Uintas in September

[andyjaggy]

What are the Uintas like in September? I have my trips planned for July-August, but am feeling like it would be really nice to get another trip in in September, but I know weather can be iffy up there at that time of year. I assume the nice green meadows will all be brown by that time as well.

 

[Nick]

September is a fantastic time in the Uintas. The monsoons are settling down and the weather is typically more predictable, just don't go if the forecast sucks. You might come across some bow hunters but not very many people. Here's a TR from mid-Sept:

http://backcountrypost.com/forum/threads/four-lakes-basin-uintas.333/

 

[Nick]

Hell, even October can be pretty nice if you catch it in a warm spell.

http://backcountrypost.com/forum/threads/duck-lake-uintas.370/

 

[andyjaggy]

Nice. It looks like I will have to put something on the calendar and hope for good weather.

 

[Devo]

Some of my favorite trips are from September! The crowds really die down. We went to Ibantik on a September weekend and got a parking spot at the Crystal Lake TH no problem on a Friday. If you know that TH its a big deal lol. Bugs are nearly non-existent too... always nice perk. Days definitely get shorter though, so if heading up after work on a Friday be mindful of the earlier sunset! Even as early as Labor Day traffic starts to slow in my experience.

 

[Parma]

well crap, now I'll have to leave the family again in September...I hope you all are happy!

 

[pixie1339]

No bugs, way fewer people, but nights can get pretty chilly, so as long as you go prepared it should be great!

 

[peakbagger1971]

Sept is the best time to go.

 

[DrNed]

I've done one Uintas trip in September check it out here. Pros: We had Amythest, MIddle & West Basins to ourselves. Not another person did we encounter. No bugsOvernight temps were, in my opinion, comfortable. I used my summer 20 degree bag and was comfortable.See fall colors early
Cons: No flowers, grass & most vegetation is brown

 

[andyjaggy]

When do the aspens start changing in the Uintas? I assume it happens a bit earlier than here in the Wasatch.

 

[Nick]

I don't think it's that different since they only grow in the mid-elevations. Not many up in the high country.

 

[andyjaggy]

True, but I remember seeing some strands turning yellow towards the end of August last year in the Eastern part of the range, which was way earlier than it happened here along the Wasatch, so I wondered if it generally happened a bit earlier over there. Though last fall was a pretty odd year for fall foliage all around.

 

[Vegan.Hiker]

I've done one Uintas trip in September check it out here. Pros: We had Amythest, MIddle & West Basins to ourselves. Not another person did we encounter. No bugsOvernight temps were, in my opinion, comfortable. I used my summer 20 degree bag and was comfortable.See fall colors early
Cons: No flowers, grass & most vegetation is brown

Ned, when exactly in September was your trip? I'll be flying out to SLC to hike on Sept 20st and 21st and I didn't realize that the Uintas would be that far into fall yet? So I guess I shouldn't expect to see any of the fields of wildflowers that the area is known for? Will I be there too early for the fall foliage as well? The foliage in NJ doesn't usually come until October.

 

[Nick]

Ned, when exactly in September was your trip? I'll be flying out to SLC to hike on Sept 20st and 21st and I didn't realize that the Uintas would be that far into fall yet? So I guess I shouldn't expect to see any of the fields of wildflowers that the area is known for? Will I be there too early for the fall foliage as well? The foliage in NJ doesn't usually come until October.

Yeah, no wildflowers up there in Sept. The fall colors on the drive up should be quite nice though. Up high there aren't a lot of trees that change, but the ground cover does get a little colorful.

 

[Nick]

True, but I remember seeing some strands turning yellow towards the end of August last year in the Eastern part of the range, which was way earlier than it happened here along the Wasatch, so I wondered if it generally happened a bit earlier over there. Though last fall was a pretty odd year for fall foliage all around.

Yeah. It's always so unpredictable. And crazy how some pockets will go crazy well before anything else.

 

[DrNed]

Ned, when exactly in September was your trip? I'll be flying out to SLC to hike on Sept 20st and 21st and I didn't realize that the Uintas would be that far into fall yet? So I guess I shouldn't expect to see any of the fields of wildflowers that the area is known for? Will I be there too early for the fall foliage as well? The foliage in NJ doesn't usually come until October.

My trip was mid Sept. As we drove in I was surprised at how green the aspens were. Three days later on our way out there was a lot of yellow and some red.

 

[Vegan.Hiker]

My trip was mid Sept. As we drove in I was surprised at how green the aspens were. Three days later on our way out there was a lot of yellow and some red.

Thanks. I guess I'll just have to wait and see what mother nature has in store for me!