Mt Youth - Backpacking - Primrose Basin and Overlook, American Fork Cyn 9/25/26- 9/26/26

Emily Hacken

3 hours ago

2 min read

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1:

Trailhead - 4:30 pm

Hike up to camp (bottom of last hill after the fork) - 5-5:30 pm

Set up camp - 5:30

Dinner - 6:00 pm

Day 2:

Wake up 7:00 am

Hike to over look (optional) - 7-8:30 am

Breakfast - 8:30 am

Hike out - 9:30-10:30 am

Back to car 10:30ish

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 it is 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 for youth (big enough to hold sleeping bag, clothing, 2 L water, snacks with waist belt), Backpack for adult, sleeping bag (rated to 20 degrees), sleeping pad, tent, cooking stove and fuel (one set per family), 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.

Medications: Bring all personal medications (any medications that are for allergies, diabetes, asthma, or other life-threatening conditions. Be sure to bring two sets: One for the participant, one for the trip leader to carry as a backup in the event of loss)

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)