backpacking & peakbagging - cleveland, kweeyahgut, and explorer peaks - uintas - July 3, 2026
This trip is best for people comfortable backpacking 20-30+ miles over a weekend at altitude at a steady pace. If you want to attempt the peaks, you should be comfortable on loose talus and Class 2-3 terrain. Folks who just want the backpacking and basecamp experience are also welcome!
Itinerary:
Fri, July 3 - Approach (camp at Kyhv Lake)
Meet early in SLC, or at Rock Creek trailhead; It is a ~3 hrs drive to the TH. We'll backpack to Kyhv Lake and camp. ~11 mi, ~3,220' gain.
Map: https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=11.9/-110.6752/40.6237&pubLink=fEy3NqOvB3pv5rnpCbb1PrdO&routeId=0cdda483-96a8-4143-84a0-befd9f4d13d9
Sat, July 4 - Peak Day
We'll start early and approach Cleveland via the south ridge, traverse to Kweeyahgut and Explorer, and descend Explorer's south ridge back into the basin. Expect steep talus, loose rock, and possibly up to Class 3 scrambling. The planned route is ~12 mi / 4,000' gain but could easily be more depending on terrain and conditions. We may take a longer approach via the trail if cross-country travel from camp to the base of Cleveland Peak looks bad.
Map: https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=11.6/-110.7108/40.6458&pubLink=VR72ePfbmw83ParwLHvYdLH5&routeId=fc656f35-dfbd-47b9-981a-d7c78575935b
More information on the peaks can be found on their Summitpost pages, note that Kweeyahgut Peak was formerly named Squaw Peak.
Sun, July 5 - Hike Out
Pack up and return to the trailhead via Friday's route.
Required Gear & Expectations: Standard backpacking gear/ 10E's, adequate insulation and rain gear, water treatment, and a headlamp are required. I'll have maps and a GPX route, but everyone should have their own navigation capability. Some method of food storage to keep it away from sleeping areas is required. The Uintas have a high risk of fires currently due to beetle kill & a dry winter, so we will not have any campfires. Plans may change depending on terrain and weather conditions- summit attempts are optional and safety will come first!
Registration: Send me an email if you want to join or have any questions! Please include:
1. Whether you plan to attempt the peaks or just backpack/basecamp.
2. A quick snapshot of your recent experience/ ability level if we don't already know each other: backpacking trips/ hikes, peakbagging/ scrambling experience, comfort on loose terrain, etc.
Looking forward to an awesome weekend!
| Level: | MSD |
| Miles: | 35.0 |
| Vertical: | 7000' |
| Route: | Out & Back |
| Pace: | Moderate |
| Organizer: | Reid Gardner |
| Date: | Fri Jul 3 2026 — Sun Jul 5 2026 |
| Meeting Place: | Register with the Organizer |
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