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- Dec 23, 2013
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I've been heading up to the Uintas for a weekend over the summer for the past thirty three years. On these trips, I usually do a day hike on the Saturday, and quite frequently I have hiked to the top of Bald Mountain. While on top of Bald Mountain, I have always looked over to the northwest at Reid's Peak and wondered if anyone had climbed it. So two years ago, back in 2021, Sheila and I headed up Bald Mountain thinking that we might make our way over to Reid's. Once on top though, Sheila got cold feet looking down the slope of Bald towards the saddle between Bald and Reid's, so we instead returned to the trailhead.
![01.jpg 01.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123260-192755ae994c6045df3dcd1c824845a0.jpg)
![03.jpg 03.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123332-6570cccca0815f2d0d67c714cdd3aad4.jpg)
Reid's Peak over my left shoulder, and to the right of Sheila, back in 2021
Then in 2022, it rained on the day I was doing my day hike, and I didn't feel confident enough to tackle Reid's, so I did a rainy, foggy Bald Mountain again instead.
![02.jpg 02.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123261-6008667b7c4b056b74f912c9e3e7b5b8.jpg)
A cloudy/foggy Bald Mountain in 2022
So maybe in 2023 the third time will be the charm?
We stayed at Sulphur Campground for the sixth year in a row. Before that, we tried to mix things up a bit and stay at different campgrounds, but for some reason we have stuck with Sulphur since 2017, and that year my family hiked to the summit of Bald Mountain (of course we did).![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![04.jpg 04.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123263-eee93d012e6431913d6c2b0c59c22fc7.jpg)
Check out this fine looking gentleman (aka @Jackson) that we met at the summit of Bald Mountain back in 2017. Man, how time
flies!
Pre-hike photos.
We drove up to Sulphur Campground Friday afternoon and the campground and vicinity were full of wildflowers that I'd like to share.
![01.jpg 01.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123264-f427a691f94f032090dbeafa67cba379.jpg)
Hayden Peak, taken form the Hayden Peak overlook. The sun angle was just perfect for this shot
![02.jpg 02.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123265-7fcf919c55e3f9f6fb579847e15604ea.jpg)
Hummingbird at camp
![03.jpg 03.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123266-5095e3ac62d277dd7f1a82eeddfc191d.jpg)
The Scat setup at site #19
![04.jpg 04.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123267-ae61b3464be164998c16772f417979e7.jpg)
A visitor on the periphery of the campground
![05.jpg 05.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123268-d355cefffcdb158f1db3fa8bf2a62b47.jpg)
![06.jpg 06.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123269-c021e7f7ef619acfd1f1d37a4a3525de.jpg)
![07.jpg 07.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123270-94da6991d4fbc91f38892d3a715a9707.jpg)
![08.jpg 08.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123271-ed63fe997a288563fddaf8a38034c057.jpg)
![10.jpg 10.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123272-61f49a61386516718536bd27e0ca9c03.jpg)
![11.jpg 11.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123273-86811ff804fd60bff206b69e7ce8ae96.jpg)
![15.jpg 15.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123275-a15a13e2f95a7d47a90b7e2867fbe283.jpg)
![16.jpg 16.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123276-2112e3ded56b634867ea758a7bf78dc7.jpg)
![19.jpg 19.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123277-1a452af5ca2c93701b21b517afd70464.jpg)
Wildflowers around camp
![17.jpg 17.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123278-890fe680b2c1ef0813cb921edc916510.jpg)
Please do not eat the plants
![12.jpg 12.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123274-c338860c29c542ce814d1dbf79bc2883.jpg)
This bad boy has been working for over 50 years.
![18.jpg 18.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123279-102fec0b9a44bd8bef6a1492e7ca829c.jpg)
Nice camouflage
Day of the hike shots:
In order to keep up with @TractorDoc's training routine, and I mean the guy is like a Navy Seal with his dedication, I had to attempt Reid's Peak. I couldn't get anyone else to join me, so I was on my own.
![20.jpg 20.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123280-ad93431ecf014f3c16b16666f5a7b591.jpg)
I had to unload the Subaru for those staying at camp. The important stuff is on the right side of the table.
