Doubletop Mountain

Doubletop Mountain is the second highest peak in the Bear River Range, and in Cache County, Utah. The peak is very close to the Idaho border and the trek actually starts in Idaho and ends in Utah. The mountain is most well known for its population of Pika. Elk, Deer, and Moose also frequent the area. This peak is a great place to escape the crowds. If the summit register is any indication, only a couple dozen people made the trek this year. The area has open camping and there are several great spots that would make for a great overnight backpack trip. This mountain has several approach routes and options. From the Franklin Basin area of Logan Canyon you can approach from either Steep Canyon or Boss Canyon. This adventure takes the Boss Canyon route. From the ridge above Boss Canyon you will start hiking to the south where you immediately begin to climb. The trail can be faint but just keep heading up and you will get to the right area. There are several ups and downs on the hike. If you look back to the north you can see the ATV trail you started out on as well as far north into the Idaho portion of the Bear River Range. The large canyon below you to the west is North Fork of High Creek. This is a seldom used and steep route through the Mount Naomi Wilderness. After reaching the first small peak you will drop down again before climbing the next unnamed peak. Once on top of the second peak you will see a very cool summit block of vertical limestone cliffs. Expect at least a little snow year-round here. The trail drops down to the right of the cliffs below the ridge for a while. The views down into Steep Canyon from here are fantastic! You will also get your first views of Doubletop. This area is very rugged and steep. Once back on the ridge, keep hiking straight towards the cliffs that look like Doubletop but is a false summit. You will again want to stay to the right (or west) of these cliffs. This is also where the Steep Canyon ridge meets the trail. As you loop around the west the real summit will come into view. Keep your eyes and ears open in this area for American Pika. These cute little mammals are some of the rarest animals in North America and live only in very high elevation rocky areas. They are technically tiny rabbits that have a very distinct call. Look for them in the loose rocky areas in this part of the trail. To access the summit you will climb between the two tops. The southern one is the highest with Franklin Basin in the background. The views are great in all directions. To the south you can see Mounts Gog, and Magog on the far left and Mount Naomi (The only peak higher than Doubletop) on the right. The best view is southwest of Cherry Peak. This is a very rugged peak with huge cliffs that dominates the terrain above High Creek Canyon. It is also the third highest peak in the range. Return by taking the same route you did up here.