For the last four years, I have been lucky enough to have three amazing women coordinate our busy schedules to trek into the backcountry, tempting the weather gods and our aging bodies. We have done the Sawtooths, Seven Devils, and the Tetons. This year, we decided on the Uintas. After much debate, we chose a shorter trip because of the weather forecast, landing on the 20 Lakes Loop outside Kamas, Utah, with a side quest to Ibantik Lake for extra miles and elevation.

Since two of us were traveling from the Boise area, we started off car camping. We reserved a site at Trail Lake Campground. I didn’t feel like battling the backpack tight squeeze (why are tent bags so small!), so I opted to car camp instead. After my first car camping trip, I learned I really enjoy the extra comfort and security — and more importantly, it made packing up the next morning fast and easy. I was really impressed with this campground. We had sites 13 and 14, which offered amazing sunrise views, and it was nice to wake up to the mountain glow out my back window. This would be a great home base for day hikes, or for enjoying the lake with fishing and paddleboarding. My only warning: at the time of this post, there was no running water. I brought plenty for the evening and to kick off the hike, but another camper nearby was caught off guard by it.

That night I made Kodiak Protein Pancakes for the next morning’s breakfast and to take on the trail — I threw in some chocolate chips since syrup wasn’t an option. I liked this far more than my usual oatmeal, and appreciated having the protein for the hike ahead.

We rolled into the large parking lot for the 20 Lakes Loop Friday morning at 8am and had zero issues finding a spot. The trail immediately impressed us with beautiful lakes from the very start. It’s well-maintained and an easy hike.

Ibantik, on the other hand, was a different story. We took an easier cutoff on the way back, but the path we originally took felt very much like a Scott Side Quest. We lost the trail more than once and had to check AllTrails for directions, and it became clear early on that whoever was placing the cairns was as confused as we were. There was some rock scrambling and a few sketchy log crossings, but we made it to the trail that led to the lake.

As soon as we arrived, the weather turned on us — it started hailing ping-pong-sized ice, so we took cover under the trees. There was a brief reprieve, just long enough for us to find our campsite across the lake: a nice flat, grassy spot that kept us out of the mud and puddles. Setting up the tent turned into a speed-racing event, and we got it done just in time before round two of the storm rolled in. We all hunkered down. I took the opportunity to finish my book and warm up.

After the second wave passed, we didn’t see rain again until the evening. We enjoyed the fresh air and lake views over dinner, talking and laughing.

We talked about Scott, and what it means to “live like Scott.” I hung his biodegradable ornament in one of the trees at the campsite. It’s a small thing, but it helps me feel closer to him — it brings me some peace knowing someone else will see it and say his name. Hopefully not in vain, since I am technically breaking the “leave no trace” rule.

The rain and wind picked back up while we tried to sleep, and we woke up to thick, ominous skies. With Saturday’s forecast still calling for afternoon thunderstorms, we decided to pack up quickly and head out before the next storm rolled in. After the mile climb out of the lake basin, the hike out was an easy 4 miles, with beautiful views and lakes the whole way.

We got back to the parking lot and were blown away by how busy it had gotten, especially compared to Friday morning — we handed off our prime spot to a grateful car circling for one. We took a picture at the trailhead to show off our “Live Like Scott Robbins” hats before heading out.

On the way out of the canyon, we stopped at The Notch Pub for drinks and burgers. Highly recommend the burgers and fries — so good! If you’re a beer person, I heard the IPAs on tap were great too. Their door was covered in stickers, so of course I couldn’t resist adding a Live Like Scott Sticker. It’s on the inside of the front door. Be sure to look for it if you visit.

Heading back to Boise, I realized Scott’s friends Jack and Lizzie were headed back to Salt Lake City too. They’d actually stayed at my house the night before, and Jeff cooked them fresh salmon from his latest fishing trip. So I met up with them again in Brigham City at The Old Grist Mill. Since I’d already had lunch, I went straight for the ice cream — Jack and Lizzie got soup and sandwiches, and I stole a bite of Jack’s Play-Doh ice cream, which I guess is a Salt Lake City thing. I shared the Scott Robbins book that Logan and Jenna made me, which felt like a great way to close out the trip before the 6-hour drive home.

We’re already planning next year’s trip. Right now we’re torn between another run at the Tetons or exploring Colorado. Either way, you can expect an update here. Thanks for making it this long into the post 🙂