![21.jpg 21.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123281-42c824cf68c3bdb982c39064e5163b7e.jpg)
Reid's Peak is on the right, with Bald Mountain on the left as I am driving to the trailhead
![Reids_Peak.jpg Reids_Peak.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123282-121ce673bc67cd2b79f6d78874942e49.jpg)
Overview map of my day hike
So I had planned to start form the Bald Mountain Trailhead and take the Notch Mountain Trail to head around Bald Mountain. At some point, I was then going to leave the trail and head off-trail and work my way up to the saddle between Bald Mountain and Reid's Peak. Once there, I would work my way up the ridgeline of Reid's toward the summit. I had taken a waypoint of where I thought that the best jump off point from the trail was, but of course Mr. Genius left the GPS unit back in the tent at the campground and I didn't realize it until I was almost at the trailhead.
So I was on my own for figuring out when to head cross-country.
Okay, stop the presses! Before I go any further, I should probably tell everyone which cameras I took on this hike.
![13.jpg 13.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123283-22cb20f74b0f521cc471e7701fa00d13.jpg)
![14.jpg 14.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123284-785a3d4a03e177a7909a16f4c1388157.jpg)
Now back to the story.
![22.jpg 22.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123285-4aed2a62567d7828d6d0752f2fa2ce64.jpg)
I left the trailhead just after 7:30 AM, and began working my way around Bald Mountain
![23.jpg 23.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123286-e933c6ca3d65f0858f12196d5be9b4f9.jpg)
Bluebells were abundant along my route
![24.jpg 24.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123287-da94bade51af924795d15ad558d03d00.jpg)
First look at Reid's Peak in the morning light as I am rounding Bald Mountain
![25.jpg 25.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123288-2e7904bf892598ad3b96d7689e78b1c5.jpg)
A meadow corridor looking towards Haystack Mountain
![26.jpg 26.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123289-7d44bd94a170ae8d703f780f1d772853.jpg)
Another view from the Notch Mountain Trail
![27.jpg 27.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123290-b9b03e047448542e0485def8490a2fd1.jpg)
Heading off trail towards the drainage that leads to the saddle
![28.jpg 28.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123291-113dbf628a8cf02bb3483f92225ec886.jpg)
Passing by and unnamed pond. Mosquitoes were becoming quite a nuisance at this point.
![29.jpg 29.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123292-2d90132df55ccba45a70d37d22ccaf1a.jpg)
View up to the saddle
![30.jpg 30.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123293-5143b57d5b4f51336b95754bb443c0cb.jpg)
Rock hopping now, and beginning to get some views to the west
![31.jpg 31.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123294-66e85786f5a1f570c17826d962d96ed8.jpg)
Always love to run into columbine on my hikes
![32.jpg 32.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123295-28052504aaccb9f2c74a5c95243f48fe.jpg)
As I gain elevation, the views are getting better - Haystack Mountain on the left to Notch Mountain on the right, and Mount
Watson in between.
![33.jpg 33.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123296-2392485612da1e828eedc40381980717.jpg)
Still some snow on the west side of Bald Mountain
![34.jpg 34.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123297-14f1e3beb7c1aae3c2cc55b1cdf56db9.jpg)
Making my way up to the saddle. There was a small cliff band in the trees that I found a chute that goats had used to scramble up
it.
![35.jpg 35.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123298-0081a4822f45f27e5b41d3a5ccf29c87.jpg)
Just before reaching the saddle, I saw these two goats on the slope of Bald Mountain. I almost thought I could see @Bob hanging
out with them up there.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![36.jpg 36.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123299-755ff7212f8ef120d78df5d5f016280b.jpg)
View from the saddle
![37.jpg 37.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123300-9159a3bb8ef400d9fa4984dacc55eacf.jpg)
View from the saddle towards Hayden Peak
![38.jpg 38.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123301-cf3b447a41a21555cda6d86a335098a9.jpg)
Looking up at the ridgeline of Reid's Peak from the saddle
![39.jpg 39.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123302-55040f1502f7be08f02e48672d3b5188.jpg)
Hugging a cliff band on Reid's, looking towards Haystack Mountain with some of the lakes below coming into view
![40.jpg 40.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123303-64976e0c22aa5d869faee6bc35596f04.jpg)
I'm guessing that that is the summit above?
