So I was up in the mountains of northern utah at almost 10000 feet elevation. I cannot find what this might be. It is a low plant that was in a very large bunch. At least 10 feet by 10 feet. It has a an extremely spiny stem. Anyone have a clue?

Goosberry

Can't help of being curious, did you taste it?. Looks so juicy.
Agree with Carol, some type of gooseberry/currant, could it be this Gooseberry Currant (Alpine Prickly Currant)Ribes montigenum

http://www.wildutah.us/html/pl...

although I'm not familiar with your wild plants.