Backpacking - Primrose Basin, American Fk Cyn 7/18-19/25

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1:

Trailhead - 3 pm

Pack Check - 3:00-3:30

Hike up to camp (bottom of last hill after the fork) - 5 pm

Set up camp - 5:30

Dinner - 6:00 pm

Hike to Overlook - 7:00

Day 2:

Wake up 7:00

Breakfast & Pack up 7:00

Hike out 8:00

Back to car 9:30ish

Directions: Horseflat Trailhead, American Fk Cyn

Cost: $6 day use fee or National Parks Pass

Activity: 

Backpacking to Primrose Basin and Overlook - Primrose Overlook and Horse Spring Trail Loop is a 3.6 miles. There's a fresh spring flowing into a trough located below the meadow under the Overlook turnoff. Be mindful of your route because there are lots of turnoffs. We did the trail counter clockwise to get a less dramatic elevation change. The loop is a family friendly hike, and while the spur to Primrose Outlook is quite steep, it is an optional climb. Hung bear bags in trees. This is a gorgeous trail and was so fun to backpack. The third meadow right before heading up the last part to primrose overlook has a great place to camp. All Trails Report

Tips: 

• Significant stinging nettle especially on east side of loop

• Mosquittos - bring bug spray

• Review backpack sizing before leaving trail

• Camping at the meadow on the westside of the trail up in the trees  is the best, especially if raining.

• Filtering water at the spring is ideal, though you can also drink from the pipe directly as well

• Plenty of trees to hand bear bags (Hang using PCT Method)

Bathrooms - at trailhead (only open in late June through summer)

Cell Reception - spotty

Dogs - yes

Gear:  Backpack (big enough to hold all gear, 55 L with waist belt), sleeping bag (rated to 20 degrees), sleeping pad, tent, cooking stove and fuel, camping mess kit, Hiking pants/shorts, light sleep wear (night), synthetic T-shirt, long sleeve fleece, light waterproof jacket, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, 1-2 Liters water, 3-4 snacks, backpacking dinner/breakfast, first aid kit, hiking boots/running shoes, trekking poles (optional), headlamp, poop trowel, toilet paper, empty ziplock bag, personal toiletries. Personal medications bag for food and line/rope to hang it from a tree with a carabiner.

Rentals (2 day):

• Tents (2 man - $18, 4 man - $30 BYU Outdoors Unlimited; 2 man - $18, 4 man - $22 UVU Outdoor Adventure Center)

• Sleeping bags (0 degree - $28, 30 degree - $28 BYU Outdoors Unlimited; 0 degree - $18, 30 degree - $16 UVU Outdoor Adventure Center)

• Sleeping pads (thermarest - $12 BYU Outdoors Unlimited; thermarest - $12 UVU Outdoor Adventure Center)

• Backpacks (85 liter - $22 BYU Outdoors Unlimited; 65 liter - $18 UVU Outdoor Adventure Center)

• Stove with fuel ($10 BYU Outdoors Unlimited; $12 UVU Outdoor Adventure Center)

• Mess kit ($10 BYU Outdoors Unlimited; $8 UVU Outdoor Adventure Center)

• Water Filter ($10-12 UVU Outdoor Adventure Center)