Murdock Peak is surly one of Utahs best hikes for kids. It may also be one of the best hikes to stretch your legs if you want a non-committing hike. There is no trail but the terrain is really easy to walk. My two year old was able to manage his way to the talus field just below the summit. Although the Bald Mountain trail across the highway is another option, Murdock Peak will have some shade available if it is a hot day. Murdock also gets a few climbers to visit the Wasatch County Highpoint, just below the summit. Most county lines cross the tops of peaks but for some reason, this one skirts just below. If interested, take a wander over in that direction to sign the register.
Climb out of the pullout on the east side getting up into the forest. Once above the road-cut, the terrain is very gentle on meadows and exposed rock. The views through the trees here are really nice with high Uinta Mountains as a backdrop. Let the terrain guide up uphill and soon you will break out into a meadow below the summit talus fields. Older kids will enjoy this but young ones will need to be carried. Near the top, the gradient lessens and everyone can walk the broad flat summit area to the highest point. A few big cairns are on top, seems people debate where the true summit is located.
Murdock Mountain - Wasatch County Highpoint
WillhiteWeb.com
Access:
Route:
Take the Mirror Lake Highway 150 east from Kamas or south from Evanston, Wyoming to Bald Mountain Pass 10,687 feet. Park in the large dirt turn-out on the east side of the highway. Recreation permits are required at all trailheads along the highway but I do not believe you need one for this location since there are no facilities there.
Parked off the side of the highway looking north
Near the beginning of the hike with Bald Mountain behind
A view of the Uintas east of Highway 150 from the summit of Murdock Peak
On the summit with the Uintas west of Highway 150 in distance
Distance: 1 mile
Elevation Gain: 525 feet
Summit Elevation: 11,212 feet
Kid Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Access: Paved
Bald Mountain
Mt. Agassiz and south Uinta peaks
Looking south from Murdock Mountain