Backpacking - Red Castle, Uintahs

Photo Credit: Clever Hiker

Sample Itinerary -

Day 1

7 am - Drive to Trailhead (3 hrs)

10 30 am - Hike to camp (11 miles)

Day 2

Breakfast, break camp

Hike to local peaks

Day 3

Hike out

Home - 3 pm

Directions -  China Meadows Trailhead, Uintahs

Activity -

Backpack Red Castle - 19.4 miles total out and back. Stunning views. Long but gradual uphill hike it. Several bridge crossings. Can camp at water crossing to shorten first day and allow switchbacks to be done without heavy pack - or move camp for day 2. Camp around Lower Red Castle Lake - no trees at Upper Red Castle Lake. Watch for snags (dead trees that can fall on you in camp). All Trails Trip Report.  Clever Hiker Trip Report

Tips:

Can have torrential rainstorms. Tips on comfort in rain:

• Put sleeping bag in trash bag to keep it dry

• Rain jacket, pants, cover for pack 

• Use balaclava for sleeping

• Warm gloves

• Extra shoes

• Vestibule for gear

• Make sure socks have no thin spots and bring spares

Use pantiliners instead of dripping dry

Lots of moose in the marshy areas

Snow below the rock ridge leading to Upper RC Lake

Beware of deadfall trees

Gear: Thin T-shirt, thin long-sleeve shirt, fleece, puffy coat, rain jacket, shorts or hiking pants, swimming suit, running shoes, hiking boots, 2 L water, water filter (can rent), 8-10 snacks, 65+ liter backpack with waistbelt, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, first aid kit, sleeping bag (warmest you can get - down is preferred) (can rent), sleeping pad (can rent), tent (can rent), headlamp, pj's, toiletries, dehydrated or backpacking meals

Rentals (3 days):

• 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)