Utah Places: High Uintas

There are a thousand scenes like this along the Highline Trail of the High Uintas Wilderness, so many as to make this one almost unremarkable, except you should know this particular one is Jean Lake. I have spent time on various locations along the Highline Trail through the years, and if you love wilderness, hiking, and fishing in the splendor of unparalleled high mountain outdoor environment, this is the place. Get away from the WalMart crowds, head for the clean air and clear waters. You'll not regret a minute of it.

My favorite ingress for the High Uinta Wilderness is through the Grandaddy Lakes Basin. It is the deepest penetration and the highest trailhead on the south side of the mountains. Access to all kinds of opportunities from there, including unlimited beauty and the freedom of the hills.

Climbing: Freedom of the Hills

A powerful longing afflicts my heart these days. Today we went up into the mountains to cut firewood for winter. I realized while I was there that I love being there, but I am not free in my heart as I once felt in the forest. I cannot climb the hills freely as I once did without question or thinking. It is a terrible, compromising transformation. Whereas I once roamed unrestrained by anything but my strength, I now find myself fettered at every step.

It makes me unutterably saddened and weary beyond measure. I long for the naive and innocent freedom I used to find such joy in. I seek the untouched purity of the highest heights.

An elusive object to pursue, I have the feeling that I will continue this quest to the end of my days.

 Teton Sunset, from Jackson Hole