North Blacks Fork Peak

Overview

There are 118 peaks over 12000 feet high with over 200 feet of prominence in the state of Utah according to Scott's list. Most of these almost never get visited. Even some of the 13000 footers on the list only see a handful of people a year. Those peaks that happen to be the high point of a county or have over 1000 feet of prominence are those most likely to be visited. The others lead a very lonely life. The peaks located in the heart of the High Uintas Wilderness are the most lonely of them all since they are located a long way from any trailhead.

The ridge between the Little East Fork Blacks Fork and the East Fork Blacks Fork of the Uintas contains three such peaks that have virtually no chance of ever being visited, plus one peak lucky enough to have over 1,000 feet of prominence. This page details one of the unlucky ones, North Blacks Fork Peak (12788'). This peak is the second to the north of the four peaks. It has no official name, only that which Scott has given it. It has 288 feet of prominence and ranks 29 on the list.

The most northern peak of the ridge is called Northwest Blacks Fork Peak (12747') because it is also a little bit to the west. The other two peaks on the ridge from north to south are Central Blacks Fork Peak (12869') and South Blacks Fork Peak (12769').

The ridge lies about 9 miles west of the Henrys Fork Trail, one of the most popular trails in the Uintas. But, unlike the Henrys Fork Trail, don't expect to see other people. After four trips to the Little East Fork Blacks Fork and East Fork Blacks Fork Trails, I've yet to see anyone else.

The summit of North Blacks Fork Peak is serrated and consists of a series of small bumps, the highest at the south end. The following are all views from the north.

The 13000 footers most prominently seen from the summit of North Blacks Fork Peak are located on its western side. East Lovenia (13032') and Mount Lovenia (13219') are to the southwest and Wasatch Benchmark (13156'), NW Wasatch (13039'), and Tokewanna Peak (13165') are the next ridge over to the west.

East Lovenia on the left and Mount Lovenia on the right.

Wasatch BM, NW Wasatch, and Tokewanna Peak

Getting There

Take I80 to exit 34 in Wyoming and head to Fort Bridger. Go 5.3 miles to a blinking red light. Turn right on Wyoming state route 414 and go 3 miles to Wyoming state route 410. Follow 410 for 13 miles. First you will see a sign that says the pavement ends in 750 feet. Shortly you will see another sign for "Blacks Fork River Access Area" and then another one that says "Wasatch Nat'l Forest/Meeks Cabin 13". If you miss the signs, don't worry, the three sets of rumble strips should wake you up. Do as the signs say and turn left. The road you turn onto starts out paved but soon changes to dirt. Follow the main road 23.6 miles to the signboard (just past a gate) for the East Fork Blacks Fork Trail. The trail start is just before the signboard. There is no parking right at the trail start. Instead, continue on the road for just a few feet and turn right and then left into the parking lot.

On the Wyoming side, the dirt road is beautifully graded and maintained and you can make good time. Once it crosses the Utah border it gets noticeably worse and once it passes the intersection with the dirt road headed for the Mirror Lake Highway, it gets worse still. It's somewhat rocky but is fine for passenger cars if you go slow.

Red Tape

Normal wilderness area restrictions apply. Check the signboard at the trailhead for the most uptodate information.

Camping

There is a free campground at the East Fork Blacks Fork Trailhead. There are 7 official sites all of which have fire pits. Four of these have picnic tables and three do not. Even on weekends, I've seen at most three sites in use. There is no water so you need to bring your own.

If you choose to backpack, you should have no problem finding a spot along either the Little East Fork Blacks Fork Trail or the East Fork Blacks Fork Trail.

When to Climb

If you want to avoid snow, mid July through the beginning of September are the best months. Creek crossings will be significantly easier later in the summer. The dirt road leading to the East Fork Blacks Fork Trailhead is not plowed in the winter.

Routes Overview

Blacks Fork Ridge Loop
A nice loop hike can be made which climbs North Blacks Fork Peak plus 5 other 12000 footers in one day. Start on the East Fork Blacks Fork Trail and head for the north ridge of Northwest Blacks Fork Peak. Head south on the ridge and hit Northwest, North, Central, and South Blacks Fork Peaks to the main east/west crest of the Uintas which is reached on South Blacks Fork Peak. From South Blacks Fork Peak head southeast down the main ridge and follow this ridge over West Oweep Peak (12507') and Oweep Peak (12531'). Descend to the Little East Fork Trail and follow it back to the East Fork Trail which is followed back to the start. The route is 21.3 miles long with a total of 6100 feet of elevation gain. It is primarily class 1 and class 2 with some short minor class 3 sections.

The first four peaks of the route are shown below as viewed from the west. From left to right, Northwest, North, Central, and South Blacks Fork Peaks.

The same four peaks are shown below as viewed from the east. From left to right, South, Central, North, and Northwest Blacks Fork Peaks.

Mountain Weather

A typical summer day in the Uintas dawns without a cloud in the sky. By mid morning faint wisps of clouds are seen on the horizon. By midday the sky is half full of big puffy clouds. In the afternoon the sky is mostly overcast and possibly raining, but by early evening blue sky makes a comeback. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent.

Here is a link to the current 7 day forecast for North Blacks Fork Peak.

Images

View North Blacks Fork Peak Image Gallery - 14 Images