High Uinta Wilderness
Red Castle
The High Uintas Wilderness encompasses 456,705 acres and stretches nearly 60 miles east to west. It is a spectacular area with hundreds of glacier-formed lakes reflecting blue skies and Utah's highest peaks in clear, cold water. As a Utah local, the Uintas is a favorite! A Wilderness that is right in our backyard! So much room for exploration! Red Castle stole our hearts, so much so that we got married here! This is the heart of the Uinta Wilderness!
Route
Red Castle Lakes
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26 miles out & back
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2 nights/3 days
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Moderate
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Dog Friendly
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Park at China Meadows Trailhead (15$)
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Night 1 & 2 : camp at Lower Red Castle Lake
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When to go : Late June - September
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No Backcountry permit required to camp
NOTE
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Store food properly! Squirrels are savages!
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Black Bear and Mountain Lion Country
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Always be ready for rain
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Very Buggy
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Dispose of waste properly and keep campsite clean!
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Moose are plentiful
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Lots of Horse Poop
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Road to get there is gravel and washboardy
AllTrails Links
NIGHT 1 : Lower Red Castle Lake
It's about 10 miles from the China Meadows Trailhead to reach camp at the lower lake. At 7 miles in you will see a bridge crossing with your first view of Red Castle in the distance. Perfect spot for a lunch break! After the bridge crossing you will have about 6 switchbacks (steepest part of the trail) and a beautiful waterfall to your left as you get closer to the lower lake.
NIGHT 2 : Lower Red Castle Lake
We typically stay at the same campsite for both nights at the lower lake. It makes it much easier to explore the upper lakes and east lakes in the area! They are pretty close and are a perfect way to spend the day hiking! There is a quaint spring near the lower lake that I recommend taking a dip in! Red Castle Lake and Upper Red Castle Lake are excellent fishing spots and the views are insane! East Red Castle Lake is also worth visiting. I find that the view is even more gorgeous there with great swimming and fishing! There is no defined trail on the last mile to East Lakes, so make sure you have GPS. We had to bush wack to get there!
Day 3 : Hike back out to China Meadows Trailhead
This backpacking trail is a great route for beginners! The terrain isn't hard, just the route is long! Totally worth the views and getting eaten alive by mosquitos! Make sure to leave your campsite clean, pack out your trash and fire pits cold to the touch.
