So I'm heading out to the Uintas Mountains today. Ten Thousand feet in elevation - big, beautiful rocky country! It's going to be chilly - the high only 42. I've done several hikes here, including several this summer. Today, I'm doing a new hike to Ruth Lake. Not a long hike, only 3/4 of a mile. But the scenery is supposed to be awesome. Since Ruth Lake is so short, I'm also planning to head to Cuberant Lakes - it's a 5 mile round tripper.
Start a little later than desired but I get to the trail head around 10am. On the way up, I see 3 deer (doe). Actually had to slam on my brakes to avoid hitting them as they were right next to the road. One of the deer bolted across the road, another ran away downhill from the road, and the other - well she pranced next to the road for a bit before following the other down the embankment. Exciting stuff!!
Sunny day, it's still in the 30s and there's barely any snow around :( There's a light dusting of snow on the higher peaks - the shadier sides -- but it's definitely not what I was hoping for. But I'm here, and it'll be a great day anyway.
The trail heads up through a sparse pine forest. Lots of rocks of all sizes including large flats one. I love the rocks, adds to the beauty.
There is a bit of snow tucked under rocks or besides trees but its just a dusting.
I get out of the forest onto a rocky flat section so pretty.
I turn back to see to Hayden Peak hidden behind the trees. In fact there is a whole mountain range back there!!
I pass thru a meadow with a little stream. And then more rocks!
I find some water puddles that still have ice from the cold temperatures last night.
I am climbing in elevation but it's minimal. However, the view of Hayden Peak is becoming more unobstructed.
I enter another meadow and two additional peaks come into view both to the south/southwest.
Then comes a little lake -- there is still a layer of ice on top.
Then a bigger lake - there's no ice on this one, just wonderful reflections of the clouds and a mountain peak.
Surprise, I find a still blooming yellow flower tucked in alongside a rock!
Then comes another lake, bigger than before with nice reflections of more southerly peak.
I make my way to the other side and have an awesome view of Hayden Peak!!
Not much further down the trail, I reach Ruth Lake. And it's so beautiful!!
I slowly make my way along the north side of the lake. I hear splashes near the shore - its trout! Bet they are trying to warm up in the shallows.
I get to the other side and once again have incredible views of Hayden Peak.
It looks like a footpath might head around the lake but the actual trail continues past Ruth Lake. I know there are a couple of other lakes out here but I don't exactly know where this trail is heading. Time to find out!
The trail heads up above the lake to the southwest.
I find another flower - a purple aster still in bloom!
After following the trail for a bit I come out on this large flat rocky "shelf". There are tons of rocks around
and the most incredible views of Hayden Peak!
This is definitely my favorite view!
I follow the cairns along the rocks until it enters a forest - somewhere between the two peaks. There are footprints but I have no idea where the trail is heading so it's time to turn around.
I head back to Ruth Lake and find a nice spot for lunch with the view of Hayden Peak.
It's so quiet - all I hear is the occasional plop of a fish on the lake.
As I was sitting there, a lone trout swims by.
Well, time to start heading back.
As I make my way back along the lake I see 6 trout in one little area along the shore.
One last shot of Hayden Peak.
Incredible little hike -- never thought I'd spend 3+ hours on a 1.5 mile round-trip hike.
I saw a little snow, ice (slipped on ice) and awesome views.
Great day!
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