![41.jpg 41.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123304-2e6cdfaee8dc3c05405dceef65487ef6.jpg)
Still working my way up the ridge
![42.jpg 42.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123305-52af6e7fcb1e916f7a7e2232955cd962.jpg)
A look back at Bald Mountain
![43.jpg 43.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123306-31416242f0f40bf88df68b0032d03c3a.jpg)
A cairn ahead that I did not knock down.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![44.jpg 44.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123307-eb0edcb4cc1a39394bfea6b006638732.jpg)
I traversed beneath this cliff band until I reached the steep scree that I would head up
to get to the summit
![45.jpg 45.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123308-791c233b646c560a2633f05e5bb9c828.jpg)
Getting really steep at this point. I tried to choose the path of least resistance at this point. I'm not sure how successful I was.
![46.jpg 46.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123309-6c5fd5167bbe176328f6da56c5b6376e.jpg)
Damn near straight up at this point, at least if felt that way
![47.jpg 47.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123310-705f137f51f5742ea92aaf3dea27a879.jpg)
I took the chute on the far left to scramble to the summit
![48.jpg 48.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123311-5742ac9587b4b6e6de021677bbac43de.jpg)
A chute to the summit
Views from the summit:
![49.jpg 49.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123312-3ebf7913abd43cb7d7bab833eb5a8efd.jpg)
View to the southwest towards Haystack Mountain. Lakes in the shot include Reids Lake. Notch Lake, Dean Lake, Clegg Lake, Star
Lake, Wall Lake, Trail Lake, Washington Lake. I'm probably missing a few of them. @Ugly help!![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![50.jpg 50.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123313-b66f8ed0ad43943704f4806225e90b05.jpg)
View to the west towards Notch Mountain
![51.jpg 51.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123314-af3873e72120f3613ff1437dd1083016.jpg)
View to the northwest and the Weber River Drainage
![52.jpg 52.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123315-331a177c7397dde619d32f8a64c8e7fc.jpg)
View to the northeast and Mount Marsell and Kamas Lake
![53.jpg 53.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123316-2edb27e927835c7818cd970ec671e58a.jpg)
View slightly northeast towards Hayden Peak. On the far right of this shot is the actual high point of Reid's Peak
![54.jpg 54.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123317-0431d59de34d8f6b2c0e1da7f4b1fd7b.jpg)
The summit, just across the small snow field
![55.jpg 55.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123318-3ab9c4167683c15ad08fdd65a05270ce.jpg)
Somebody hauled a mailbox all the way up here
![56.jpg 56.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123319-24ec8b27d88a88d24b6704de7e59b6ad.jpg)
I signed the register. I was the first person to summit in 2023, at least according to the register. And only a handful of people had
summited in 2022.
![57.jpg 57.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123320-3731145b15b9a5947345a68b167b7b8b.jpg)
Summit shot
![58.jpg 58.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123321-acdc2a9241c4f67bd8619f3268e82f80.jpg)
Tripod position
![59.jpg 59.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123322-e09f2179099634e256c3b1eb79414066.jpg)
View of Bald Mountain from the summit of Reid's Peak
![60.jpg 60.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123323-0e58dbcfd39de74c9c4edb7fb5e18aff.jpg)
Another look at Mount Marsell and Unnamed Peak 11,113 along with Kamas Lake
![61.jpg 61.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123324-00dfc4999167c97a2f6af0cea9df4ac3.jpg)
Lost Lake below
![62.jpg 62.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123325-d18fa0e122c06810963d33c390303c54.jpg)
The essential gear
![63.jpg 63.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123326-7ad4f3b6c1abb6aceed1b5c47f78d398.jpg)
Zoomed in on Mount Timpanogos
![64.jpg 64.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123327-c335d24cae5d4f7a3234e1808ff07051.jpg)
Zoomed in on the Lone Peak Wilderness
![65.jpg 65.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123328-510325e6dde6b9bf744b4d640bbb226e.jpg)
Zoomed in on the Twin Peaks Wilderness, with the Mount Olympus Wilderness in the distance on the far right of the image
![66.jpg 66.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123329-a1e69ac3664ea25b12b17e599d87d23b.jpg)
Another shot of Hayden as the sun angle improves after my lunch
![67.jpg 67.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123330-2ba77e8ab12b579ea39c3f0d1e763b37.jpg)
Down the chute as they say as I begin to head off the summit
![68.jpg 68.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123331-c1607f81117b96d499b39e7c486de364.jpg)
Better sun angle on the west side of Bald Mountain too.
![69.jpg 69.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123333-b12b36476b2dd5f7aa95972d2c89329a.jpg)
I started to traverse along this cliff band on my way down, but I realized it was the wrong band, so I had to backtrack and drop
down to the next band.
