The Mirror Lake loop is a wonderful path around the scenic lake in the Uinta mountains.
Mirror Lake is a beautiful natural lake in the Uinta Mountains. It is 55 acres and situated at the base of Bald Mountain. When I was there for the sunrise it was easy to see how it got it’s name. It is a popular location for kayaking, fishing and camping. It is high in the mountains and sits at 10,400 feet above sea level.
It is accessed from the main highway through the Uintas, the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway (Highway UT-150). It is also the border between Summit, Wasatch, and Duchesne Counties. Mirror Lake lies on the Duchesne side. It gets very popular on weekends, so we went early.
The loop trail that goes around the perimeter of the lake is mostly a flat dirt path, but has some boardwalk areas. It would be possible to push a wheelchair or stroller all the way around.
The views around the lake are stunning! The mountain in the above right and lower left photos is Bald Mountain.
This trail is filled with wildflowers in July and August!
The trail is amazing in the fall too.
As I walked around the Mirror Lake Loop I saw a few birds and were signs that explained more about the wildlife and other facts.
FYI, there is not much cell reception in the Uintas. We brought walkie-talkies to communicate with each other. It is such a fun place to kayak and fish too!
You can begin at Mirror Lake and hike to nearby Bonnie Lake.
This is also near beautiful Upper Provo Falls, which isn’t a hike, but a scenic stop and you can walk around to make it a hike. It is near many great hikes. A good short one for families or beginner backpackers is Ruth Lake.
Stats:
Distance – 1.5 mile loop
Approximate hiking time – 30-90 minutes
Elevation gain – 39 feet
Difficulty – Beginner/Easy
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and boardwalk
Bathrooms – At Trailhead
Seasons to hike – June-October
Permits needed – $6 for a 3-day pass or a National Parks Pass
Pets allowed – Yes
