I've long enjoyed that backcountrypost is the best information source for a Thorofare trip, regardless of route. We're long overdue for a Thorofare album to help trip planners understand how amazing this area really is. Feel free to add your favorites!!
Above: Crossing the Thorofare Creek...
I recognize the flaws in mountain-forecast, but I find it very useful when planning trips that involve peakbagging, which just about every trek and hike I do involves some of that. It mostly helps with what I can expect for wind at the top elevations and how much I should expect the temperature...
I wouldn't rule out Thorofare because of the logistics. I did an out-and-back from nine-mile TH down to Bridger Lake and back a few years back and absolutely loved it. The miles go easily because it's effectively flat. If you're like me and used to big mountains at high elevations, you can crank...
That off-trail pass is one of the best-hidden gems in the Uintas. I've seen it referred to as Onweep Pass several times. I trek up there in 2017 is still one of the best views I've had in the Uintas. It encouraged me to see more of Red Castle from every angle. I returned a few years later and...
Younts has long been a goal of mine following a trek into the Thorofare and Hawk's Rest area several years back. Hadn't considered a route with either Wall or Crescent previously, but you have my rethinking my approach.
Thanks for posting this one - there isn't a lot of intel out there for the off-trail passes in the Uintas. Always great to hear about those that take them.
I did the North section this year to complete a loop between Henry's Fork and Divide Pass. You're spot on with my experience. Thompson Pass was a pleasant and welcome surprise. But man, the trail was gone in many places, and as the blowdowns get worse, the trail gets harder and harder to find...
Will - just referencing your post as I'm planning a trip with my daughter to Queant Lake with a day hike over the pass to Fox and Crescent Lakes for some fishing. I'm realizing we were on the Highline only days apart. My first trek was Aug 6, 2016. Thanks for your details. Helping me out a ton!
This idea is crowded at the start but I think you can find the right solitude - Wall Lake trail, hike past it to camp at Twin Lakes, there are several campsites and they're often unused. You can then find a great sunset with a small side hike to the notch. This is the same hike I took my then...
A few options...
Uintas - Highline trail or make your own loop. Plenty of options. No bears. Lots of high alpine lakes and tundra. Generally not crowded and often a lot of solitude (Avoid Red Castle and the Kings Peak areas). Bugs aren't bad by August. Fishing is great.
Wind Rivers - Fewer...
I try to take the approach that the more people that are enjoying the outdoors, the better, as long as they are doing responsibility (no/low impact, not hogging space, etc.). We need more fans of outdoor spaces. I can always get away from people if I want to.
I did a similar, albeit longer trek that covered almost the exact same route. The extra days for me were added by continuing to Deadhorse Pass, to Squaw Basin, and over the Ottoson Basin Trail to hit the same spot. I also returned the same way you did over the unnamed pass by Red Castle. That...