![70.jpg 70.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123334-e193a509c0321614551cbd84849bbc0f.jpg)
This is the right one.![Thumbs Up :thumbsup: :thumbsup:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![71.jpg 71.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123335-18371ff4c6a57cca2a2cd86b70cd73b0.jpg)
Fleabane
![72.jpg 72.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123336-11aba0dd90f4b34899d70c4311dc6dbd.jpg)
Working my way back down the ridge towards the saddle
![73.jpg 73.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123337-b9125b75164245959b2ef1ae95626e0d.jpg)
What the southeast ridge looks like, some scrambling required.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![74.jpg 74.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123338-3bd10c79960558bdb6a92faff5422c0e.jpg)
Back on the saddle and looking up at the Bald Mountain ridgeline. I gave some thought
to heading up it and taking the Bald Mountain Trail back to the trailhead, but I didn't
know how long it would take me to make the climb and I had to get back to camp to
start cooking, so I backtracked the way I had come instead.
![75.jpg 75.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123339-556300b971c350062dfec73f68be6248.jpg)
This is the goat trail through the small cliff band that I spoke of earlier
![76.jpg 76.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123340-bb3b396edccf6827d387c2761930b32b.jpg)
Looking down the drainage I had come up earlier in the day
![77.jpg 77.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123341-81f8575adc9d8acf92ac386a188b2542.jpg)
Looking back up the way I had come down from the saddle
![78.jpg 78.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123342-54ceef394dcffa710bfafcd57dd791cd.jpg)
Grateful to be off the rocks at last, looking up at the slope of Reid's Peak
![79.jpg 79.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123343-11f075d23fd65e852d835938cb49d1e7.jpg)
Looking back at a better shot of the saddle on my way back to the trailhead
![80.jpg 80.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123344-a562a3d5c0f070b42b2d6631725c03c5.jpg)
Zoomed in on the chutes that lead to the summit. Can you see the one I took?
![81.jpg 81.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123345-604dae61aa62a5f8aebeab507a373f46.jpg)
A pond and Reid's
![82.jpg 82.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123346-2943e666bbad479e8d8bf40a2f951472.jpg)
West side of Bald Mountain
![83.jpg 83.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123347-12028d8818a009ec59ebc5fff9c24939.jpg)
Bye bye Reid's
![84.jpg 84.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123348-8b1bf9c9fae94d02fd4300dd7f39c5cf.jpg)
Buttercups along the trail
![85.jpg 85.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123349-4ff6403eee6245d9dae188fa75a9b2e0.jpg)
Back at the trailhead.
After Hike Shots:
Of course these Uinta trips mean you have to cook, and that means cast iron.
![86.jpg 86.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123350-625ffe1aa599acc5eb994be525e1436a.jpg)
In the 21 inch cast iron skillet, we have chicken thighs marinated in a Hawaiian BBQ sauce, along with red potatoes and fresh
pineapple. In the 12 inch Dutch oven, we have Santa Fe soup, and in the 14 inch Dutch oven, we have, back by popular demand,
Mac & Cheese. You needed to stop by on your way north @Rockskipper and get you a bite to eat. We had plenty.
![86b.jpg 86b.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123351-c03b4a831a7a1d700a9d51835c12e7c9.jpg)
Chef Scat on cooking duty, and apparently being photobombed in the process.
![87.jpg 87.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123352-7829ea40480c4a205af33ed590998267.jpg)
What it looks like all served up and it was delicious. Those are some jalapeno chips crushed up on the mac & cheese.![Hungry :hungry: :hungry:](/addedsmilies/hungry.gif)
![88.jpg 88.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123353-15df3df17c8ae5df1de0bc41957097d6.jpg)
And to wash it all down I had a Founders Breakfast Stout
![89.jpg 89.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123354-fb3f7b879ba518d9250c35ffef2400a8.jpg)
Homemade boat races down Hayden Fork were going to be on Sunday, and Lord Business was not going to be taking any prisoners.![Eek! :eek: :eek:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
And our friend showed up on the periphery of camp again so I took a few shots before he wandered off.
![90.jpg 90.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123355-b90f221b8b4d19b41b2ed40e3c502983.jpg)
![91.jpg 91.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123356-0059c1c33d73631f5263e6f271adee7e.jpg)
![92.jpg 92.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123357-1d2493f4466a52175afbc0659aa27d7f.jpg)
![93.jpg 93.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123358-c25755a17d615cfca78486d720fdf730.jpg)
![94.jpg 94.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123359-3711c4c93e53dc59517109ef6161f9de.jpg)
![95.jpg 95.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123360-6184f5777fde285c73c2e3a10949e724.jpg)
Well, a great trip and a wonderful hike. If you want some solitude from the crowds on Bald Mountain give the solitude of Reid's Peak a go.
