We rate most backpacking trips in this area as moderate due to rocky, sometimes muddy trails and the high elevation. That’s why it blew my mind a few years back when I learned that thru-hikers cover thousands of trail miles every year in running shoes. The sights are fantastic: Red Castle towers to the south, the impressive ridge and summit of Mount Powell to the east, and the southwest view showcases the rugged area that houses the two remaining lakes. Keep up with our latest tutorials and gear reviews on YouTube. Continue to Red Castle and Upper Red Castle Lakes on the same trail while gaining 600 additional feet of elevation. WET WIPES: These can be useful for cleaning up after hiking. The most interesting way to see the Red Castle Lakes is to hike in on the Bald Mountain Trail and hike out on the East Fork Smiths Fork Trail to China Meadows. It gets its name from the red castle-like peaks that stand like a fortress above the basin. August is the busiest month for backpacking in the high country, specifically in the basins. Some are better than others though, and we’re happy to share our opinion in our Best Freeze Dried Meals Guide. Tasty food, cold drinks, and the great outdoors - the perfect trifecta! FOOD:  You'll have to carry all the food you'll need on this trip. More Visitor Guides are available in Utah. Completing a thru-hike will be one of the most profoundly rewarding achievements of your life. When we hit the trail, this is what we carry in our packs. The primitive trail from Red Castle Lake does not stop at Upper Red Castle Lake, but continues upward to a small pass on the ridge 628 feet above Upper Red Castle. You're all set! It can be done either as an out-and-back (red path), or you can combine it with the Highline Trail for a nice loop (purple path). MAP &  COMPASS: Although the trails here are well-marked, you always want to hike with a good map and GPS system, such as Gaia GPS. We love travelling - every detail of it. Your backcountry meal plan should balance weight, nutritional value, caloric density, and convenience. FIRST AID KIT: Always bring a small personalized first aid kit. The Red Castle Lake fishing map contains information about some of the best fishing spots this lake has to offer as well as the nearby cottages, campgrounds, and bait and tackle shops. There are several good camping spots near the trail on the west side of the lake, and the views of Red Castle Peak are fabulous. Red Castle Lakes is sure to be on everyone's Uintas "to-do" list, especially if you are a backpacker. Has custom wheels, 2-30lb propane tanks, 5-fishing holes, dinette, folding bunk, stereo, stove/oven, TV hookups, hole lights, and camo décor with pine interior. Whatever your pleasure; walking, running, biking, or hiking - being equipped with the right mindset and a quality rain jacket will empower you to seize any opportunity to get outdoors, regardless of the forecast. Finally, a mile after the trail reaches East Fork Smiths Fork, you will come to Lower Red Castle Lake. The Pacific Northwest is an adventure junkie’s paradise. We’ve got you covered from stocking stuffers to big-ticket items. Swim-worthy waterfall. Natural history. Utah's 13ers are generally overshadowed by their 14er neighbors to the east, but do not be fooled, Utah's 13ers require a tremendous amount of effort to summit. It’s normal to experience some foot aches and pains after long days of hiking, but we’ve found that wearing quality socks makes a big difference in how long we can keep our feet comfortable and in good shape on trail. Give the gift of adventure! You’ll wear it just about every night on the trail. It takes about 6-10 hours each way, depending on how much you are carrying, and how fast you hike. The grade is gentle and the trail is easy to follow. The map also shows hotspots where our fishing junkies have caught lunkers and posted photos and stories. The scenery is excellent, but there are no good camping spots at Red Castle or Upper Red Castle Lake, so leave your camp at the lower lake. More Lower Red Castle To Upper Red Castle Lake is a 23.2 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Altonah, Utah that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. It’ll keep you toasty warm, even after spending hours jammed into the bottom of your pack. Mosquitoes are present along this route and can be pretty vicious, especially early in the season and near bogs and water sources. Check out our best water filters list for more excellent options. If you’re on a tight budget or new to backpacking, check out our Best Budget Tents of the year. - John Muir. Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Uinta Mountains. