Mirror Lake | Western Uintas

Floating Mirror Lake - Western UintasHiking Mirror Lake - Western UintasRoadside Attraction Mirror Lake - Western Uintas Mirror Lake

Western Uintas

Overview | Getting There | Route | Photos | Maps | Comments

Overview

RATING: Easy Hike
MAPS: MIRROR LAKE, UT

Sun

Snow. Mostly cloudy. High near 19, with temperatures falling to around 13 in the afternoon. Wind chill values as low as -1. Northwest wind 8 to 17 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

19 | 17

Mon

A slight chance of snow. Mostly sunny, with a high near 22. South southwest wind 2 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

22 | 5

Tue

Snow. Cloudy, with a high near 23. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

23 | 14

Wed

Snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 19. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

19 | 17

Thu

A chance of snow. Mostly sunny, with a high near 20.

20 | 8

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SEASON: Summer, Fall

Sun

Snow. Mostly cloudy. High near 19, with temperatures falling to around 13 in the afternoon. Wind chill values as low as -1. Northwest wind 8 to 17 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

19 | 17

Mon

A slight chance of snow. Mostly sunny, with a high near 22. South southwest wind 2 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

22 | 5

Tue

Snow. Cloudy, with a high near 23. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

23 | 14

Wed

Snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 19. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

19 | 17

Thu

A chance of snow. Mostly sunny, with a high near 20.

20 | 8

View Full Weather Details
Mount Hayden and Mount Agassiz Ridgeline to the east/ne

Mount Hayden and Mount Agassiz Ridgeline to the east/ne

Mirror Lake, the namesake of the Mirror Lake Highway, is arguably one of the most popular and visited lakes in the Uinta Mountains. The lake has both day use areas as well as 94 campsites reservable on recreation.gov.

The popularity of the area is for a good reason, and I wouldn't let crowds deter you from stopping by. The lake is located at just over 10,000 ft in elevation and has a glassy surface that reflects Bald Mountain and the other surrounding peaks in its clear waters. On any given summer weekend, the shore will be dotted with fisherman trying to catch rainbow, brook, and tiger trout, while the surface of the lake will be dotted with recreationists in inflatable boats, canoes, and stand up paddle boards.

Taking the 1.5-mile loop around the lake is my top recommendation. Bring a picnic; there are many great spots along the lakeshore to have lunch!

Bald Mountain and Reids Peak

Bald Mountain and Reids Peak

Getting There

Note: The Mirror Lake highway that is used to access this hike is closed in the winter. The gate is typically open from Memorial Day until late October, but if planning this hike on the shoulder season, call the forest service to see if it is open. ((801) 466-6411)

The trailhead is off of the Mirror Lake Highway at milepost 31.3. This is 31.3 miles out of Kamas, UT on UT-150. This is also about 46 miles south of Evanston Wy on the Mirror Lake Highway.

A well signed paved side road leads down to the lake, day use are, trailhead, and campground.

High mountain scenery.

High mountain scenery.

Route

As you enter the Mirror Lake area, take the first left to the signed picnic area. There is a toilet there and a parking lot next to the lake.

The Lakeshore Trail starts from here and follows the lake shore 1.5 miles around and back to the parking lot. The significant peaks that surround the lake are:

  • To the west and south-west are Bald and Reids Peaks. These are the two most striking peaks in the foreground.
  • To the north-west are Mount Marsell and the long ridges leading up to it.
  • To the northeast and east is a significant ridgeline containing Mount Hayden and Mount Agassiz

Maps

Route / 1.52 miles / Elevation Range 10,020 - 10,050 ft.
Printable Maps:

Mirror Lake Trailhead

12T 509515mE 4505554mN

N40° 42' 03" W110° 53' 15"
Highline Trailhead

12T 509844mE 4505473mN

N40° 42' 00" W110° 53' 00"
Campground Jct

12T 509894mE 4506177mN

N40° 42' 23" W110° 52' 58"
Bonnie Lake

12T 510334mE 4506577mN

N40° 42' 36" W110° 52' 40"

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