Backpacking to Red Castle

Wow! It has been a great while since the last time either Suzanne or I posted here on the blog. What better to break the long silence than pictures and post on the last Brothers Backpacking Trip?! Beginning last year, Travis and I decided that we would do our best to head out on a brothers backpacking trip at least once a year. Last year we made an attempt to summit Kings Peak which I was able to do successfully, but even more worthwhile than standing at the top of Utah, was bridging the 13 year gap between Travis and I (not that the gap has ever really been very large between us). For 2010, Travis and I decided to hit up some Red Castle, again in the rugged Uintah Mountains. In planning this trip, we found that there are a few different routes that can be taken when backpacking to the majestic peak and lakes below. Being the boys that we are, we of course chose the most strenuous route possible, but mostly for reasons of greater scenery from this trail. Suzanne was nice enough to hook me up for my birthday, with a brand new backpack by ALPS Mountaineering for the trip which was a welcome surprise! Travis and I accumulated the goods needed and revised the packing list and prepared every needful thing. The time finally came and we were anxious to be off! We were able to leave shortly after noon on August 12th, and planned to take four days to complete our journey in the High Uintah Wilderness Area. After a goodly drive and a strategic stop in Evanston, we finally arrived at what we thought was the trail head!
We got out of the car, and as we stretched our legs, we saw a cowboy and cowgirl and their cow-son and cowdog across the parking lot. We had some difficulty figuring out if it was the correct starting point to our journey, so we thought it would be a good idea to ask some locals, (as per the instruction's suggestion) if we were in the right place. We approached the cowpeople and proceeded to ask if we had found the trail head to Red Castle. As the cowboy and cowgirl turned to answer our question, we both were taken aback at the sight we saw. The cowboy told us we had gone about a half mile too far, but as he spoke to us, we couldn't help but notice that somehow, this fellow had a normal sized head, but an extremely small face. Travis and I later came to call it his Mini-mask. As Travis was mesmerized by this Mini-mask, the cowgirl began describing and vehemently pointing in the direction we needed to go. While she was pointing, large and very noticeable veins bulged from her rippling bicep and forearm. Almost taking a step back out of fright, I composed myself and we thanked them for their help and made our merry way, joking about the Mini-mask and the hulk lady along the way, to the parking lot ahead.

Travis and I knew there was over 2000 feet of elevation gain on this hike, but we failed to really pay attention to the fact that more than 1000 feet of that gain was in the first two miles. You can see our first 1000 feet right behind us here in our embarkation photo.

After 100 yards the trail required us to wade across this river. Here is Travis yelling in his head, "Take the dang picture already!"


The instructions said that the river would only be ankle deep and that it was an easy crossing. Clearly understanding the instructions, I did not bring any sandals, like Travis did, to wade across it. After rolling up my pants and gingerly made my way through the freezing cold ice melt water, breaking a toenail and getting my pants wet anyway all the while.




After the grueling 1000+ foot climb, we finally found a campsite just in time before that fireball of a sunset went behind the mountains. We seriously had just the perfect notch in the mountain where the sun went down giving us just enough time to get camp set up.


Good thing we had that light for the first time setting up this tent. We could have been at it for a while.

Travis carving walking stick number 2. Time to settle in for some fire action before bed.


The view from above our camp. On our way up to summit Bald Mountain.


A look up toward the ending trees as we approach treeline at 11,000 feet.


Our first sight of water, meager as it is, since we crossed the river.


Bald ridge, 11,200 ft Elevation appx. Glaciers still live on in August!


Bald Lake which is solely fed by those glaciers from above. Beautiful coloring from the glacial melt and mineral diffusion.


Our first glimpse of Red Castle in the distance from the peak of Bald Mountain.


Travis at the peak, the pinnacle marker behind and to his right and Red Castle behind and to the left of him.


Me at the peak of Bald Mountain. 11,773 ft elevation.


Finally!!! Lunch time!! Boilin a little water for some Santa Fe Chicken.


Come on! Boil already!


Travis carving stick #3, after breaking stick #2 beyond repair or use.


Finally seemed like we were getting a little closer.


The zoom helps things seem a little closer as well.


Finally made it to Lower Red Castle Lake and sat down to relax on the shores and wait for sunset to turn this thing into a glowing ember.


Once it got cold we felt like we had waited long enough.


Original Gangsta!


Here we are back at camp mosquito (with a vengeance), warming up next to our extra hot fire.


We had a handy site for our gear to prop against.


This is some creek action from some glaciers up on the saddle in the distance.


Last look at Red Castle and the rugged bowl it sits in.


Finally back at the car after a long walk back, and a short stop in the creek for Travis, notice the wet shirt and pants... but luckily dry radio.


Another strategic stop in Evanston. Steak hit the spot after a long backpacking trip that was supposed to take 4 days but only took 3. Especially after all the other surprise courses of the meal kept on coming!


On the way down the mountain, Travis and I came across several people with their dogs. We want to find somewhere we can go next year where we can take Maya and Zeus or more likely, just Maya. Any suggestions???!