The End.
![01.jpg 01.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123260-192755ae994c6045df3dcd1c824845a0.jpg)
![03.jpg 03.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123332-6570cccca0815f2d0d67c714cdd3aad4.jpg)
Reid's Peak over my left shoulder, and to the right of Sheila, back in 2021
Then in 2022, it rained on the day I was doing my day hike, and I didn't feel confident enough to tackle Reid's, so I did a rainy, foggy Bald Mountain again instead.
![02.jpg 02.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123261-6008667b7c4b056b74f912c9e3e7b5b8.jpg)
A cloudy/foggy Bald Mountain in 2022
So maybe in 2023 the third time will be the charm?
We stayed at Sulphur Campground for the sixth year in a row. Before that, we tried to mix things up a bit and stay at different campgrounds, but for some reason we have stuck with Sulphur since 2017, and that year my family hiked to the summit of Bald Mountain (of course we did).
![04.jpg 04.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123263-eee93d012e6431913d6c2b0c59c22fc7.jpg)
Check out this fine looking gentleman (aka @Jackson) that we met at the summit of Bald Mountain back in 2017. Man, how time
flies!
Pre-hike photos.
We drove up to Sulphur Campground Friday afternoon and the campground and vicinity were full of wildflowers that I'd like to share.
![01.jpg 01.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123264-f427a691f94f032090dbeafa67cba379.jpg)
Hayden Peak, taken form the Hayden Peak overlook. The sun angle was just perfect for this shot
![02.jpg 02.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123265-7fcf919c55e3f9f6fb579847e15604ea.jpg)
Hummingbird at camp
![03.jpg 03.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123266-5095e3ac62d277dd7f1a82eeddfc191d.jpg)
The Scat setup at site #19
![04.jpg 04.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123267-ae61b3464be164998c16772f417979e7.jpg)
A visitor on the periphery of the campground
![05.jpg 05.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123268-d355cefffcdb158f1db3fa8bf2a62b47.jpg)
![06.jpg 06.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123269-c021e7f7ef619acfd1f1d37a4a3525de.jpg)
![07.jpg 07.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123270-94da6991d4fbc91f38892d3a715a9707.jpg)
![08.jpg 08.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123271-ed63fe997a288563fddaf8a38034c057.jpg)
![10.jpg 10.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123272-61f49a61386516718536bd27e0ca9c03.jpg)
![11.jpg 11.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123273-86811ff804fd60bff206b69e7ce8ae96.jpg)
![15.jpg 15.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123275-a15a13e2f95a7d47a90b7e2867fbe283.jpg)
![16.jpg 16.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123276-2112e3ded56b634867ea758a7bf78dc7.jpg)
![19.jpg 19.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123277-1a452af5ca2c93701b21b517afd70464.jpg)
Wildflowers around camp
![17.jpg 17.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123278-890fe680b2c1ef0813cb921edc916510.jpg)
Please do not eat the plants
![12.jpg 12.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123274-c338860c29c542ce814d1dbf79bc2883.jpg)
This bad boy has been working for over 50 years.
![18.jpg 18.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123279-102fec0b9a44bd8bef6a1492e7ca829c.jpg)
Nice camouflage
Day of the hike shots:
In order to keep up with @TractorDoc's training routine, and I mean the guy is like a Navy Seal with his dedication, I had to attempt Reid's Peak. I couldn't get anyone else to join me, so I was on my own.
![20.jpg 20.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123280-ad93431ecf014f3c16b16666f5a7b591.jpg)
I had to unload the Subaru for those staying at camp. The important stuff is on the right side of the table.
![21.jpg 21.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123281-42c824cf68c3bdb982c39064e5163b7e.jpg)
Reid's Peak is on the right, with Bald Mountain on the left as I am driving to the trailhead
![Reids_Peak.jpg Reids_Peak.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123282-121ce673bc67cd2b79f6d78874942e49.jpg)
Overview map of my day hike
So I had planned to start form the Bald Mountain Trailhead and take the Notch Mountain Trail to head around Bald Mountain. At some point, I was then going to leave the trail and head off-trail and work my way up to the saddle between Bald Mountain and Reid's Peak. Once there, I would work my way up the ridgeline of Reid's toward the summit. I had taken a waypoint of where I thought that the best jump off point from the trail was, but of course Mr. Genius left the GPS unit back in the tent at the campground and I didn't realize it until I was almost at the trailhead.