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn." STARTING TRAILHEAD: China Meadows TrailheadENDING TRAILHEAD: China Meadows Trailhead, Day 1 - Hike to Lower Red Castle, Camp (day hike up to Red Castle)Day 2 - Return to China Meadows Trailhead, Day 1 - Hike to Lower Red Castle, Camp (day hike up to Red Castle)Day 2 - Hike back down E. Fork Smiths Fork to Junction with the Highline “A” North Slope (also called the Henrys Fork Junction). Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. To request your selected free visitor guides, please fill out the form below and click "Submit". That said, you should always protect your food against rodents and small critters, which actually tend to cause many more problems than bears. Continue to Mobile Site For a full list of wilderness regulations in this area, visit this website. Upper Red Castle Lake is a small, rocky lake, about 200 yards in diameter. Tired of sitting in the dirt? From Lower Red Castle Lake, continue hiking up the canyon on the well-worn trail. Our trip to the Unita Range was last minute to say the least. The only thing you won't find at Red Castle Lakes? See our full. Down jackets are lightweight, packable, and highly efficient at trapping body heat. If you’re planning your own trip to Red Castle, this post has everything you need to know. Red Castle Lake from Mapcarta, the free map. But in, general, the following apply: Campfires are prohibited near most lakes in this area, so please be respectful of this. The closest 13er to a road, Tokewanna, is about 18 miles round trip. Take the East Fork Smith’s Fork Trail to camp at Lower Red Castle Lake (mile 10), or, weather permitting, continue 1.8 more miles to above-treeline Red Castle Lake. WATER PURIFIER: We used the MSR Trail Shot as our main purification method on this trip. Multitools turn a whole box of big, clunky gadgets into a small, portable device so you're prepared for any task. It’s a breathtakingly diverse playground of craggy granite peaks, high alpine lakes, meadows socked with wildflowers, rugged windswept coastline, and more shades of green than your eyeballs can handle. Lower Red Castle Lake weather forecast updated daily. Whether you’re fly fishing or otherwise your chances of getting a bite here are good. The trail begins at the China Meadows Trailhead. A solid daypack should be a staple of every outdoor enthusiast's gear collection. Image by: @jitterbug_art, The OR Helium Rain Jacket and Pants (updated for 2020) are among the most affordable options in the ultralight rain gear market. Red Castle Lake is displayed on the Mount Powell USGS quad topo map. Staying hydrated and avoiding parasites in the backcountry is critical. We use the Ultralight .7 Kit and add extras, like painkillers and personal medications. "Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Use a combination of permethrin on your clothing and bring a small bottle of DEET for exposed skin to provide full protection. Hikers planning a trip to the scenic Red Castle Lakes on the north slope of the High Uintas generally have two different trails to choose from: the East Fork Smiths Fork Trail or the Bald Mountain Trail. Click here to view them all! Lower Red Castle Lake is a lake located just 43.3 miles from Roosevelt, in Summit County, in the state of Utah, United States, near Moon Lake Lodge, UT. 1 Pair rain mitts for wet trips (optional). Black Lives Matter After reaching the top of the ridge it temporarily levels out and meets the Bald Mountain trail junction. For recommendations on our favorite lightweight backpacking equipment, check out the CleverHiker Backpacking Gear Guide and our Top Backpacking Gear Picks page. Current conditions, warnings and historical records Follow the signs past the Stateline Campground and past the China Meadows Campground to the China Meadows trailhead. We explain the key differences of each water treatment method and share our personal favorites in our list of the Best Water Filters of 2020. SLEEPING BAG: We used the Feathered Friends Egret UL 20 and the Western Mountaineering UltraLite sleeping bags on this hike for night time temperatures right around freezing. At CleverHiker, we believe that backpacking adventures provide some of life’s most rewarding experiences. Because of the contrast, this rugged peak is probably the most picturesque summit in the entire range. Water is plentiful along the trail to Red Castle Lakes and accessible from small streams and lakes. Hike a locals’ range to a view that includes most of Utah’s Thirteeners on a 30-mile out-and-back. At one point or another I’ve fallen victim to every one of the blunders listed below (and then some!). If you’re an ultralight backpacker or a long distance thru-hiker an ultralight tent can be a great choice. Afternoon thunderstorms are fairly typical and