Naomi Peak (UT) 24-Aug-08

[VanMarmot]

Another hike on our great western roadtrip, this time 20 miles east of Logan, UT. Our previous hikes reported here (Scalplock Lookout and Hyalite Creek in MT) were in forested terrain very similar to western Oregon. The area around Naomi is more reminiscent of that around Bend or Sunriver - as was the weather - in the high 80's with 11% humidity. From the TH (at 8000') to the summit (at 9900') is only 6.4 mi RT and 1900' of gain, but the threat of hiking in the scorching desert got us started early.

The trail begins in sagebrush and forest, then climbs gradually above the forest into rockier, more exposed terrain.

This formation of eroded bedded strata is completely natural, although at first glance it looked like someone was carving stadium seating.

The summit is all rock

with a great view down toward Logan

and a "summit host" with a weakness for peanuts.

We were back at the TH before noon, which was a good thing in that hiking around in high heat and low humidity was more tiring than we expected. This was another great hike in fascinating terrain, with a summit and view too!