Help Northern Utah Boy Scout Backpack overnighter

[Go-deep]

I am the Scout Master for a troop in Northern Utah, and I have been really trying to get the boys into backpacking rather then car camping. We have taken about 4 overnight backpacking trips and one 3 day trip last year in the Uinta's and now I think I have them hooked. We had just a day activity planned to go fishing this month but now they want to go backpacking again. (We went to Middle Fork last week by Pineview Resevior). We are working on our fishing and flyfishing merit badges so I was wondering if anyone knows of lake that we could pack into a mile or two and do some fishing as well. We would be heading out in the next few weeks. Any thoughts would be great. Thanks

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[uintahiker]

It's a dicey time of year as far as backpacking in to a lake goes. Snow in the Uintas at 10,000 ft (Trial Lake) is about 2 1/2 feet deep right now. 3 weeks from now may be golden. You really never know yet though. White Pine/Tony Grove might be snow free, but no guarantees. East Shingle Creek Lake in the Uintas might be doable.

Basically, May is always sketchy for backpacking into mountain lakes. It's hard to give a recommendation for May, but post again when you know the weekend you're shooting for.
Have you considered backpacking in on the north side of Jordanelle Reservoir? I went there a time or two as a scout. It might be one of the better options if you're going this weekend.

 

[Go-deep]

I pulled up a map of Jordanelle are talking about the perimeter trail? I have never been on that trail, where do you access it from and is there certain places you can camp or can you find spots off the trail? Thanks for your help. I was also thinking about porcupine reservoir, and them have them backpack around to the backside. Oh we would be going next weekend.

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[uintahiker]

Porcupine hadn't occurred to me.

Yeah next weekend, most of the high lakes are still white.

It's been a few years, but we started on the Mayflower/Keetley (west) side and hiked over along some of those long shallow bays on the north side. From what I recall, there may have been a primitive campsite or two already there. There's plenty of spots out there that would be good to camp.

 

[barl0w]

What about Wall Lake? The hike in is a good few miles in, and I suppose there may be fish there - which I would check before hiking in.

I've thought of exploring the Tibble Fork Reservoir area for backpacking, and the Reservoir is stocked with a ton of fish. Everyone goes there to catch some. The area is just gorgeous as well.

 

[Nick]

What about Wall Lake? The hike in is a good few miles in, and I suppose there may be fish there - which I would check before hiking in.

I've thought of exploring the Tibble Fork Reservoir area for backpacking, and the Reservoir is stocked with a ton of fish. Everyone goes there to catch some. The area is just gorgeous as well.

Wall still has about 3 weeks before it will be accessible. By Memorial Day I'd bet.

 

[Go-deep]

Thanks for the heads up, Wall Lake is on the list for the Scouts later in the year.

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[Deadeye008]

As of about 5 days ago Spirit Lake has been snow free. There are quite a few lakes in that area that could be done as an overnigher.

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[Go-deep]

thanks for all the responses. We ended up staying a little closer to home as we had some time restrictions. We backpacked to Lewis Peak from the North Ogden Divide trail head. We hiked in 5.5 miles and camped at the base of Lewis Peak. It was a little farther then I wanted to take them but the scenery was great and they all had a great time. They all have grown up in the area and had no idea all that was up there. Took a total of 10 scouts and they all can’t wait till we do that hike again, granted there were some tough climbs but most of them made it without to much trouble. There is nothing better then pulling these kids away from the video games and TV and getting them out in the outdoors. It is amazing how much entertainment they can have with out the electronics. Thanks again for your suggestions.

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