This past weekend I headed up to the Uinta Mountains in northeastern Utah for a quick overnight bakpacking trip with Katy, John, Keith, and Melissa (and Stoli and Tonic!). We decided to hike in Amethyst Basin because it's just a two hour drive from Salt Lake City to the trailhead at Christmas Meadows and we only had the two day weekend. I did the hike to Amethyst Lake several years ago and enjoyed it very much so I was excited to spend a little more time hiking in the area and spending the night camping in the cool autumn air.
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| At the trailhead with John, Katy, Melissa, and Keith |
We arrived at the trailhead early Saturday morning after a beautiful drive along the Mirror Lake Highway. The aspen trees were brilliant gold and contrasted against the green pine trees and random patches of red and orange foliage.
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| Starting the hike to Amethyst Lake with John |
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| Brilliant aspen foliage |
As we made our way into Amethyst Basin we passed several waterfalls and walked through alpine meadows. The scenery, foliage, and cool air were definite reminders that autumn has arrived in Utah.
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| Waterfall along the way to Amethyst Lake |
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| Keith, Melissa, Stoli, and Tonic |
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| Keith, Melissa, Stoli, and Tonic in Amethyst Basin |
After hiking for several miles we reached our destination and camping spot for the night - Ostler Lake. This hike seemed a lot longer and a lot more difficult than I remember, probably because of the heavy backpack. We found a great camping spot not too far from Ostler Lake and spent the evening enjoying good food, drinks, a nice campfire, and even a little fishing (not me, of course!). The fish weren't biting, but Katy and John still had a great time.
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| Keith crossing a small stream |
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| Ostler Lake |
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| Uinta Beer in the Uinta Mountains |
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| John scaring all the fish away |
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| Ostler Lake |
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| Katy catching all the fish |
On Sunday morning we cleaned up camp, packed up, and headed up to Amethyst Lake. It was only about a mile away from where we camped and the scenery was spectacular. We spent some time at the lake before heading back down the trail to finish the trip.
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| Melissa |
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| Along the trail to Amethyst Lake |
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| John and Katy |
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| Amethyst Lake |
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| Amethyst Lake |
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| Along the trail to Amethyst Lake |
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| John at Amethyst Lake |
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| Ostler Peak |
