Bluebell Lake Peak

Overview

Kings Peak (13528), Utah's highpoint, lies 9 miles to the northeast. Mount Emmons (13440), Utah's 4th highest peak lies 10.5 miles to the east. There are good views of the entire Kings-Emmons ridge and in the late afternoon sun, the Timothy Peaks-Paul Benchmark ridge which lies in front about 1000 feet lower, will be streaked with bright yellow.

The highpoint of Bluebell Lake Peak sits at the south end of a .7x.4 mile flat plain of red rocks. The benchmark disk is located at N40 41.467 W110 30.144 in the middle of an easy to find 2x3 foot, flat, triangle shaped rock. Bluebell Lake lies 1400 feet below, .7 miles to the northeast.

The summit is a 8.5 mile hike from the Center Park Trailhead to the south. Most people would not want to climb this peak by itself but would do it as part of a multiday trip to several summits. The best months to climb are July, August, and September.

Getting There

Access from the south is via the Center Park Trailhead.

Red Tape

Group size is limited as per wilderness area rules. Many lakes have proximity restrictions. These restrictions change from time to time so check the sign board at the trailhead to see what restrictions are currently in place.

Camping

There are 5 established campgrounds near the Center Park Trailhead as descriped in the trailhead page. There are numerous places to camp in Garfield Basin.

Routes

From Center Park on the south



Start at the Center Park Trailhead and head north on the trail to Garfield Basin. After about 2.9 miles, leave the trail at N40 38.259 W110 27.603 and head for the 11193 benchmark to be found at N40 38.636 W110 29.439. Follow the ridge west and then northwest to the 11842 benchmark, the remains of which are found at N40 38.686 W110 29.439. Follow the ridge north to the 12007 bump and continue another 1.1 miles on flat terrain to Swasey Knob (12124). Continue north another 1.4 miles along the ridge until you come to the highpoint of Bluebell Lake Peak. The final 200 vertical feet are moderately steep and require some hand use but are not particularly difficult unless you are carrying a heavy pack. It is a total of 8.5 miles to the summit with 2726 feet of vertical gain. The elevation gain on the way back is 925 feet.

For the return you could either retrace your steps or descend northeast in the direction of Drift Lake and then head east and pick up the Garfield Basin trail just north of Spider Lake.

Garfied Basin Rim Loop

There are seven peaks above 12000 feet ringing Garfield Basin and they all can be done in one trip. See Garfield Basin Rim Loop.

Images

View Bluebell Lake Peak Image Gallery - 10 Images