![Help :help: :help:](/addedsmilies/help.gif)
Okay, stop the presses! Before I go any further, I should probably tell everyone which cameras I took on this hike.
![13.jpg 13.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123283-22cb20f74b0f521cc471e7701fa00d13.jpg)
![14.jpg 14.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123284-785a3d4a03e177a7909a16f4c1388157.jpg)
Now back to the story.
![22.jpg 22.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123285-4aed2a62567d7828d6d0752f2fa2ce64.jpg)
I left the trailhead just after 7:30 AM, and began working my way around Bald Mountain
![23.jpg 23.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123286-e933c6ca3d65f0858f12196d5be9b4f9.jpg)
Bluebells were abundant along my route
![24.jpg 24.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123287-da94bade51af924795d15ad558d03d00.jpg)
First look at Reid's Peak in the morning light as I am rounding Bald Mountain
![25.jpg 25.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123288-2e7904bf892598ad3b96d7689e78b1c5.jpg)
A meadow corridor looking towards Haystack Mountain
![26.jpg 26.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123289-7d44bd94a170ae8d703f780f1d772853.jpg)
Another view from the Notch Mountain Trail
![27.jpg 27.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123290-b9b03e047448542e0485def8490a2fd1.jpg)
Heading off trail towards the drainage that leads to the saddle
![28.jpg 28.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123291-113dbf628a8cf02bb3483f92225ec886.jpg)
Passing by and unnamed pond. Mosquitoes were becoming quite a nuisance at this point.
![29.jpg 29.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123292-2d90132df55ccba45a70d37d22ccaf1a.jpg)
View up to the saddle
![30.jpg 30.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123293-5143b57d5b4f51336b95754bb443c0cb.jpg)
Rock hopping now, and beginning to get some views to the west
![31.jpg 31.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123294-66e85786f5a1f570c17826d962d96ed8.jpg)
Always love to run into columbine on my hikes
![32.jpg 32.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123295-28052504aaccb9f2c74a5c95243f48fe.jpg)
As I gain elevation, the views are getting better - Haystack Mountain on the left to Notch Mountain on the right, and Mount
Watson in between.
![33.jpg 33.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123296-2392485612da1e828eedc40381980717.jpg)
Still some snow on the west side of Bald Mountain
![34.jpg 34.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123297-14f1e3beb7c1aae3c2cc55b1cdf56db9.jpg)
Making my way up to the saddle. There was a small cliff band in the trees that I found a chute that goats had used to scramble up
it.
![35.jpg 35.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123298-0081a4822f45f27e5b41d3a5ccf29c87.jpg)
Just before reaching the saddle, I saw these two goats on the slope of Bald Mountain. I almost thought I could see @Bob hanging
out with them up there.
![36.jpg 36.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123299-755ff7212f8ef120d78df5d5f016280b.jpg)
View from the saddle
![37.jpg 37.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123300-9159a3bb8ef400d9fa4984dacc55eacf.jpg)
View from the saddle towards Hayden Peak
![38.jpg 38.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123301-cf3b447a41a21555cda6d86a335098a9.jpg)
Looking up at the ridgeline of Reid's Peak from the saddle
![39.jpg 39.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123302-55040f1502f7be08f02e48672d3b5188.jpg)
Hugging a cliff band on Reid's, looking towards Haystack Mountain with some of the lakes below coming into view
![40.jpg 40.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123303-64976e0c22aa5d869faee6bc35596f04.jpg)
I'm guessing that that is the summit above?
![41.jpg 41.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123304-2e6cdfaee8dc3c05405dceef65487ef6.jpg)
Still working my way up the ridge
![42.jpg 42.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123305-52af6e7fcb1e916f7a7e2232955cd962.jpg)
A look back at Bald Mountain
![43.jpg 43.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123306-31416242f0f40bf88df68b0032d03c3a.jpg)
A cairn ahead that I did not knock down.
![44.jpg 44.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123307-eb0edcb4cc1a39394bfea6b006638732.jpg)
I traversed beneath this cliff band until I reached the steep scree that I would head up
to get to the summit
![45.jpg 45.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123308-791c233b646c560a2633f05e5bb9c828.jpg)
Getting really steep at this point. I tried to choose the path of least resistance at this point. I'm not sure how successful I was.
