Bald Mountain

Whether you have two legs or four, hiking in Utah’s Uinta Mountains is an absolute treat. Pack up your pooch and head over to the Bald Mountain Trailhead for a furrific hike through some truly unique terrain. Fondly referred to as Mt. Baldy by the locals, this peak is visited by hundreds of hikers each year.

The trailhead is located just off Bald Mountain Pass inside the Mirror Lake Recreation Fee Area. This area is pupular for camping and backpacking, and passes range in price. For a 1-3 Day pass you’ll pay $6.00, a 7 Day pass is $12.00, and an annual pass is $45.00.The parking lot is used for a few other trails, as well as a shuttle drop off for longer backpacking trips. If you can, get there early to secure a spot. Restrooms and picnic tables are available. However, there is no water source, so you’ll need to bring your own.

Although this trail is short, it packs quite a punch. It begins with a set of switchbacks that will wake your pup’s leg muscles right up. Then the trail traverses the side of the mountain in a steady climb. The last section of the trail runs through a boulder field and requires some rock hopping. Before reaching the top, you’ll also have to cross a narrow ridge. If your pooch sticks to the trail, they shouldn’t have any trouble. Once at the summit, give your pooch a high five and enjoy sweeping views of the Uinta Mountains!

Keep in mind, most of the trail is above the tree line, so it is quite exposed. The top of this peak sits at 11,943 feet above sea level. You may need to hike slower than usual to adjust to the altitude. The bottom line is this trail is the perfect way for your pooch to bag their first peak!