea of pushing so hard to hike the Highline in four days. I love challenging hikes, but this sounded like an outright masochistic endeavor.

Even so, I didn’t want to miss it because Jason, Justin, and Clay are the A Team. Over the years, we have made so many priceless memories hiking together.

On top of that, Jason is about to move to Chicago for two years! I won’t be seeing him as much with such a great distance between us.

As a full-time RV’er, I told Justin I didn’t know where I’d be come late July. Still, I’d probably come out for the Highline… and I did.

Summary

The day before our hike, we were all able to leave work and responsibilities early. Because we had extra time, we decided to hit the trail on a Wednesday afternoon instead of a Thursday morning. This would give us four and a half days instead of four.

Justin’s wife Kate was generous enough to drive us up to the Highline Trailhead at Hayden Pass, which is a few miles north of the ultra-popular Mirror Lake.

Day 1

Distance: 10.8 mi
Ascent: 1,591 ft
Descent: 1,776 ft

We started hiking at 3:00 p.m. and reached the top of Rocky Sea Pass (11,263 feet) at 6:15 p.m. There was some light rain.

After covering nearly 11 miles, we made camp halfway between the junctions with Head of Rock Creek Trail and Rock Creek Trail. We settled in to camp at 7:40 p.m.

Day 2

Distance: 18 mi
Ascent: 4,092 ft
Descent: 3,270 ft

We woke up at 6:30 a.m. and broke down camp. Started hiking at 7:20 a.m.

The trail took us through a huge area of recently burnt forest. It was somewhat eerie and bad@$$ at the same time. At one point, we noticed a trail sign that had burned off its post.

We reached the top of Dead Horse Pass (11,500 feet) at 11:40 a.m. The turquoise-colored Dead Horse Lake and weathered buttes and peaks that surround it were stunning from above. When we got down into the basin, we were flabbergasted by the wildflower display.

We knocked out Red Knob Pass (12,000 ft) at 2:00 p.m. and descended to Lambert Meadow, then back up over a shoulder with a beautiful small lake on it. Clay pointed out that we had swam in that same lake back in 2014.

We made camp at 7:00 p.m. in a long valley I like to call Sheep Sh!+ Basin, on account of the sheep poop scattered everywhere you walk.

That night, we got hit with a torrential downpour accompanied by close lightning strikes and loud thunder. I was so tired, I put earplugs in and fell asleep during the height of the storm.

Day 3

Distance: 20 mi
Ascent: 3,225 ft
Descent: 3,441 ft

Our alarms went off at 6:30 a.m., but It took us a bit longer to roll out of bed and break down camp. Our tents and tarps were soaked and our down quilts were damp from condensation but we packed up anyway! It was about to be a long, hard day of hiking.

We hit the trail at 7:45 a.m. and topped out on Porcupine Pass (12,200 feet) at 10:00 a.m.

After a pleasant lunch next to North Star Lake, we continued over Tungsten (11,450 feet), the easiest pass on the Highline.

The next pass, Anderson, is arguably the hardest pass on the Highline. At 12,700 feet, it is by far the highest.

We reached the top of Anderson Pass at 2:15 p.m. Light rain began to fall on the descent.

On our way down, Jason told us a curious story about “Edwin” Anderson, the guy the pass was supposedly named after. Jason went on to explain that Edwin was a gold prospector and that he had written a book.

“Somehow, I found time to read it in between work and the move.”

Jason went on.

“I think I know where we can find some gold!”

Justin and I looked at each other incredulously, but we followed Jason off-trail anyway. Even though he sounded crazy, Jason has never given me a reason to doubt him. Most of the time, his off-trail shenanigans pay off, particularly in Southern Utah where we have found ancient petroglyphs, dwellings, and clay pottery shards.

Suddenly, Jason dove into a thicket. I squinted to try and focus my eyes on what was happening. A single outstretched arm extended out from the bushes, holding a gold can. Then another. Within seconds, Jason seemingly emerged from the underworld with four Fisher beers! I can’t even begin to describe how thrilled we were.

We were dying to know the real backstory.

Apparently, Jason and Clay had hiked in the previous weekend to summit Kings Peak and plant beers for our Highline journey.

This will go down as the most thoughtful prank anyone has ever played on me. Boy, was it a treat to guzzle those brews down at camp that evening, especially after a 20-mile day.

We pushed through Painter Basin and passed Milk Lake, settling in at 5:40 p.m.

Day 4

Distance: 19 mi
Ascent: 2,355 ft
Descent: 2,720 ft

We got on the trail at 8:00 a.m. and made it to the top of North Pole Pass (12,250 feet) at 3:00 p.m.