![46.jpg 46.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123309-6c5fd5167bbe176328f6da56c5b6376e.jpg)
Damn near straight up at this point, at least if felt that way
![47.jpg 47.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123310-705f137f51f5742ea92aaf3dea27a879.jpg)
I took the chute on the far left to scramble to the summit
![48.jpg 48.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123311-5742ac9587b4b6e6de021677bbac43de.jpg)
A chute to the summit
Views from the summit:
![49.jpg 49.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123312-3ebf7913abd43cb7d7bab833eb5a8efd.jpg)
View to the southwest towards Haystack Mountain. Lakes in the shot include Reids Lake. Notch Lake, Dean Lake, Clegg Lake, Star
Lake, Wall Lake, Trail Lake, Washington Lake. I'm probably missing a few of them. @Ugly help!
![50.jpg 50.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123313-b66f8ed0ad43943704f4806225e90b05.jpg)
View to the west towards Notch Mountain
![51.jpg 51.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123314-af3873e72120f3613ff1437dd1083016.jpg)
View to the northwest and the Weber River Drainage
![52.jpg 52.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123315-331a177c7397dde619d32f8a64c8e7fc.jpg)
View to the northeast and Mount Marsell and Kamas Lake
![53.jpg 53.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123316-2edb27e927835c7818cd970ec671e58a.jpg)
View slightly northeast towards Hayden Peak. On the far right of this shot is the actual high point of Reid's Peak
![54.jpg 54.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123317-0431d59de34d8f6b2c0e1da7f4b1fd7b.jpg)
The summit, just across the small snow field
![55.jpg 55.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123318-3ab9c4167683c15ad08fdd65a05270ce.jpg)
Somebody hauled a mailbox all the way up here
![56.jpg 56.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123319-24ec8b27d88a88d24b6704de7e59b6ad.jpg)
I signed the register. I was the first person to summit in 2023, at least according to the register. And only a handful of people had
summited in 2022.
![57.jpg 57.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123320-3731145b15b9a5947345a68b167b7b8b.jpg)
Summit shot
![58.jpg 58.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123321-acdc2a9241c4f67bd8619f3268e82f80.jpg)
Tripod position
![59.jpg 59.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123322-e09f2179099634e256c3b1eb79414066.jpg)
View of Bald Mountain from the summit of Reid's Peak
![60.jpg 60.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123323-0e58dbcfd39de74c9c4edb7fb5e18aff.jpg)
Another look at Mount Marsell and Unnamed Peak 11,113 along with Kamas Lake
![61.jpg 61.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123324-00dfc4999167c97a2f6af0cea9df4ac3.jpg)
Lost Lake below
![62.jpg 62.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123325-d18fa0e122c06810963d33c390303c54.jpg)
The essential gear
![63.jpg 63.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123326-7ad4f3b6c1abb6aceed1b5c47f78d398.jpg)
Zoomed in on Mount Timpanogos
![64.jpg 64.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123327-c335d24cae5d4f7a3234e1808ff07051.jpg)
Zoomed in on the Lone Peak Wilderness
![65.jpg 65.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123328-510325e6dde6b9bf744b4d640bbb226e.jpg)
Zoomed in on the Twin Peaks Wilderness, with the Mount Olympus Wilderness in the distance on the far right of the image
![66.jpg 66.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123329-a1e69ac3664ea25b12b17e599d87d23b.jpg)
Another shot of Hayden as the sun angle improves after my lunch
![67.jpg 67.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123330-2ba77e8ab12b579ea39c3f0d1e763b37.jpg)
Down the chute as they say as I begin to head off the summit
![68.jpg 68.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123331-c1607f81117b96d499b39e7c486de364.jpg)
Better sun angle on the west side of Bald Mountain too.
![69.jpg 69.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123333-b12b36476b2dd5f7aa95972d2c89329a.jpg)
I started to traverse along this cliff band on my way down, but I realized it was the wrong band, so I had to backtrack and drop
down to the next band.
![70.jpg 70.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123334-e193a509c0321614551cbd84849bbc0f.jpg)
This is the right one.
