Unbelievably, almost two months had passed since the last time I went hiking. With a busy summer drawing to a close I felt the urge to refresh my perspective that I can only get from sitting on top of a summit. And looking to make up for lost time I decided to tackle
'10658' in the early morning light. |
Getting There
From Salt Lake City head west on I-80 to exit 99, going south on Highway 36. Take a right on UT-138 towards Grantsville, then left (south) on Mormon Trial road for a few miles. Turn right on South Willow Road following signs to Loop Campground, for seven miles. At the end of the loop you will find the trailhead (TH). This is a fee area so make sure you visit the pay station before hitting the trail.The parking lot is located at:
40°28'58.7"N 112°36'23.5"W
40.482961, -112.606524
Summit Info (Deseret Peak):
40°27'34.8"N 112°37'35.0"W
40.486247 -112.630226
The Hike
Green goodness. |
Staying left the trail progresses steadily uphill passing through
Oh, deer. |
Lookin north just below the saddle, heading up Deseret Peak. |
I made the summit just before 8:30 a.m. With the unrelenting wind I made haste to set up my antenna and get on the air for Summits On The Air (SOTA). Thankfully there was a make-to windbreak made of a half-circle of stacked stones on the windward side. I used this as my ham shack. I quickly ran out of contacts on SSB (voice) on 7 & 14 meters, I switched to CW (Morse code). With cold fingers I was able to secure fourteen more contacts. After a half hour on the summit and 26 contacts in my log I realized I was beginning to shiver and knew I needed to get moving again. I quickly packed up and
My ham shack on Deseret Peak. |
Somewhere near the top I thought I heard something behind me but in my cold stupor I kept going. I passed a group of three hikers heading in the same the direction. I was in my groove and feeling great. Before I knew it I was at the next saddle. The turn east and down hill back to the TH was on my right. Directly north was my next summit. This is always a key decision point. Return home or press on, back uphill to get another summit. After a quick snack and more water I pressed on uphill following a hint of a trail, or game trail, zig-zagging up.
Looking north from the saddle towards '10685'. |
Looking South towards Deseret Pk from '10685'. |
Looking NE from '10685' |
Back at the saddle I turned downhill resting my hope on the latter. It was hot by now as I continued steadily downhill. My feet were not happy by this point. Just keep going. The occasional stand of aspen trees offered some relief in the shade they provided. Down and down, passing a few small creeks that appeared out of nowhere, up above from the side of the hill. I could hear a larger creek below along with some people talking. Those people were two older couples who stopped along the creek with their horses to let them have a break. Another half mile I was back to the original 'Y' and creek crossing. I just wanted to be done at this point. By the time I reached my truck I logged approximately 12 miles round trip. No sign of my log at the TH bulletin board, but I left a note with my contact info incase anyone found it.
Overall, this is an amazing loop trail that highlights the uniqueness of these 'islands in the sky.' Lush green forest mountains with lakes, streams and wildlife, surrounded by dry deserts in the lowland. I look forward to the opportunity to hiking Deseret Peak again some day.
My APRS logged track. |
Thankfully, three days later I received a call from a kind gentleman who found my logbook. He even offered to mail it to me for free. I owe the universe a repayment for his kind gesture. A good reminder that there are still good people out there... Keep the faith!
73 and safe hiking!
KH7AL
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