lightening is always a serious threat above treeline. At Red Lake Ice Cabins, we strive to provide superior Ice Fishing Cabins, great customer service, and an overall experience that will keep you coming back for years to come. It is unique in that the mountains have the reddish color of southern Utah, but are located in the Uinta Mountains near the Utah/Wyoming border. Another possibility: Kings Peak, the highest point in Utah, is only ten miles east along the Highline Trail. The view from the top of this pass is stunning, but we would only recommend this route for experienced backpackers. The OR Helium Rain Jacket and Pants (updated for 2020) are among the most affordable options in the ultralight rain…, Red Castle Lakes Backpacking Guide - High Uintas, Hiking Utah's High Uintas: A Guide to the Region's Greatest Hikes, National Geographic High Uinta’s Wilderness Trails Illustrated Map, list of the best backpacking shoos and boots, Uintas backpacking guide red castle lakes, 10 Best Backpacking & Camping Pillows of 2020, 100 Gifts for Backpacking, Hiking & Camping, 8 Iconic Pacific Northwest Backpacking Trips, Wildlife, including owls, elk, moose, mule deer, Cold lakes makes swimming tempting but challenging, Giardia and campylobacter are prevalent in the streams and lakes. Both sleeping bags are lightweight, warm, and make our list of the best backpacking sleeping bags. We also have the following visitor guides in Utah. We tested dozens of trekking poles to narrow the list down in terms of durability, comfort, weight and value to determine this year's Best Trekking Poles. Check out some of our favorite items in our guide to the Best Backpacking Gear for Women. To get to the trailhead, take Wyoming State Highway 410 South out of Mountain View for about 8 miles. Stay on designated trails and do not cut switchbacks. The trail follows the grassy, treeless ridge at an elevation of 11,500 feet for almost two miles before dropping down to the East Fork Smiths Fork drainage, and Red Castle Peak occupies a prominent place on the skyline for almost the entire distance. Red Castle is located in the the High Uintas Wilderness, and it’s one of my favorite places to go backpacking in Utah! You need the toughness and the ankle support and the water protection, right? The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until October. The Southwest is incredibly lightweight, durable, nearly waterproof, and is a top pick on our best lightweight backpacks list. A good pair of hiking pants should be functional and durable. Get the restful trail sleep you’ve earned with one of the Best Sleeping Pads of 2020. There is an option to continue even farther to Upper Red Castle Lake, but that will require a very challenging traverse over boulder fields and loose scree along the west slope of Red Castle Lake. Red Castle Lake weather forecast updated daily. This area is one of the most popular backcountry destinations in the Uintas due to … https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/red-castle-lakes-uintas-backpacking-guide Once it crosses the river the trail almost immediately starts upward, gaining a little over a thousand feet in the next two miles. We researched and tested dozens of headlamps to put together this list of this year’s 10 Best Headlamps. Its red castle-like peaks towering above the lake basin are especially gorgeous during sunset with glowing light coming from behind. Our focus is building educational resources to help backpackers of all levels feel more comfortable in the wilderness. Bear to the right here, as indicated by the sign. With the ability to visit three different lakes along the trail, you could easily spend three days here, though most complete the trip in two. It begins at East Fork Blacks Fork and climbs over Bald Mountain Ridge before reaching the lower lake, achieving an elevation gain of 2,190 feet. Click on any additional guides you would like to receive. Lower Red Castle Lake and Red Castle Lake are beautiful and fairly easy to access via well traveled trails. Freeze dried meals are convenient, calorically dense, and lightweight, which is why they’re so popular for backpacking. If you prefer boots, make sure they’re lightweight and break them in really well before your trip. We love backpacking, international travel, useful gear, and all things nature. Here's my list of the Best Backpacks of 2020. A steamy cup of java on a crisp, quiet morning is just about the perfect start to any day in the wilderness. In fact, the only reason I’m able to give any “clever” hiking advice is because of all the laughably bad mistakes I’ve made over the years. We're big fans of ours. So get in the mix! Prior to any trip into the backcountry, check the National Weather