Have you ever decided to visit a place and not known what to expect when you get there? I mean, it could be a total let down after all the hype through the years.
This was one of those trips for me. I have always known about Peter Sink. After all, I have lived in the area for my entire life. Peter Sink is in the news every winter for being one of the coldest, if not the coldest, spot in the continental United States.
As the crow flies, Peter Sink is only about 20 miles from my home. I have driven past the turn-off close to a thousand times (or more) during my life. And, yet, I have never been there … until now.
The trail starts at the summit of Logan Canyon, just a stone’s throw from the Limber Pine parking lot. The first part of the journey is on a well-traveled dirt road south from the highway. This is a picturesque 3-4 mile drive through a high mountain valley with open fields, pine trees and aspens.
When we reached the turn-off to Peter Sink, we passed by a few camp trailers, but as we drove higher up the mountain, the campers became more scarce. But, the scenery was just as beautiful. On OnX Offroad, the trail is rated as a 4 and about 6 miles in length. So, it’s not overly difficult. However, there are a few spots to take slow with some big rocks and tree roots. Four wheel drive and high clearance was necessary in a few spots.
Making a steady climb to the 9,000 foot level, there were many places to stop and look over the tops of the mountains. Once we were at the top, we could look down into Peter Sink about 500 feet below our vantage point.
Peter Sink is surrounded by the tops of the mountains creating a small mountain valley. The road to the bottom of the sink was still about a mile, but well worth the extra drive.
On our way out, we stopped at the top once again at a spot looking over Peter Sink and had some lunch with the cool mountain air all around us.
For all those years I passed by this area, I would have never thought Peter Sink was where it was located. Off the beaten path and in a mountain valley. It was a great feeling to finally have taken the time to visit Peter Sink.
All in all, we were gone about five hours. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and smell the roses. Or, if you want to get away from the crowds, there are some great camping spots in the tops of the mountains.