The final steps are brutally painful, but as the ground gives way to the sky blending into the mountains, there is no better feeling. The summit of a mountain offers spectacular views, a incredible, cool breeze, and a fantastic place to rest.
Utah is home to many large peaks, offering great day hikes to conquer with some friends on the weekend. The Wasatch and the Uinta ranges both offer the most scenic and the best height-wise hikes. The Wasatch range is great for locals close to Salt Lake City and looking for a hike with easy access and relatively short times. However the Wasatch range sees the most use in the state. The Uinta range is perfect for someone looking to get lost for a weekend. About a two or three hour drive from SLC, the Uintas offer long summits great for short backpacking trips. The Uintas see a lot less usage, but still are popular in the summer months. Wether going to one of these two ranges or any others in Utah, you can't go wrong.
Summit hiking is fairly easy for most in-shape adults, but it is much better with a little bit of preparation. Plan a date, time, and group. Check the weather and make sure that it'll be a nice day and that you are able to leave early. Hike in smalls groups, 2 or 3 is probably the best. Prepare your gear and find directions in advance. In short, be prepared, before the day of the hike. The key for new hikers is preparation.
The second key is to pack correctly. When packing it is important to be prepared, but also to be light. Clothing wise, bring an extra shirt/jacket--a summit can get pretty cold. Food wise, bring some high energy foods. Find a food that you enjoy, something that will energize you, and something that will be convenient. Also in you pack, bring some basic survival gear. Include fire supplies (matches, fire-starters, etc), water purifiers (tablets or a filter), light, basic shelter, a knife, and anything else you might need if you had to spend a night. Finally bring water, for a summer hike, 2-3 liters will be enough for the average adult. Anything else you want to bring is up to you, but just be conscious of how much weight you are packing.
One of the most important aspects of summit hiking is to monitor your pace. Most summits are already around eight hours long and the last thing you want is to extend that time another few hours. The key is to keep hiking. Don't go so fast that you are panting for air, but walk as quick as you can under that level. Once you have that perfect pace down, don't stop for breaks that often. The worst time killer is taking ten to fifteen minute breaks. Every half hour or so, take a less than five minute break. Catch your breath, eat some granola, grab a drink, then go. Taking long breaks kills you time and it also allows for your muscles to stiffen, which makes it that much harder to start.
Lastly, leave no trace. Be courteous to others, clean up your mess, and respect the trail.
Summit hiking is well worth the pain and the time invested. It is very enjoyable and is incredibly rejuvenating. Take some time and try one of the iconic Utah summits. Mount Timpanogos is a great hike to try out for a first summit.
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