The Beatout

Recently, I joined what seemed to me to be a sane group of people on a seemingly insane hike.  The appropriately named route, known as The Beatout, was my biggest hiking challenge to date.

The route starts with a short, easy hike to Red Pine Lake.  It quickly turns challenging as you make a steep ascent to the Pfeifferhorn - a perfectly shaped 11,326' triangular peak in the Wasatch Mountains.  This is followed by a scramble along the ridge t o the West.  In addition to the Pfeifferhorn, the route includes ascents of Chipman Peak (10,954') and South Thunder (11,154').  Each peak is ascended individually.   The hike ends with a very long descent down Bells Canyon.

The Stats: 
Hiking Distance: 12.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,849 ft.
Elevation Loss: -7,375 ft.

Red Pine Trailhead Elevation: 7,556 ft.
Pfeifferhorn Elevation: 11,326 ft.
Chipman Peak Elevation: 10,954 ft.
South Thunder Mountain Elevation: 11,154 ft.
Bells Canyon Trailhead Elevation: 5,120 ft.


This hike is not for the average hiker.  It requires a lot of bushwhacking, boulder-hoping, and both upper and lower body strength.  It also requires a positive mental attitude.  


The hike took us a total of 16 hours to complete.  We started in the dark and ended in the dark.  And, despite the rugged terrain and the challenges of mother nature (we had a hail storm hit us right in the middle), everyone had a great time.  We all made it out safely.  I would love to do this hike again some day. 


Please enjoy the photo montage of our adventure:

Fall Colors of Utah

With the ending of Summer and Fall creeping up on us, you may have noticed that the leaves are just beginning to change colors.  People often refer to the East Coast as the place to view the beautiful changng of the season.  However, many are unaware of Utah's gorgeous fall colors.  Within the next few weeks, Utah's Fall will be in full bloom.  I have listed some of my favorite drives to see Utah in all of it's Fall glory:

• Big Cottonwood Canyon, Guardsman's Pass:  The mountain scenery can not be beat if you drive this back country road.  Connecting Park City/Midway  to Big Cottonwood Canyon/Salt Lake City, this paved road (some parts are gravel) will be take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours  to complete.  You are assured to find many photo opportunities along the way.
• Mt. Nebo's Scenic Loop:  At 11,928 feet, Mt. Nebo is the tallest mountain in the Wasatch range.  Start out at the North side of the loop in Payson.  This paved road is not suitable for large RVs or Campers.  The Fall scenery is a photographer's dream.  If you only choose one place to view the fall colors, this should be it.
• Bryce Canyon National Park:  The Golden Aspens of Bryce Canyon have been photographed over and over again because of their beautiful Fall foliage.  For those who want to take a day trip or perhaps an overnight camping trip, this would be the perfect spot.  The colorful pinnacles and canyons make the perfect backdrop for the Aspens.  For a trip like this, please be prepared by calling the National Park Service ahead of time to find out the conditions.  Presently, the camp grounds are temporarily closed due to a fire in the area.
•   Kamas, Mirror Lake:  I took this drive just last Fall and I was wowed.  If you hit the area at the peak of the season, the colors are breathtaking.  The 30-minute drive along UT-150 takes you from Kamas to the Wasatch Cache National Forrest.  Take a picinic lunch and make a day of it.  You can even fit in some fishing at the lake!

 So if you are looking for something to do, hop in your car and go for a drive.  You will  not be disappointed (and you may even be pleasantly surprised) by nature's artwork.