| Baker Lake/North Ridge Route Route |
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| Baker Lake/North Ridge Route   | 
| Page Type: Route Location: Utah, United States, North America Lat/Lon: 40.77380°N / 110.7521°W Route Type: Long ridge walk Time Required: A few days Difficulty: Class 2
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| Page By: Scott Created/Edited: Apr 29, 2004 / Apr 17, 2006 Object ID: 160828 Hits: 1846 Loading... Page Score: 86.58% - 3 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
ApproachFirst you must drive Highway 150 south from Evanston Wyoming, or east and then north from Kamas Utah. The North Slope (gravel) road heads east from Highway 150 either just south of the Bear River Lodge, or two miles north of the Bear River Visitor Center. After following the North Slope Road for two miles, turn right and follow the main road all the way, but, turn right at the major junction and into the East Fork Bear River Scout Camp. Follow the road past camp Frontier and to Camp Evergreen. Park just out side the camp and near the river bridge, especially when the camp is operating Monday though Saturday. The trail is a public access trail, but don’t park right in the scout camp.
Route DescriptionThis is the easiest of the three routes described, but also the least used. It is a very scenic route as well since it follows a ridge well above timberline for much of the route. Solitude is assured.
From Camp Evergreen at 8800 feet elevation, locate the Baker Lake Trail. There should be a signpost and the trail is right along Boundary Creek, which crosses the road, so it shouldn’t be hard to find. Follow the trail as it switchbacks up the slope. There is a junction after a short distance, but as of the mid 1990’s, it was hard to find and not signposted. The Bear River-Smiths Fork Trail branches to the right, but a tree is blocking the trail and without a signpost, you may miss the junction. (Note: The trail junction is shown incorrectly on the 7.5 minute map Christmas Meadows and is lower than indicated). Luckily the main trail is easy to find, but if you do see a junction, head left.
The Baker Lake Trail continues to switchback to a meadow and levels off. From here, the trail continues to follow Boundary Creek at a gentle grade before reaching a meadow and some beaver ponds. This is about 3.75 miles from the trailhead. The trail fades here, and it is a waist of time to look for it. Simply follow Boundary Creek for another 1.25 miles to Baker Lake. Baker Lake makes a nice little used campsite for a base camp. The lake is at 10,420 feet elevation and 4.5 miles from the trailhead.
From the lake, route-find to the south via any convenient route. There are several routes to choose from. Once above timberline and on the ridge, follow the ridge south all the way to the summit of Lamotte Peak. This is a very pleasant and scenic walk with great views. This route is fairly easy with no loose rock or boulders present on every other route to Lamotte Peak. Instead there are grassy and slightly rocky slopes. The distance from Baker Lake to the summit of Lamotte Peak is about 4 miles, making the total distance from the trailhead 9.5 miles with about 4000 feet elevation gain.
There is an alternate return route. Instead of dropping back down to Baker Lake, drop down to Lake Lorena (to the east) instead. Lake Lorena is a very secluded lake and very seldom visited. From there the route follows the stream down to the East Fork Bear River (which must be crossed). There is no trail at all and you must skirt around a rather high waterfall. The lower end of the route is the most challenging through thick forest.
North Ridge of Lamotte Peak |
Essential GearA good pair of boots is needed.
Miscellaneous InfoIf you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.
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High Uintas Wilderness
