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| Summit of Bald Mountain |
Bald Mountain in the High Unita wilderness is the highest elevation peak I have ever climbed in Utah so far. A towering 11,943 foot summit! And it is one of the easiest peaks I have ever climbed. Inexperienced hikers and younger children can make this climb - no problem! The views from atop Bald Mountain are spectacular! The Unita mountains are well known for the hundreds of small lakes scattered all over the area and you get a great view of many lakes from the summit of Bald Mountain - in every direction! I highly recommend this hike even though it is an hour plus drive from Salt Lake City. I did notice the air a bit thinner at this high elevation especially on the climb up. It is normal to have a little trouble catching your breath, but it is important to be aware of the more serious signs of altitude sickness such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Another note of warning, afternoon thunderstorms with lightning are very common in the High Unita mountains so plan your hike accordingly and turn around and head back to your car quickly if a storm brews while you are hiking. The trail for Bald Mountain is really enjoyable. It is 1.5 miles to the summit (although the trail sign says 2 miles) with an elevation gain of 1,180 feet. The trail cuts through natural ledges in the rocks and small stands of subalpine firs. Breathe in the fragrant scent of these firs. There is one false summit before you tackle the rocky staircase to the true summit. The summit of Bald Mountain is flat with awesome unobstructed panorama views of the surrounding mountain peaks and valley lakes. MUY MAGNIFICO!!
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| Beginning of the Bald Mountain trail. |
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| It's really only 1.5 miles to summit. |
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| Trail begins climbing right away. |
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| First view of Notch Mountain and lakes to the west. |
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| More climbing! UP UP UP! |
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| Reids Peak |
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| Not many trees on this hike so enjoy these fragrant pines! |
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| The trail follows natural rock ledges. |
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| False summit |
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| Hayden Peak |
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| Cliffs looking up at the summit |
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| Dog friendly trail, but remember there is no poop fairy! |
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| Land of many lakes. |
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| Looking down on Mirror Lake to the northeast. |
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| Final staircase climb to the summit of Bald Mountain |
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| At the top of Bald Mountain with Hayden Peak and others in the background. |
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| A cairn on the very edge of the cliff. |
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| Found a Geocache. |
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| Heading down after a nice picnic at the top. |
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| Wildflowers still in bloom include Unita groundsel, asters, and roundleaf harebells. |
I'm assuming everyone knows how to find Kamas, Utah. From Kamas turn right on Center Street which is Utah Highway 150 also know as the Mirror Lake Highway. Continue 29 miles on UT 150 to the Bald Mountain trailhead where you will find a large parking area on the left. Here you will also find the trailhead for Notch Mountain, a much longer hike. If you get to Mirror Lake, you have gone too far. Here's a small map of the area.
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Enjoy! And Happy Hiking!!
