Cal Perfall

Clustered in arguably Nevada's highest mountain group, Baker Peak is the state 4th highest peak, right behind the neighboring Jeff Davis and Wheeler Peaks. Because Baker is slightly overshadowed by its neighbors, it sees very little traffic. Baker Peak is rugged, wild, and requires a long approach. For determined hikers and peak baggers, there is no better hike to see all of what Great Basin Na...

Hayden Peak is by all means the monarch mountain of the Mirror Lake Highway. By that, I mean that Hayden Peak is easily the most rugged and impressive peak that can be viewed from the road. Driving over Bald Mountain Pass towards Evanston, WY, this peak looks amazing. There are few mountains out there that look so picturesque.  Any peak bagger will instantly want to climb Hayden upon sight, but...

Hiking Ostler Peak in the High Uintas Wilderness is a serious challenge for anyone. Typically, this hike is done over 2-3 days, with an overnight at the beautiful Ostler Lake. Strong hikers can do this hike in one day, however, as long as you are prepared and know the route.  The route up Ostler follows the hiking trail to Amethyst Lake for most of the way. This trail is very well marked. Start...

Climbing all of Utah's 13ers is nota popular trend, yet. Most people seek out Colorado's 14ers for their summit height, but don't let Utah's 13ers be overshadowed by their neighbors to the East. Utah's 13ers are remote. The closest 13er to a road is Tokewanna which comes in around 17-18 miles round trip. The farthest 13er from a road is more than a 30 mile round trip hike. There are no trails t...

The Needles District of Canyonlands receives 6 times as many backpackers as its more popular neighbor across the Colorado River, Island in the Sky. The Needles has an excellent trail network that is incredibly diverse, featuring amazing rock features as well as grassy meadows and savannahs.  While Salt Creek Canyon is not as extreme and stunning as the trails that go through the heart of the di...

Utah's 13ers are generally overshadowed by their 14er neighbors to the east, but do not be fooled, Utah's 13ers require a tremendous amount of effort to summit. The closest 13er to a road, Tokewanna, is about 18 miles round trip. The farthest 13er peaks are more than 30 miles round trip. These peaks are wild, see few summits each year, and do not have step by step guides. To take on the challen...

Mt. Watson is a beauty. It is one of the tallest peaks directly outside of the High Uintas Wilderness area and has a stunning East face that is very steep and littered with cliff bands. Many people hike around Mt. Watson in the summer, when the Mirror Lake Highway is open and the trailhead is easily accessed. In the winter, however, Mt. Watson is deep in the wilderness. The Mirror Lake Highway ...