Bald Mountain is a peak in the Uinta Mountains, directly west of Mirror Lake.
It is a high peak at 11,949 feet (200 feet higher than Mount Timpanogos). Unlike many peaks that require long climbs, Bald Mountain Trailhead begins high enough that it is only 2.7 moderate miles to the top.
Directions
Depending on where you are coming from, you will either take Parley’s Canyon in Salt Lake or Provo Canyon in Utah County east to get to Kamas, Utah. From there, take UT-150 east along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway. The trailhead parking lot is at the top of the rise next to the Bald Mountain Overlook.
The parking are can fit around 20 cars. There is a pit restroom, trail register, and trail signs.
Because this trailhead is already 10,715 feet, so you are likely to feel more winded than you typically would along this trail.
This trail is moderately uphill along a rocky trail.
You can see views of the surrounding area within a few minutes of hiking.
Even at a leisurely pace, you will probably arrive at the rock fields within about 30 minutes.
The path continues up through the rocks and then eventually comes out around the front of Bald Mountain where you can see Mirror Lake below.
The vertical portion of Bald Mountain near here is very dramatic.
The views are already pretty impressive.
Soon you are back to hiking through the rocks.
Keep going until you see the top!
The views are amazing!
Here are some views looking down.
You will need to walk a minute or two to the other side to look to the west.
These are zoomed in on a few of the lakes.
Dogs are allowed on Bald Mountain, but the rocks and mountain goats may not make it easy for them. I didn’t get shots of mountain goats on our hike, so these are from Timp, but with a similar landscape.
Stats:
Distance – 2.7 mile loop
Approximate hiking time – 1 1/2-3 hours
Elevation gain – 1181 feet
Difficulty – Moderate
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks
Bathrooms – At Trailhead
Seasons to hike – June-October
Permits needed – $10 for a 3-day pass or a National Parks Pass
Pets allowed – Yes
Other nearby hikes along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway are Lofty Lake Loop, 20 Lakes Loop, Ruth Lake, Bonnie Lake, Upper Provo Falls, and of course beautiful Mirror Lake!
