East Notch Mountain - Uintas

[DrNed]

Does anyone have any experience in doing a loop around East Notch Mountain?

I'm planning on spending two days at Ibantik lake and then hiking around East Notch.
Which lake would you suggest camping at? Bench? Reids? Deans? Notch?

Also, supposedly there is a unmaintained trail between Deans and Hope lake.
Anyone have any experience with this trail?

 

[Nick]

I did a point to point through there a couple years ago with a night at Ibantik. I didn't loop back but I've also heard that there is a bit of a trail connecting Deans and Hope. Even if there isn't, it couldn't be too difficult to navigate with the decent navigation skills and tools. I'd love to hear for sure if there is one there though.

Here's my TR from my point to point:
http://backcountrypost.com/forum/threads/uintas-ibantik-lake-loop.283/

If I were going to camp at any of the lakes on the east side of Notch, it would probably be at Bench Lake. Notch was pretty, but in low water years it drains like a toilet bowl and there were quite a few people there. Bench didn't seem to have nearly as many camping opportunities so there is a probably a higher probability of solitude.

Dean might be be good too though. If I recall correctly, you don't really see it from the trail which might reduce visitation. I could be wrong though. Notice how far away my track actually was from it in this map:


View larger map.

 

[uintahiker]

Are you planning on fishing? If so, Bench is fishless. It does offer the best chance of solitude though. It's been a few years, so I can't remember looking for campsites.

Notch is popular, crowded, and subject to drawdown.

Dean is a good option if you are going to fish. I've pulled some decent brookies out of there. There are some campsites around as well.
Dean would be my recommendation, but for me the fishing is a huge selling point.