![71.jpg 71.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123335-18371ff4c6a57cca2a2cd86b70cd73b0.jpg)
Fleabane
![72.jpg 72.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123336-11aba0dd90f4b34899d70c4311dc6dbd.jpg)
Working my way back down the ridge towards the saddle
![73.jpg 73.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123337-b9125b75164245959b2ef1ae95626e0d.jpg)
What the southeast ridge looks like, some scrambling required.
![74.jpg 74.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123338-3bd10c79960558bdb6a92faff5422c0e.jpg)
Back on the saddle and looking up at the Bald Mountain ridgeline. I gave some thought
to heading up it and taking the Bald Mountain Trail back to the trailhead, but I didn't
know how long it would take me to make the climb and I had to get back to camp to
start cooking, so I backtracked the way I had come instead.
![75.jpg 75.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123339-556300b971c350062dfec73f68be6248.jpg)
This is the goat trail through the small cliff band that I spoke of earlier
![76.jpg 76.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123340-bb3b396edccf6827d387c2761930b32b.jpg)
Looking down the drainage I had come up earlier in the day
![77.jpg 77.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123341-81f8575adc9d8acf92ac386a188b2542.jpg)
Looking back up the way I had come down from the saddle
![78.jpg 78.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123342-54ceef394dcffa710bfafcd57dd791cd.jpg)
Grateful to be off the rocks at last, looking up at the slope of Reid's Peak
![79.jpg 79.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123343-11f075d23fd65e852d835938cb49d1e7.jpg)
Looking back at a better shot of the saddle on my way back to the trailhead
![80.jpg 80.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123344-a562a3d5c0f070b42b2d6631725c03c5.jpg)
Zoomed in on the chutes that lead to the summit. Can you see the one I took?
![81.jpg 81.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123345-604dae61aa62a5f8aebeab507a373f46.jpg)
A pond and Reid's
![82.jpg 82.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123346-2943e666bbad479e8d8bf40a2f951472.jpg)
West side of Bald Mountain
![83.jpg 83.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123347-12028d8818a009ec59ebc5fff9c24939.jpg)
Bye bye Reid's
![84.jpg 84.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123348-8b1bf9c9fae94d02fd4300dd7f39c5cf.jpg)
Buttercups along the trail
![85.jpg 85.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123349-4ff6403eee6245d9dae188fa75a9b2e0.jpg)
Back at the trailhead.
After Hike Shots:
Of course these Uinta trips mean you have to cook, and that means cast iron.
![86.jpg 86.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123350-625ffe1aa599acc5eb994be525e1436a.jpg)
In the 21 inch cast iron skillet, we have chicken thighs marinated in a Hawaiian BBQ sauce, along with red potatoes and fresh
pineapple. In the 12 inch Dutch oven, we have Santa Fe soup, and in the 14 inch Dutch oven, we have, back by popular demand,
Mac & Cheese. You needed to stop by on your way north @Rockskipper and get you a bite to eat. We had plenty.
![86b.jpg 86b.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123351-c03b4a831a7a1d700a9d51835c12e7c9.jpg)
Chef Scat on cooking duty, and apparently being photobombed in the process.
![87.jpg 87.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123352-7829ea40480c4a205af33ed590998267.jpg)
What it looks like all served up and it was delicious. Those are some jalapeno chips crushed up on the mac & cheese.
![Hungry :hungry: :hungry:](/addedsmilies/hungry.gif)
![88.jpg 88.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123353-15df3df17c8ae5df1de0bc41957097d6.jpg)
And to wash it all down I had a Founders Breakfast Stout
![89.jpg 89.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123354-fb3f7b879ba518d9250c35ffef2400a8.jpg)
Homemade boat races down Hayden Fork were going to be on Sunday, and Lord Business was not going to be taking any prisoners.
And our friend showed up on the periphery of camp again so I took a few shots before he wandered off.
![90.jpg 90.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123355-b90f221b8b4d19b41b2ed40e3c502983.jpg)
![91.jpg 91.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123356-0059c1c33d73631f5263e6f271adee7e.jpg)
![92.jpg 92.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123357-1d2493f4466a52175afbc0659aa27d7f.jpg)
![93.jpg 93.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123358-c25755a17d615cfca78486d720fdf730.jpg)
![94.jpg 94.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123359-3711c4c93e53dc59517109ef6161f9de.jpg)
![95.jpg 95.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/123/123360-6184f5777fde285c73c2e3a10949e724.jpg)
Well, a great trip and a wonderful hike. If you want some solitude from the crowds on Bald Mountain give the solitude of Reid's Peak a go.
The End.
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