Bald Mountain - Uinta Mtns

Bald Mountain
11,943'

Uinta Mountains
Hiking

At 11,943' Bald Mountain is one of the highest peaks in the Western Uinta's. The view from the summit is very impressive. Best of all this is one of the easier peaks to scale.

General Information:
The Bald Mountain hike is one of the easier major summits to bag. Any adult or older supervised child who is in reasonably good physical condition can complete this route. The hike to the summit can be completed in 2 to 3 hours round trip. The trail gains 1250 feet of elevation in 2 miles. All hikers in your party should carry a minimum of one liter of water.

The route contains no real obstacles. Competent hikers should have little problem with this route. The Bald Mountain hike is rated 1 II using the Yosemite Decimal System. Afternoon thunderstorms are very common in the high Uinta Mountains so go prepared with rain gear. Because of the lightening that often attacks this summit it is highly advised that you avoid this hike during stormy weather. Mosquito's are common in the Uinta's. A mosquito repellent that contains DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) is most effective. This hike can be dangerous during Spring and early Summer (before July 15th) because portions of the trail will still be snow packed and extremely slippery.

Navigation for this route is easy. A GPS is a waste of time but I'll still supply the waypoints for the electronic junkies. The USGS 7.5' Map titled "Mirror Lake" is helpful. All waypoints and maps for this route use the WGS84 datum.

Use Fee:
Visitors who use recreational facilities along State Road 150 (Mirror Lake Highway) are required to pay a use fee. Visitors who do not use recreation facilities, are not subject to fees.

Trailhead Information:
From Kamas, Utah follow Highway 150 east for 29 miles to the signed Bald Mountain Trailhead located at mile marker 29.1.

From Evanston, Wyoming follow Highway 150 south for 49 miles to the signed Bald Mountain Trailhead located at mile marker 29.1.

The large parking lot at the Bald Mountain Trailhead is dirt and contains an information kiosk and a pit toilet. Improved campgrounds are located nearby at both Moosehorn Lake and Mirror Lake. Both of these campgrounds offer impressive views of Bald Mountain. Any vehicle can access this trailhead.

Route Information:
At the Bald Mountain Trailhead (N40° 41' 22", W110° 54' 15") locate the trail signed Bald Mountain, the other trail leads to Notch Mountain. Much of the first part of the Bald Mountain trail is clearly visible from the parking lot as it switchbacks up the south side of the mountain. Just follow the trail as it switchbacks up to the ridge and than follows the ridge north to the summit (N40° 41' 56", W110° 54' 11"). You are hiking at a high elevation so just take your time and adjust your speed to your physical conditioning. No need to hurry, the fantastic views are not going anywhere.