Ruth Lake is a popular lake in the Uinta Mountains along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway. It is a favorite for families or for backpackers who are hoping for something easy. It is just under a mile to Ruth Lake, so that if you take the trail all around it you can get there and back in two miles.

The trail is a combination of flat dirt though the pines and then rocky sections to climb. It is mostly easy, but keep an eye out so you don’t lose the trail on the rocky sections. Like most of the Uintas, the cell coverage is spotty at best, so you may want walkie-talkies to stay in communication with your group.

The trail takes you near meadows, streams, and ponds, all with a mountain backdrop.

When you arrive at Ruth Lake, it’s worth walking around the views are different from the different sides of the lake. Here is just to the right of your first view of the lake.

I really loved the views from the far side of the lake that you see in the distance here.

If you go along the right bank almost to the far side, and then head right up any of the paths there, you will see a few campsites and then another pond. There are several all around Ruth Lake, which is another reason that it’s popular for backpacking.

If you are headed out to the Uintas, other places you may want to go to are the Upper Provo Falls, Mirror Lake and Bonnie Lake.

Stats:

Distance – 2 mile loop
Approximate hiking time – 1-2 hours
Elevation gain – 262 feet
Difficulty – Easy
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks
Bathrooms – At Trailhead
Seasons to hike – June-October
Permits needed – $6 for a 3-day pass or a National Parks Pass
Pets allowed – Yes