Page Type:
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Route |
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Lat/Lon:
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40.68460°N / 111.0297°W |
Route Type:
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Scramble |
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Time Required:
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Most of a day |
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Difficulty:
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Class 2+ |
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Approach
The Norway Flats Road branches off the north side of Highway 150, 10.6 miles east of Kamas. There is a sign marking the road. The road is good for the first mile, and then it quickly deteriorates into a 4wd road. Follow the 4wd road north staying on the main road that is marked for 4wd's (staying away from the forks marked for ATV use). Near the end of the main road there is a junction. Turn right along a less used road and follow the road to its end. If you reach a large lake, you're in the wrong place. Turn around and backtrack a short distance to the last junction and follow the less used road to its end. At the end of the road is a vehicle barrier trench and a singpost without a sign (late 1990's). This old blocked off road is the beginning of the trail.Route Description
From the trailhead, the trail heads east and drops rather steeply at first before leveling off after a short distance. After .5 miles from the trailhead, the trail reaches a marshy meadow and fades out. Pass the meadow on the west (left) side. At the north end of the meadow the trail becomes distinct again. The trail then climbs gently at first, but then climbs steeply to Big Elk Lake. Big Elk Lake is in a spectacular setting and is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Western Uintas. This is also where the Upper Setting Route joins with the Norway Flats Route. Maps mark a trail from Big Elk Lake east to Island Lake, but the trail is indistinct. You may have to search around a bit for the beginning of the trail. Stay about 30 feet above the east shore of Big Elk Lake and look for a trail heading uphill to the east. This trail quickly becomes indistinct, and is marked with cairns. Make sure to have a good topo map. The trail heads east through some nice meadows. After about a mile, keep an eye out north of the trail for the pass SW of Cone Peak. Once the saddle is visible from the trail, head cross-country and to the pass. From the saddle, scramble NE up the very steep ridge and to the summit of Cone Peak. There is someboulder-hopping and scrambling.The round trip distance is about five miles.
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