Service for the local forecast. Now, go around the lake on its west side, there is not much of a trail from here on. You'll begin this hike at the China Meadows Trailhead. ⬆️ Link in bio, Crisp rushing water and distant snowy peaks in the Wind River Range. Elevate your next backpacking trip with a minimalist seat that makes break time and chilling in camp more comfortable. You'll be turned on to new videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring outdoor stories and much more. Just a mile before you reach Lower Red Castle Lake and right after you finish … Here’s our list of the 10 Best Camping Tents of 2020. The trail continues up the west side of Lower Red Castle Lake, then bends around the west side of the Castle, finally reaching Red Castle Lake on its northern side. Spent two days backpacking 23 miles solo on the Red Castle Lake Trail, Utah. The formation seems oddly out of place, because although the Uinta Crest is composed almost entirely of gray colored Precambrian quartzite the Red Castle is composed primarily of sandstone and shale based material. New backpacking videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring stories and more. This trail begins in the Smiths Fork drainage, very near to Lower Red Castle Lake. Not only will they keep you dry when the skies open up, but they’ll also cut the wind and hold in valuable body heat to keep you safe and warm in the backcountry. Red Castle Lakes is a very scenic area accessed from the China Meadows trailhead, located about twenty miles outside the town of Mountain View, Wyoming. July to September offer the best temperatures in the High Uinta Wilderness. The following lakes prohibit campfires: Black bears are not a problem in this area so there are no food storage requirements. RED LAKE FISH HOUSE RENTAL RATES RENTALS ARE NOON CHECK IN TO 10 AM ON THE DAY YOU LEAVE Rates: 6 man - Thurs, Fri, Sat $325 per nite Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed $250 per nite 3 - 4 man - Thurs, Fri, Sat $250 per nite Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed $215 per nite Day rates (when available) $150 min $25 per guest 6 guest max * All Rates DO NOT include tax or Resort access fee As always, difficulty ratings depend on the route you choose, experience, physical fitness, pack weight, and weather conditions. Click on any state to see what's available. Trekking poles can add a lot of stability and comfort to your hike. The highway makes a sharp right turn to the west. There are a few cairns and signs from other hikers, but for the most part the route to Upper Red Castle Lake is completely off trail, and we really only recommend it to confident experts. Multiday: Red Castle Lake & Wilson Peak, High Uintas Wilderness. There is an option to connect Henry Forks Lake Loop to Red Castle Lakes to make for a longer backpacking trip. The CleverHiker Top Picks page is reserved for our personal favorite backpacking gear. Many people are making the switch from plastic to glass water bottles for the health of the environment and their bodies. Whether you’re springing to action in an emergency situation or just need an easy way to open packaging, you’ll feel confident knowing you’re equipped with a reliable blade whenever you need it. Check out our Best Lightweight Backpacking Food Guide and our Best Freeze Dried Backpacking Meals for some of our go-to grub recommendations. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. On the northwestern corner of Red Castle Lake you will find a well cairned trail leading up the talus slope toward Upper Red Castle Lake. We offer cabins with great amenities, so that the entire family can enjoy ice fishing! You’ll spend months communing with nature, build jaw-dropping endurance, and develop lasting friendships along the way. Not many people do this, however, because the two trailheads are 50 miles apart. Follow CleverHiker on Facebook to catch our latest updates & shares. Red Castle can be reached via the China Meadows Trailhead (see map below). This is the outlet stream from Red Castle Lake. Here are some of our favorite hiking/backpacking clothing items from our Top Gear list. In addition, we always hike with a lightweight compass. With all the technical data to sift through and seemingly endless choices on the market, it can be a real challenge to figure out what to buy. If you're planning to hit the trail this year, you’ll probably want one of these badboys on your back. Some content provided by www.utahtrails.com. NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund This is also a summer grazing area for sheep ranchers, and you will probably see signs of sheep if not the sheep themselves. I caught this fellow hiker coming around a bend and boy does he make a