This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2006, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Description: At the parking area, look for a sign for forest road 37, which is the Soapstone Basin Road. Start snowshoeing or cross country skiing on the road. Snowmobilers also love this area, so keep an eye out for them. The road becomes peaceful after the machines whiz by. After crossing the bridge over the Provo River, the road turns south. Pass by Camp Roger and the Soapstone Ranger Station. Stay on the main road. About 2 miles into the hike, you reach the turnoff for forest road 414, which isn't posted. A good way to find the turnoff is by counting the bends in the road. After the fifth bend go left. Forest road 414 is a smaller road and feels more like a trail. The road heads east into the conifers and travels parallel - and high above - the Mirror Lake Highway. When you come to an opening in the trees, take a moment to marvel at the breathtaking Uintas. The road draws you in, like a call of the wild.
Directions: From Kamas, take the Mirror Lake Highway, SR 150, and drive 15 miles to Soapstone Basin and park. Start hiking south on the Soapstone Basin Road, forest Road 37.
- Photo, text and graphic by Steve Baker (baker@sltrib.com)
All hikes are listed at www.sltrib.com/outdoors
