Hiking
Bridger Peak
Rich County Highpoint
Overview
Short and steep sums up this hike. This hike is a thigh buster! Bridger Peak was unnamed until the 1990's when a contest in the Salt Lake Tribute named it. If not for being the high point of Rich County, this summit would likely be very seldom trod. As is, it doesn't seem to see much traffic. The first half of the hike follows a prominent closed road up the steep hillside. Once near the top, it is cross country navigation in relatively dense trees to the summit. An intermittent use trail can be found, but good navigation and/or a gps will help ensure success.
Getting There
From Logan, go east on highway 89 up Logan Canyon. After about 30 miles, at mile post 490.1, take the Swan Flat Road. This is not far past a highway maintenance shed on the left, and before the highway tops out and begins descending to Bear Lake.
Follow the Swan Flat road 3.4 miles. There are good primitive campsites on both sides of the road here. The trailhead is on the right side of the road, directly across from a primitive camp. The route up the steep hill to the east on the old road is clearly visible.
Route Description
Summit: 2821 m ( 9256 ft. )
Trailhead: 2643 m ( 8672 ft. )
Follow the old road as is descends slightly, and then begins the thigh-busting steep climb straight up. Stay on the now closed road until it makes a hard right near the summit. A social trail is a bit hard to find here, but climbs directly up to the east.
If you can find the social trail, stay on it as it works its way up the hillside and north to the highpoint. If you lose the trail, it is easiest to work up the hillside to the ridge, and then follow the ridge north to the summit. The nondescript summit is marked with a large cairn. It does offer good views of Bear Lake to the east. Return the way you came.
Maps
12T 459720E 4648932N
41°59'29"N 111°29'11"W
12T 460487E 4649093N
41°59'34"N 111°28'37"W
12T 460515E 4649779N
41°59'57"N 111°28'36"W