This was the third time I had hiked North Pole in my life, but I had never done it from west to east. It kicked my a$$, to say the least. I feel like I always underestimate this pass. Its dome-like shape makes it look less intimidating, but North Pole is a doozy.

We got off trail a few times, but ultimately found a great spot to camp near Chepeta Lake at 6:50 p.m.

Day 5

Distance: 12.8 mi
Ascent: 2,192 ft
Descent: 1,647 ft

On our final day, we slept in a little longer since we had fewer miles to cover. After leaving camp at 8:30 a.m., we promptly took our shoes off to cross a freezing cold stream.

After passing Whiterocks Lake, we went over an unnamed pass and on the way down we got hailed on. The hail turned to rain and soon it was accompanied by lightning and roaring thunder.

We sat out the storm under some pine trees next to Deadman Lake (perfect name, eh?) and deliberated about whether to stay or go over Gabbro, our last pass.

“Let’s go if 10 minutes go by without any thunder,” I suggested.

I had barely finished my sentence when BOOM a mighty thunderclap made us all burst out laughing.

Our next move was to set up Jason’s MLD TrailStar and huddle underneath for awhile. Luckily, we were only stuck for 30 minutes or so.

We bagged Gabbro Pass (11,700 feet) without any issues and made our way around the southeast side of Leidy Peak, occasionally losing the trail. At one point, we saw a buck with a great looking rack.

At 3:50 p.m., we reached Hacking Lake Trailhead and moseyed down the road to Hacking Lake, where Kate met up with us at 5:00 p.m., bless her heart!

That evening, Justin and Kate spoiled us with delicious burgers, topped with the best bacon I’ve ever had. Kate also brought an apple pie that she baked and it was delectable.

The next morning, we drove four hours back to Justin’s cabin on the other side of the Uintas. It felt good to finish another legendary hike with my fellas!

Food

This year, RightOnTrek brought me on board as an ambassador and offered to support my hikes and outdoor activities with custom meal plans.

On their website, you can order backpacking meals with fresh ingredients, shipped directly to you.

For the Uinta Highline Trail, I customized a plan that provided me with 3000 calories per day.

One evening, I offered Jason some of my cheesy mashed potatoes with chicken and he couldn’t stop talking about how good it was ?.

RightOnTrek’s meals are seriously way tastier than the competition.

Use code BackOBeyond50 for 50% off your first order

View at RightOnTrek

More Great Hikes in Northern Utah

• Ibantik Lake
• Bloods Lake

The post Trip Report: Uinta Highline Trail appeared first on Back o' Beyond.

I have never been able to get a straight answer on where Lake 22 got its name. It is a strange and mysteriously indistinct title for such a unique alpine lake. All the same, the hike to this lake is one of my favorites in the state of Washington.

The lake sits at the bottom of a cirque on the northern side of Mount Pilchuck and is accessed from the scenic Mountain Loop Highway. Awe-inspiring cliffs rise precipitously from the lakeshore and are filled with waterfalls fed by snowmelt.

There’s a noticeable sense of peace and sanctuary at Lake 22. The vibe reminds me of what the Elves of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth would have felt in the magical valley of Rivendell.

Quick Facts

• Distance: 5.4 miles out and back
• Hike Time: 3-4 hours
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 1400 feet
• Fee: Northwest Forest Pass
• Dogs: Yes
• Difficulty: Moderate

Hiking to Lake 22

In September 2016, Arrow the Cattle Dog and I hiked to Lake 22. We had summited Mount Pilchuck the day before, so it was cool to see the other side of the mountain. It was a characteristically cool and drizzly day on the trail.

The hike starts at Lake 22 Trailhead and winds its way up a series of switchbacks through an old growth forest. There are some massive trees to marvel at during this section of trail.

After a gradual ascent up the Twenty-Two Creek drainage, the deep dark forest opens up to reveal the lake in all of its glory. Once you arrive at the lake, there is a dirt footpath that loops around the entire waterhole. I highly recommend taking a walkabout and fishing if you are into that sort of thing.

Map

Location

From Seattle, take I-5 northbound then get off on exit 194. Continue east on U.S. Route 2 then merge onto State Route 204 eastbound. Turn left onto State Route 9 northbound, then turn right onto State Route 92. This becomes the Mountain Loop Highway. Continue for 25.2 miles, then park in the donut-shaped dirt lot at Lake 22 Trailhead.

