After two failed attempts, I finally make it to Trinity Lookout, a fairly short ride from home, and find it worth the effort.
Having been twice turned back, I was determined to see Trinity Lookout. The first attempt went all wrong, ending in the E.R. rather than the mountains. Then I went up with my daughter but darkness beat us to the punch. A moonless night and adamant lookout attendant meant no views.
I opted for a direct route this time, out Technology Way behind Micron and onto the Oregon Trail by Bonneville Point to Blacks Creek Road. I had just mounted up a new set of Elka suspension and was anxious to run it through the paces.
Blacks Creek Road was host to a trailer pulling convention. Or that’s how it seemed as I choked my way through the cloud of dust made dense by an interminable caravan of truck and trailer.
With some hope of avoiding further dust ingestion, I decided to turn north of the Prairie airstrip along Burnt Creek rather than continuing on the gravel House Mountain Road. There were a few nice views but the way was slow and winding compared to the regular route.
With a flat rock pushed under the kickstand to keep it from sinking in the sandy ground, I stretched my legs, savored the view and contemplated that final ascent.
The final climb to the lookout is open only to ATVs and smaller. It was a bit tricky on the GS.
The lookout parking area is a little ways below the peak. A line of metal posts marks the final walking path to the top.
The lookout attendant was friendly, offering to answer any questions. She explained that she switches off with another person every five days and invited me to come, walk around the lookout. The view was amazing.
These mountains are peppered with little lakes.
I ate my lunch seated on the rocky ridgeline overlooking Rainbow Basin. The view was spectacular, the swarming bugs less so.
The descent was more relaxed. I was glad to have finally made it to the summit. I’ll certainly be back!
by Jason Abbott