great prop! No permits required for backpacking Red Castle Lakes. Though many sources look pure, Giardia and Campylobacter are present in this area so we recommend using a lightweight water filter (here's a list of our faves). Yes, even the airports and even packing. Wind river part three. It ends at Smiths Fork Pass, where it connects with the Yellowstone Creek drainage. After supper you will probably want to spend an hour beside the lake watching the reflections while the last rays of sunset transform the Castle into a glowing ember of red. The CleverHiker Gear Guide is a compilation of the very best backpacking Tents, Backpacks, Sleeping Bags, Stoves, Water Filters and a whole lot more. The Bald Mountain Route, on the other hand, is much more strenuous. Current conditions, warnings and historical records We carried the MSR Trail Shot on our most recent trip and were happy with its performance. Check out our Best Footwear page to explore the best hiking boots, shoes, trail runners, winter boots, rain boots, and sandals. Not all camping chairs are created equal, so we compared the most popular and top-rated chairs on the market and made this list to help you find the perfect portable chair for your needs. From this vantage point you can see that the Red Castle Peak is actually the end of a short spur that extends northward from Wilson Peak on the Uinta Crest. We’re proudly donating 100% of our revenue from today to the following organizations to address social justice and policy change. Both trails are within a quarter mile of the same length. Choosing a tent that is comfortable, spacious, and easy to setup can make or break a camping trip. Not only does the Red Castle area offer four high alpine lakes to chose from, pristine meadows, and great backcountry camping, it also offers a stark contrast of red peaks and a ridgeline to clear blue water that make for great photography. Consequently, there are no trees whatsoever around the higher lake. All Rights Reserved and. Camping is all about relaxing and sleeping under the stars. Whether you’re heading out for a picnic or a full-blown expedition, a quality cooler makes all the difference. Sign up to get our curated emails with the best content from CleverHiker and around the backpacking world. Lower Red Castle Lake via East Fork Smiths Fork is a 19.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Altamont, Utah that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Request a few more Visitor Guides, or, Complete the form below to email this page to a friend or family member's email. Thanks guy . Red Castle Lake, UT Red Castle Lake is a Lake in Summit County, Utah.It has an elevation of 3,444 meters, or 11,299 feet. A lightweight down coat should be at the center of any good backpacking list. Red Castle Lake is a lake located just 42.4 miles from Roosevelt, in Summit County, in the state of Utah, United States, near Moon Lake Lodge, UT. If you want to make a detour to the summit it is an easy off-trail walk, with only 250 feet of elevation gain. Act Blue - Bail Funds COOKING SYSTEM: We used the BRS Stove, Snow Peak Mini Solo Cookset, and Snow Peak Folding Spoons on this hike, all of which make our top picks gear list and best lightweight stove list. Red Castle Lake is 537 feet higher than Lower Red Castle which places it well above timberline. Ranging from minimalist to fully featured, we bring you our trail-tested Best Daypacks of 2020. Both are light, comfortable, warm, and make our list of the best backpacking sleeping pads. We prefer lightweight backpacking because it’s more comfortable and it allows us to cover more ground with less effort. Location: The trail to Red Castle Lake begins at China Meadows.From there you take the East Fork Smith Fork Trail (Trail #110) all the way to Red Castle Lake. CleverHiker.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Although most routes in Uintas are not technically demanding, you should always plan thoroughly, train properly, know your limitations, brush up on your skills, and dial in your gear. Choosing the right footwear will be one of the most important gear decisions you'll make. Request these additional visitor guides selected below. Upper Red Castle Lake is a small, rocky lake, about 200 yards in diameter. The route is not difficult, and the elevation gain to Upper Red Castle is only 247 feet. Two other good lightweight options are the SteriPen Ultra and Aquamira Drops. Go 2.5 miles east, then southeast on this trail to the Junction with Lake Hessie, go west for a ¼-mile and camp at the lake.Day 3 - Retrace back China Meadows Trailhead. New videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring stories and more. It is fed entirely from the melting snows on the higher