Aug
1996
Kings Peak Wilderness
Posted by Carl Hutzler
Following our overland adventure the year before, we decided to embark on a trek in a more popular area…and on an established trail! Imagine that. We would throw in a couple of summits of some 13K peaks as well including the highest peak in Utah, Kings Peak.
We drove the 6+ hours to the trail head with a much bigger group than the year before. On this hike I met Dave Crockett and Dave Kenison. Dave was a strapping man who seemed to take one step for every 4-6 steps of a mere mortal (me). No problem, I would just take my time and hang out in the back of the group. Luckily I had some company….Dave Crockett! He was an older gentleman and liked taking it slow due to his knee issues. Great! I had some company. Little did I know that years later, Dave Crockett would turn into this. But I will save that for later.
The trail began on a wide gently sloping path from the parking lot. We had a light day the first day of just 6 miles or so since we were getting a late start. It was an easy hike and we all took our time. We got to a nice campsite area near the trail around 4pm or so and pitched camp. Bugs were an issue, but we had rain coats and plenty of deet to fend them off.
The next day we set out early after breakfast. I remember the group got together for a short prayer before we left camp. I am not that religous of a guy and wondered if maybe I was getting into something over my head, but I went along and thanked god just the same. I remember thinking after last year, if it can help, why not?
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