Uintas - Twin Lakes and the Notch - July 27-28, 2015

Joined
Jul 15, 2015
Messages
5
Fist off, I just wanted to say thanks for all of the posts and information that I've received on this website. It's been invaluable in mustering up the courage to venture into backpacking.

My 15 year old son and I decided to try backpacking in the Uinta's. It was a great opportunity to spend some quality time with him one on one and share some card games, hiking, laughs, and creating memories that probably mean more to me right now than him but hopefully will linger with him as he gets older into the next chapters in his life.

We decided to start off at the Crystal Lake trailhead and our original intent was to camp on the other side of the notch; however, we ended up setting up base camp at the Upper Twin Lake and it was perfect for exploring around the next day.

The Notch from Wall Lake:
IMG_0866.JPG


On the trail to Twin Lakes:
IMG_0869.JPG


Beautiful scenery on our way. It seemed like around every corner was just gorgeous topography:
IMG_0871.JPG

IMG_0872.JPG

IMG_0873.JPG


We made it to Twin Lakes and there was no one there. Perfect spot for two nights:
IMG_0874.JPG

IMG_0875.JPG


After setting up camp we decided to explore the cliffs around the lake.
IMG_0877.JPG


A little selfie of the two of us:
IMG_0881.JPG


Closer view of the Notch
IMG_0882.JPG


Looking back down at Wall Lake
IMG_0883.JPG

IMG_0884.JPG


We went back to camp, had some nice Mountain House Sweet and Sour Pork, played some Gin Rummy and went to bed.

The next morning we decided to go over the Notch and set out for Ibantik Lake.

View from the top of the Notch
IMG_0887.JPG


Trail down to Lovenia
IMG_0888.JPG


Some wildflowers along the trail
IMG_0889.JPG

IMG_0890.JPG


Much easier to explore without the packs
IMG_0891.JPG


Beautiful meadows
IMG_0892.JPG


Reached Ibantik and there were two groups camping around it. It's a beautiful location but we were glad that we chose our site where we did.

IMG_0893.JPG


Loved the boardwalks along the trail
IMG_0894.JPG


Plenty of lakes along the way
IMG_0895.JPG

IMG_0896.JPG


View back to Twin and Wall from the top of the Notch
IMG_0897.JPG


Stopped back at our camp for lunch and a rest
IMG_0898.JPG


After resting we headed out to explore some other lakes around Mount Watson
IMG_0899.JPG


Clyde Lake
IMG_0900.JPG


Looking back at the Notch
IMG_0904.JPG


Beautiful wildflowers on the way to Watson Lake
IMG_0901.JPG


Watson Lake
IMG_0902.JPG

IMG_0903.JPG


We ran out of water and I forgot the filter at camp so we had to turn back. But we had another great night of laughing and card games.

We woke up the next morning, packed everything up and headed back to the trailhead.

IMG_0906.JPG

IMG_0907.JPG

IMG_0908.JPG


Stopped at Uinta Drive In on the way back home. Overall, we loved it. We were blessed with awesome weather, only saw about a dozen people during the entire time so low crowds, and created some great memories.

Thanks again for the posts and I hope you enjoyed this trip report!

Featured image for home page:
slide.jpg
 
This is awesome. Glad it went so well and I'm sure this experience will make a deep impact on your son, even if he doesn't fully realize it just yet. You live in the perfect area of the country to take up backpacking so you have endless great trips in store for you. I look forward to reading about them.
 
Back
Top