Moderate Plus Hike to Smith and Morehouse

Event Leader:  Pat Veillette (cell: 435-901-1114)

Location: Smith and Morehouse Trail, Uinta Mountains

Route:  This begins in the Ledgefork campground above the Smith and Morehouse Reservoir.  The trail proceeds up through the old fire burn in the canyon.   We will proceed to the split in the trail where one fork proceeds up to the Erickson Basin lakes.   Hiking pace uphill will be slightly under 2 mph, with breaks taken for recuperation and admiring the aspen leaves.   

Hike Level:  This is an 5 1/2 mile out-and-back moderate PLUS hike.  Even though the elevation gain is only 800 feet according to the USGS topo chart, the rockiness of the trail and a difficult stream crossing mandate that participating hikers have good agility.   POLES ARE MANDATORY because the downhill return on the rocky trail is difficult.  The overall duration of the hike itself will be about 3 1/2 hours, with special emphasis that the downhill return will be done slowly due to the special challenge of the rocky footing. The aspens should be reaching their peak color.  A small narration will be given about the recovery of this canyon from the wildfire which occurred 10 years ago.  

Event Details: 

* We will meet at the parking lot in Quinns Junction adjacent to the athletic fields at 10 am to form a car pool, then drive up to the trail head in the Ledgefork camping ground parking lot.   Alternatively members who live in the Kamas Valley can meet us in the Ledgefork campground.  Plenty of parking is available at the trailhead, as well as campground toilets.

* Dogs are welcome if they are friendly to people and other dogs.  The leader expects to bring his dog.

* Cell service is NOT available.

* Please remember the 4 hiking essentials including good hiking or trail footwear, sunscreen, a shade hat, water, and rain gear.  Bring hiking poles (MANDATORY) and snacks to munch on.

* All participants are required to sign the Club’s Activity Release Form which will be provided by the leader or you can conveniently sign online when you register.