Ruth Lake | Western Uintas

Hiking Ruth Lake - Western Uintas Hiking Ruth Lake

Western Uintas

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

Overview

RATING: Easy Hike
MAPS: Hayden Peak, UT; Mirror Lake, UT;

Sat

Mostly sunny, with a high near 35. South wind 9 to 13 mph.

35 | 24

Sun

A slight chance of snow after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 29. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

29 | 22

Mon

Snow likely before 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 25. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

25 | 22

Tue

A chance of snow after 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 29.

29 | 15

Wed

Snow likely before 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 19. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

19 | 17

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SEASON: Summer, Fall
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: Filterable along much of the trail.

Sat

Mostly sunny, with a high near 35. South wind 9 to 13 mph.

35 | 24

Sun

A slight chance of snow after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 29. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

29 | 22

Mon

Snow likely before 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 25. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

25 | 22

Tue

A chance of snow after 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 29.

29 | 15

Wed

Snow likely before 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 19. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

19 | 17

View Full Weather Details
Meadows on the way to Ruth Lake

Meadows on the way to Ruth Lake

Ruth Lake is tough to recommend enough. This is a fantastic short hike with little elevation gain, making it an excellent family hike or for most anyone. The lake is nestled in an alpine setting with cliffs that are popular with rock climbers high above the trail. The alpine setting, cliffs to the south and views of Hayden Peak to the east make for a fantastic setting.

Because of the beauty, ease of access, and ease of the hike, this is also a very popular hike. On a typical summer weekend, the parking lot will likely be full with day hikers, rock climbers, and backpackers all heading in the short 0.8 miles to the lake. Please practice low impact hiking and backpacking techniques if visiting. Also, be aware, Naomi and several other lakes are within a stone's throw of Ruth Lake and make good alternate destinations if Ruth Lake is feeling a bit crowded.

Ruth Lake

Ruth Lake

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 the Ruth Lake Trailhead off the Mirror Lake highway. This is at mile post 35, which is 35 miles from Kamas Utah on highway 150, or about 42 miles south of Evanston, Wyoming on highway 150. The trail will probably be very snowy until late June in most years.

The trailhead has a pit toilet and a large parking area on the side of the road.

Ruth Lake

Ruth Lake

Route

From the trailhead, follow the trail as it heads west. It is well-traveled and easy to follow, complete with interpretive signs along the way to keep children interested. The trail gains a small bit of elevation, then meanders along near several marshes and wetlands. These are dotted with wildflowers in summer. The rocky flats make for a photogenic backdrop.

The prominent peak to the east (behind you on the trail) is Hayden Peak.

Once at the lake, there are many fantastic campsites, but if camping, be sure to follow the Forest Service rule and camp at least 200 feet away from water sources.


Maps

Route / 1.58 miles / Elevation Range 10,146 - 10,358 ft.
Printable Maps:

Trailhead

12T 511181mE 4509217mN

N40° 44' 02" W110° 52' 03"
Ruth Lake

12T 510141mE 4509248mN

N40° 44' 03" W110° 52' 48"
Naomi Lake

12T 509920mE 4509329mN

N40° 44' 05" W110° 52' 57"

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