Finding color on the trail to the Daniel’s Summit Lodge
By Lynn R. Blamires
September weather is the G.O.A.T.
September is the best time to be riding in the backcountry. Weather is the G.O.A.T., and fall colors are a good reason to be on the trail. I used this trail to ride and review a Polaris General XP 1000 Ultimate nine days before. I enjoyed the trail so much that I invited some friends to join me in retaking it. Five accepted, and we headed for the trailhead.
Four machines bound for adventure
We staged at Nobletts, a snowmobile parking lot east of Woodland on State Highway 35. It is just west of the gates that close the road during the winter months. Four machines left the parking lot bound for adventure.
Keeping four machines together
We rode the highway for 2.7 miles before reaching Mill Hollow, where I stopped to let the others catch up. We weren’t using the drop system to keep track of each other. I stopped at every critical intersection to make sure we didn’t lose anyone.
A hollow is not a canyon
Heading up the hollow, we rode by Campbell Hollow on the right and the East Fork of Mill Hollow to our left. I found it interesting that they were all hollows, as they resembled canyons to me. I even checked my thesaurus, and ‘hollow’ was not a synonym for ‘canyon’, and ‘canyon’ was not a synonym for ‘hollow’.
Stopping at Mill Hollow Reservoir
Our first stop was Mill Hollow reservoir. It is a beautiful lake with a campground by the same name beside it. It is a popular spot for fishermen. How did I know that? Not my razor-sharp prowess, I just noticed a lot of people wetting lines in the water.
Entering the “res”
We entered the Unita and Ouray Indian Reservation as we continued to climb. I didn’t find that out until I reviewed the track later, and there weren’t any signs marking the boundary. We were riding on a fast and smooth logging road. It was shown on the map as an unpaved road until we joined the West Side of the Duchesne River Road. We went in and out of the reservation several times on this ride.
The best of September days
It was the best of September days. The temperatures were in the high sixties; the sky was a deep blue, filled with white, puffy clouds. The high point of the trail was just below 10,000 feet.
GPS tracks show your mistakes
An interesting aspect of GPS tracks is that mistakes will be visible. I missed the same turn on this trip that I had nine days ago. It was a turn off the smooth logging road onto a rough, rocky section where the trail crossed over the Currant Creek Feeder Canal.
Following Willow Creek
The trail smoothed out about the time it started following Willow Creek. It was a pretty section of the trail that wound through stands of aspen in stages of turning from green to yellow and orange. The colors were not at their peak, but they were sure beautiful. We passed numerous beaver ponds through this section.
Lucky for us, the pot holes were dry
We turned north onto the Strawberry River Road for about a mile to a campground. Turning west, we followed a trail that took us by a series of camping spots. This section had many large potholes. They were dry, but if they had been full, it would have been more challenging. You can’t judge the depth of the puddle when the water is muddy.
A steep trail down to Highway 40
This trail took us off the reservation. We rode just over two miles when the trail turned south and began to descend to Highway 40. If you have ever driven over Daniel’s Summit about a mile past the resort from Strawberry Reservoir, you may have seen a trail that makes a steep climb up the side of the mountain on your right. If you have ever wondered where that trail goes, I can tell you.
Daniel’s Summit Lodge
We came down that trail, rode the highway to the lodge, and had lunch at the Lodge Pole Grill. It is a beautiful lodge; my wife and I have stayed there before, and it is a favorite. The rooms are roomy and rustic. You can sit on a porch at the back of your room, right up against the forest border. You will surely hear forest sounds in the night.
Finishing a 72-mile ride
Tummies topped off, we rode back on the same route to Nobletts, finishing a ride of about 72 miles. Clouds turned dark and a little threatening, but we managed to outrun the rain. When you go, take plenty of water, keep the rubber side down, and enjoy this ride and lunch at the lodge.
EXPLORE MY LOCAL UTAH
My Local Utah is your one stop destination for everything Utah. Whether you’re a business owner looking for resources, a resident looking to explore hidden gems, or a visitor eager to experience Utah’s unique culture and offerings, we’ve got you covered.
Share the adventure!
