My wife and I were camping in Copper Basin for 5 days. We had plans of campfires, fly fishing, relaxation, and peak bagging!

On day 1, after we got camp setup and had lunch, I was off to climb Peak 10096 (Copper Trail Peak).

The trailhead for the peak was found at the end of the Star Hope Campground off of the Copper Basin Loop Road. I found a parking spot and then spotted the gate at the start of the trail. The temperature was perfect, right around 65 degrees with a small breeze.

From the campground, I followed the trail up Bear Canyon until it forked at 1.5 miles. I took the left fork, which is the Copper Creek trail. The trail leads up a gorgeous high-mountain valley to a saddle between Copper Trail Peak and Glide Mountain. The flowers were out and it was still very green throughout this hike. Additionally, it was evening and the lighting on the surrounding mountains were incredible.

From the saddle between Glide and Copper Trail Peak, I simply went west up to the summit ridge and followed it south for a few hundred yards to the top of Copper Trail Peak. A large cairn was found on top with a familiar Rick Baugher note in an old film canister.

I soaked in the views. This peak is very well situated and has a great view of both the main Pioneer crest and the Smiley Lobe.

I didn't have a lot of time to enjoy the views, so I quickly departed and hustled down the trail to meet my 8pm deadline at camp (gotta keep my wife happy... on day 1 at least). On the way out, I noticed 3 tents pitched above the cow pond along the trail at 9450'. A very unusual spot to camp and the tents were pitched on an angle. Nobody around to explain this strange location to backpack into.

This is a fun little hike if you only have a few hours of energy or time available. Oh, and I was only 4 minutes late :-)

There are numerous ways to get to Copper Basin. I won't get into which on to take, but get on the Copper Basin Loop Road and take it to Star Hope campground.

Drive into the Star Hope campground to the end of a loop where there is a fence. Walk the 100 feet to the green gate and open it. This is the start of the trail. Take the Bear Canyon trail that leaves the campground and follow it about 1.5 miles to a fork. Take the left fork signed for Copper Creek Trail. Eventually you will achieve a saddle at approximately 9800' between Glide Mountain and Copper Trail Peak. Turn west and climb to 10,000 feet on steep, but easy terrain. Now turn more southerly and climb the final easy slopes to the top of the peak.