Daggett County High Point Trip Report

USGS BM Eccentric (12,276 ft)

Date: August 6, 2002
Author: Michael Schwartz

About five miles east of Roosevelt on US 40/191, turn north just east of a school onto CR 2752/5750 East. Go 20.7 miles on pavement, then turn left onto a dirt road signed for Chepeta Lake and Elkhorn Loop. Go another 14.3 miles, bear right at a Y-intersection toward sign for Chepeta Lake. Turn right at another junction in 3.6 miles. Cross a stream on a bridge at 6.9 miles and soon reach a large parking area at Chepeta Lake. I chose to follow Andy Martin's route, rather than that described in "High in Utah," slightly longer, but involving less talus climbing and bushwhacking.

A few comments on Andy's route: From the northeast corner of the parking lot, take a very obvious trail heading northeast (not the trail to the left heading northwest toward the lake). This soon becomes the "old road" described by Andy. Not shown on the topo, it runs north to the Moccasin Lake dam and continues north along the west side of Moccasin Lake. Upon reaching the Papoose Lake dam, go east across the dam, then swing back to the right (southeast) and look for kind of a ramp, with some grassy patches, angling up the talus slope to the southeast. I found this the easiest way up the talus. I agree with Andy that this route, albeit slightly longer, seems easier and more straightforward than that used in "High in Utah," where you go directly northeast to the talus slope from the parking area. Once atop the talus, follow Andy's directions to the summit. I did not find Andy's register, but John Vitz's glass jar, placed on September 8, 2001, is still there. Saw Edward Earl's name and only six other entries.

Hiking times were 1 hour 45 minutes up and 1 hour 30 minutes down.