Payson Lakes Campground

We went camping with the Hula Hoops over the Labor Day holiday weekend to Payson Lakes Campground in the Uintas.  This campground is off of the Mt. Nebo scenic loop road.  We stayed at Group Site C near Box Lake.  It was a nice site at the end of road.  The area wasn't too crowded for a holiday weekend (other than the family reunion with about 100 people right next to us in Group Site B).  

Early Morning Shot of Box Lake with
Loafer Mountain in the Background

The Hula Hoops really know how to camp.  We were treated to crushed ice strawberry daiquiris and pina coladas during the day and lobster with herbed mashed potatoes for dinner.  It was fabulous.  I should also mention the arugula salad with goat cheese and beets - fresh from the garden.  We certainly ate better on this trip than we do at home.  For this group, camping does not include compromise. 

Mary and I did a couple of hikes over the weekend.  On Saturday, we hiked part of the Loafer Mountain trail.  It was steep, dusty and hot.  We both agreed that this was not a trial we need to do again.  Sunday we did the Shram Creek trail, which was great.  We accessed this trail off of a dirt road.  It was a north facing trail with a lot more tree cover and great views.  We only saw two other people in the four hours we were out.  The trailhead access would also make a great camping site for next time we come out. 

  

This area isn't as pretty as the upper Uintas off of Mirror Lake Highway, but it is really close to home and a little warmer due to the lower elevation.  This would be a good place to come back in the early spring or late fall.  Now that the Labor Day holiday is behind us, I can feel our first camping season slowing coming to a close.  We are still hoping to get out a couple more times, but fall is upon us.