Get Directions

Resources

Links

• Lake 22 — Washington Trails Association
• Lake 22 Hike: Busy and Worth It – Ordinary Adventures

Photos

Want to hike Washington’s best trails? Check out our other Washington Hiking Guides.

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The Park Butte Trail takes you to a historic fire lookout built in 1932, on top of a knoll with 360° panoramic views. From the lookout, Mount Baker (aka Koma Kulshan) steals the show, but the surrounding ridge lines are also worth staring at open-mouthed.

Hiking to Park Butte Lookout takes you through a mushroom and wildflower-filled mountain wonderland dotted with gushing waterfalls. It is 3.5 miles one-way to the lookout, with 2100 feet elevation gain, but the excursion flies by because there is so much beauty to take in.

Quick Facts

• Distance: 7 miles out and back
• Hike Time: 4-5 hours
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 2100 feet
• Fee: Northwest Forest Pass
• Dogs: Yes
• Difficulty: Moderate

Hiking to Park Butte Lookout

In September 2016, for my 27^th birthday, Kim, Arrow the Cattle Dog, and I hiked to Park Butte Lookout.

It was a Friday afternoon and the trail was busy but not overwhelmingly so. This is probably the most popular hike on Mount Baker.

The first mile or so of the hike has a mellow grade as the trail meanders through sparse forest and Schreibers Meadow. From there, you will climb up some moderately steep switchbacks to gain the plateau below Cathedral Crag.

I thought the rest of the hike to the lookout was pretty easy. In fact, I would go as far as to say this is the easiest hike with 2000-foot gain I’ve ever done. I hope your experience is the same!

Map

Location

From Seattle, get on I-5 northbound and take exit 232 for State Route 20. Continue on State Route 20 for 16.9 miles, then turn left onto Baker Lake Road. Continue for 12.2 miles, then turn left onto NF-12. Continue for 3.5 miles, then turn right onto NF-13. Continue for 5.1 miles, then park in the dirt lot at the “Easton Glacier Climbing Route” trailhead.

Get Directions

Resources

Links

• Park Butte — Washington Trails Association

Photos

Want to hike Washington’s best trails? Check out our other Washington Hiking Guides.

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Blanca Lake is one of the most picturesque alpine lakes in Washington. Its waters are often described as “teal”, “turquoise”, or “vibrant blue,” giving it a striking beauty.

Like many worthwhile hikes in Washington’s Cascade Range, this hike is steep and strenuous. Anyone that puts in the hard work of booting up to Blanca Lake will have their efforts rewarded handsomely.

I find myself recommending Blanca Lake over and over to family, friends, and acquaintances looking for incredible hikes nearish to Seattle. You really can’t beat the views you get from this glacier-fed lake basin surrounded by craggy peaks.

Quick Facts

• Distance: 7 miles out and back
• Hike Time: 5-7 hours
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 3000 feet
• Fee: Northwest Forest Pass
• Dogs: Yes
• Difficulty: Hard

Hiking to Blanca Lake

In July 2016, Kim, Arrow the Cattle Dog, and I hiked to Blanca Lake from the turnoff to National Forest Development Road 63 on the Index-Galena Road. We were unable to drive to the official Blanca Lake Trailhead because the road was closed due to being washed out.

The road closure made our hike 12 miles out and back instead of 7, but it was well worth the journey!

Make sure to call the Skykomish Ranger District office at 360-677-2414 before your hike to get up-to-date information on road conditions.

From the trailhead, you will climb 37 switchbacks and gain 2700 feet in 3 miles. Once you reach the hike’s highpoint at Virgin Lake, you’ll then descend 500 feet over 0.5 miles to Blanca Lake.

The best time to hike to Blanca is between July and October, when most or all of the snow has melted.

Why is Blanca Lake Teal?

Curious as to how the lake gets its distinct color? This is caused by the Coleman Glacier that feeds the lake. Over time, the ice flows downhill and grinds or tills the rocks underneath into glacial flour. When the meltwater enters the lake, it retains the sediments and the “glacial milk” makes the water teal.

Map

Location

From Seattle, get on I-45 northbound and take exit 23 for State Route 522. Continue eastbound for 13.3 miles, then turn right onto U.S. Route 2. Continue for 21.6 miles, then turn left onto Index-Galena Road. Continue for 14.7 miles then turn left onto NF-63 (if it’s open). Continue for 1.9 miles and park at the trailhead on the left.

Get Directions

Resources

Links

• Blanca Lake — Washington Trails Association

Photos

Want to hike Washington’s best trails? Check out our other Washington Hiking Guides.

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