Bonnie Lake is a beautiful lake near Mirror Lake in the Uinta Mountains that only requires a short family-friendly hike.
You can begin this hike either from the Mirror Lake Trailhead or from Mirror Lake. These two locations are actually about 0.3 miles apart. I’ll explain the whole loop going from either trailhead and the path between them both.
Mirror Lake Trailhead
The Mirror Lake Trailhead leads to Lake Bonnie and then continues on to the Naturalist Basin and Four Lake Basin.
The trail meanders through the trees. This time of year there are wildflowers too.
The path has gentle rises and falls, but very little overall elevation change.
A part of the Uintas visible from this trail was burned in a fire in 2020.
When you get to a tiny pond you are near the junction of the path from Mirror Lake.
Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake is a beautiful mountain lake and the namesake of the Mirror Lake Highway. You can see from that spectacular reflection where it got it’s name.
Head along the path counter-clockwise, along the right side of the lake. The wildflowers are so pretty in late July and early August.
Follow the path around the lake about 1/4 of the way around the lake. Mirror Lake is closed for the winter a long time, so it’s only open from late-June through late-October. These photos are summer versus fall and both are beautiful!
You also get beautiful views of the lake.
When you get to the furthest eastern part, look for a path leading up to the campground.
Here is one looking both directions on that path.
When you get to the main dirt road, head left a few hundred feet until the road starts to curve right and you you get to this sign.
The path is easy to follow. At first you can still see campers through the trees, but soon you are on a lovely trail that feels more secluded.
Soon you arrive at that same little pond.
Trail to Bonnie Lake
Here is where the two paths merge and is about halfway to Bonnie Lake from either trailhead.
The trail will pass through the trees and a little meadow.
Soon you will see the lake peeking through the trees on your left. You can see a windy path to the lake or you can follow the path another 30 feet and take the straighter path.
Bonnie Lake
Bonnie Lake is so beautiful and peaceful. I was there on a Saturday morning and only saw a couple people pass.
I love the lily pads on Bonnie Lake! They remind of nearby Ruth Lake, which is only an easy two mile roundtrip hike.
This lake is very picturesque.
If you head off to the right you can rejoin the trail. Soon you will see an additional lake to the right.
You can look left here and still see Bonnie Lake.
Here is one more of Bonnie Lake!
During wildflower season you will probably this kind of beauty!
You also may see wildlife! I saw a few chipmunks and a Canada Jay!
Path Between Trailheads
You can also make this a loop by walking between the two trailheads. Beginning from Mirror Lake, take the paved path just north of the parking lot. if you are looking at Mirror Lake, here, turn right.
The wildflowers are everywhere in mid-summer!
Soon the path becomes a dirt one and then meets with the paved road.
Just beyond this is the Mirror Lake trailhead.
Here is my trail map after hiking this loop.
Stats:
Distance – 2-3 miles roundtrip (depending on route)
Approximate hiking time – 1-2 hours
Elevation gain – 253 feet
Difficulty – Easy
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt
Bathrooms – At Mirror Lake
Seasons to hike – June-October
Permits needed – $6 for a 3-day pass or a National Parks Pass
Pets allowed – Yes