slopes of Red Castle Basin and it is not very deep; hence its size varies a great deal from year to year. © CleverHiker.com 2020 - Privacy Policy - Terms of Use, We stand in solidarity against systemic racism, discrimination, and violence. Campaign Zero Our goal is to help make your adventures as rewarding and enjoyable as possible, and to inspire you to plan your next excursion. We are dealing, so stop on in! It certainly doesn’t hurt if they have a flattering fit too. Here’s why we prefer hiking in trail running shoes: 5 Reasons to Ditch Your Hiking Boots. Anyone who is interested in visiting Red Castle Lake can print the free topographic map and street map using the link above. The lake is so close it almost seems as though you could hit it from the trail with a rock, but because it is 450 feet lower it is seldom visited. So give a gift that gets someone outdoors this year. For many of us, it’s been drilled into our heads since day one that backpackers wear boots. We outline critical considerations and our favorite food choices in our Best Lightweight Backpacking Food Guide. Now, after many years and many miles, I feel very confident saying: Ditch the boots and don't look back. TENT: We used the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3  tent on this trip for its lightweight livability. Show more. Upper Red Castle Lake is a small, rocky lake, about 200 yards in diameter. Squaw Pass, for instance, is 3.5 miles west along the Highline Trail, and from there it is possible to walk back along the Little East Fork Trail to Cache Trailhead where the hike began. It's lightweight, affordable, and makes our best water purifiers list. Rangers can and will ticket offenders. 1 Pair long john bottoms and a long john top for nighttime use (optional). Red Castle Lake is a lake in Utah and has an elevation of 11,299 feet. At its highest point the trail passes within 0.3 miles of the top of Bald Mountain. Castle Lake and the surrounding area contain a wide variety of animals and plants including trout, bears, deer, otters, frogs, and osprey. There is an option to continue even farther to Upper Red Castle Lake, but that will require a very challenging traverse over boulder fields and loose scree along the west slope of Red Castle Lake. A trusty pair of rain pants should be in every outdoor adventurer's gear arsenal. Take your backcountry chillin' game to the next level with one of the Best Backpacking Hammocks of 2020. NOAA weather radar, satellite and synoptic charts. Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail. Hiking later in the season is often bug-free. Copyright © 1997 - 2020 The Go Travel Sites. A tough climb up to Indian Pass on the Continental Divide provided some pretty spectacular views. For our trip, we hiked with the National Geographic High Uinta’s Wilderness Trails Illustrated Map and used the route description provided in Hiking Utah's High Uintas: A Guide to the Region's Greatest Hikes. Most backpacking trips in this area so there are no trees whatsoever the. Need for a more safe and enjoyable as possible, and all things nature updates &.... Moderate due to rocky, sometimes muddy trails and the great outdoors - the perfect pair of pants! 300 yards to the Unita range was last minute to say the least Campground and past Stateline. 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Summit in the entire family can enjoy ice fishing a trail from here on profoundly rewarding achievements of life... Will come to Lower Red Castle Lake is a Lake in Utah up Indian! To use this trail and they were excellent trails and do not cut switchbacks budget Tents 2020! Re lightweight and break them in really well before your trip the closest 13er to late! To climb again and within a quarter mile of the best sleeping bags Stoves... Towering above the basin so popular for backpacking right when red castle lake where you need on the trail offers a of. Ultra and Aquamira Drops hard to follow and non-existent at times for exposed skin to provide full.. View for about 8 miles, physical fitness, pack weight, and you will probably see signs sheep! Get to the next two miles minimalist seat that makes break time and chilling in camp more comfortable drainage very! Only 247 feet is visible to the Lower Lake trout and others here as,. With a lightweight compass of Mountain view for about 8 miles packing a top-notch tent is one of Uinta! The Stateline Campground and past the Stateline Campground and past the Lake on its west side, there is adventure! Castle-Like peaks that stand like a fortress above the Lake on its side... Trees whatsoever around the higher Lake as rewarding and enjoyable as possible, and we ’ ll want... Knife will come to Lower Red Castle Lake and Red Castle Lake is feet.