
5 Beginner Backpacking Trails Near Klymit HQ
Klymit camping gear is proud to be designed and tested in the beautiful state of Utah, which is home to some amazing camping, backpacking, hiking and other outdoor recreation.
From the Uintas to the Cottonwood Canyons to the Wasatch Range, Utah backpacking trails offer stunning views of tall peaks, serene lakes, and vast meadows. While it seems like these trails might be out of reach for beginner backpackers, there are still plenty of amazing short and sweet trails that are ideal for overnight campers venturing out for the first time.
Let’s explore some of the best easy backpacking trails that are a stone’s throw away from Klymit headquarters.
1. Ruth Lake
Region: Uintas
Distance: 2.0 miles
Elevation: 262 feet
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Description: Looking for the perfect beginner backpacking loop to escape the heat during summer? Ruth Lake is a short and sweet loop in the Uintas that offers stunning views on a small alpine lake. There are many campsites along the lake, but be prepared for bugs with bug spray and bug nets. Campsites have easy access to the lake if you want to try fishing or swimming, as well as some sport climbing routes along the south side. Dogs are allowed off leash, so bring your furry friend along!
Permits for parking overnight start at $6 for 3 days. Passes are available at Forest Service offices in Kamas and Evanston, Wyoming, the Bear River Station and Beaver Creek Station, several self-issue stations in the national forest, and several local vendors in Kamas and Evanston.
2. Wall Lake
Region: Uintas
Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation: 147 feet
Type: Out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Description: Wall Lake is a short and fairly flat trail accessible along the Mirror Lake corridor in the Uintas. Meander through beautiful wooded areas, along lakes, and up to the small lake that sits below a large wall of rock. For day activities, bring a swimsuit, fishing rod, or day hiking gear to explore around the lake. Along the wall on the west side of the lake, there are a couple spots to jump into the snow run-off water. Head up late July/ August to get the perfect weather.
Permits for parking overnight start at $6 for 3 days. Passes are available at Forest Service offices in Kamas and Evanston, Wyoming, the Bear River Station and Beaver Creek Station, several self-issue stations in the national forest, and several local vendors in Kamas and Evanston.
3. Lake Mary
Region: Big Cottonwood
Distance: 2.6 miles
Elevation: 849 feet
Type: Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: Starting at the base of Brighton Resort, Lake Mary is a perfect step up to hiking higher elevation backpacking trails. Plus, with surrounding lakes to other classic peaks like Sunrise Peak and lakes like Lake Catherine, Lake Mary is a great base camp for spending the weekend up Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Fishing is allowed, however, due to this lake being in the Salt Lake Watershed, swimming and wading is prohibited, as well as pets.
4. Three Divide Lakes Loop
Region: Uintas
Distance: 5.4 miles
Elevation: 547 feet
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: Located near Wall Lake along the Mirror Lake Scenic Corridor, the Three Divide Lakes Loop is a little bit longer hike that brings you to a group of three small lakes. The full trail loop has views of 10 lakes that are nestled in the high alpine of the Uintas. July and August are prime times to visit, as snow is still present through June. Swimming, fishing, and dogs are allowed.
This area has limited cell service, so be prepared by downloading a map on your cellular device or have a physical map available.
Permits for parking overnight start at $6 for 3 days. Passes are available at Forest Service offices in Kamas and Evanston, Wyoming, the Bear River Station and Beaver Creek Station, several self-issue stations in the national forest, and several local vendors in Kamas and Evanston.
5. Rudy’s Flat
Region: North Salt Lake Range
Distance: 7.5 miles
Elevation: 1,640 feet
Type: Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: The closest to Klymit HQ on our list, Rudy’s Flat is a popular hike near Bountiful, Utah. If you are looking for a great backpacking trail for beginners, this is a top tier option for tent or hammock camping. From the North Canyon Trailhead trailhead, this trail is 7.5 miles roundtrip, but the Mueller Park Canyon also offers a little more distance and difficulty at 12.1 miles and 2,112 miles of elevation gain. Small streams along the trail allow for water collection, and some fire rings are available at the primitive campsites at Rudy’s flat.
Poor cell service has been reported in the area, so make sure to have downloaded or physical maps to locate and follow the trail.
Klymit Gear for Beginner Backpackers
Motion 60 Backpack
The Motion 60™ is an 60L adjustable, multi-day pack with the support and comfort of Air Frame Technology™. The pack features an adjustable torso and waist belt to fit a broad range of user sizes. A combination of multi-density foams create soft and supportive shoulder and hip straps. Additionally, the pack is water bladder compatible and features extra large water bottle pockets. Multiple adjustment points for external carry and hidden attachment loops ensure you have plenty of options for carrying your gear on long hikes. The pack is water resistant and includes a rainfly.
Static V Sleeping Pad
The Static V™ is the world’s first lightweight, packable air pad that incorporates body-mapping chambers for ultimate comfort. The exclusive V-Chamber design conforms to the shape of your body while maintaining ample, lofted air pockets. The result: side, back, and stomach sleepers can all rest comfortably on a generous bed of air.
Pillow X
The Pillow X is a light and packable inflatable pillow that weighs only 2.5 oz. and packs to an ultra compact 4.5” x 2.5” x 1”. The self-centering X design supports your head, while the inflatable pillow offers adjustable height and pressure for a comfy night’s rest.
V Seat
A V patterned seat cushion that’s at home in the backcountry and on the bleachers. Durable enough for outdoor use yet also great for long flights, cold bleachers, or use it in the office for extra padding on your office chair.