⚡ The Quick Scoop
The Vibe: Crisp alpine air, glass-like water reflecting massive peaks, and deep, quiet nostalgia.
Must See: The spectacular sunset view of Hayden Peak from the southeast corner of the lake.
The Reality: The Uintas have been hit hard by Pine Beetles. The landscape has changed, but the beauty and the memories remain immortal.
Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (5 out of 5 Diamonds - Pure Nature Therapy!)
Some places are more than just a location on a map; they are woven deeply into the fabric of our memories. For me, Mirror Lake in the High Uinta Mountains is exactly that kind of place.
It was my deceased father's absolute favorite fishing lake. Every time I return here, it brings back a flood of fun, nostalgic memories of him. It’s a place that has admittedly changed over the years—the lush, solid green slopes I remember as a teenager have been scarred by the Japanese Pine Beetle—but its fundamental charm is timeless.
This is my guide to the Mirror Lake I know and love: a place of beautiful reflections, quiet kayak paddles, and cherished memories of the man who first taught me to love it.
👇 Choose Your Path
Paddling & Fishing
One of Todd's and my favorite things to do at Mirror Lake is to set up camp for a few days. I absolutely love unzipping the tent and waking up to the massive, beautiful view of Bald Mountain looming over the water each morning.
On our first day here, we immediately grabbed our kayaks to paddle the perimeter of the lake. The shoreline is gorgeous all the way around, featuring crystal clear water, beautiful rock outcroppings, and lovely wildflowers like Arrowleaf Balsamroot and White Lousewort.
The crystal clear water (left) and the fascinating spiral petals of the White Lousewort (right).
While I was capturing 360° views, Todd had a wonderful time fly fishing directly from his kayak. He managed to catch a few beautiful Rainbow and Brook Trout!
🌲 Finding Beauty in the Scars
I will be honest: it does sadden me a little to see how the Japanese Pine Beetle has taken a toll on the surrounding forest. When you look up at the mountainsides, you can see large patches of dead, brown trees. It is simply not the same unbroken, lush green landscape I remember from my youth.
Many people get super frustrated with this area because of it. But if you can look past the damage, the beauty is still immense. The lake still has its incredible mirror-like charm, the wildflowers still bloom, and for me, it will always be a place filled with the wonderful spirit of my father. Know this is the case before you go, so you can be prepared to still find the beauty!
The 360° Photo Spheres
During my Google Street View days, I spent hours mapping the perimeter of this beautiful lake so that people all over the world could experience it. You can interact with these spheres right here on the page! Just click and drag your mouse (or use your finger on mobile) to look around in a full 360-degree view.
Kayaking the Perimeter
Gliding on the Water
🌟 The Golden Nugget: Hayden Peak at Sunset
While Bald Mountain dominates the view for most of the day, here is my favorite local secret: If you take a stroll to the southeast corner of the lake right around sunset, you will be rewarded with a spectacular, glowing view as the evening light perfectly illuminates the magnificent Hayden Peak.
Morning Stroll on the East Side
South Side Shoreline
The Uinta Explorer's Handbook
🗺️ Adventure at a Glance
Shauna's Master Hints for the High Uintas
Mirror Lake is the perfect basecamp for exploring the High Uintas. Here are my best tips for the surrounding area:
- ⛰️ Conquering Bald Mountain: The trail to the top is only 4-5 miles, but do not underestimate the altitude! It makes the hike feel much harder. Don’t be hard on yourself if you need a break. (Read my full hike guide here!)
- 🦟 The Mosquito Threat: Especially in the early summer, the mosquitoes here are absolutely intense. Bring plenty of strong insect repellent!
- 🌼 Wildflower Hunting: Head to Moosehorn Lake in the spring for Marsh Marigolds, or the east side in the summer for vast fields of flowers. If you want to see yellow lilies, head to Lily Lake around mid-July!
- 📸 The Best Photo Spot: Many admire Bald Mountain, but I think Reid’s Peak and Hayden Peak are even more stunning. If you are looking for the absolute best reflection shot of Reid’s Peak, your spot is at Pass Lake.
- 💦 Upper Provo River Falls: No matter how many times I visit, this powerful series of waterfalls is always a pleasure. Take time to wander above and below the main viewing area to find about a dozen separate, beautiful falls!
Gear up for the Backcountry
I highly recommend downloading offline Google Maps and bringing an external GPS or a Garmin InReach when exploring these mountains without cell service!
Nature Therapy (360° VR)
Need to relax? Grab your VR headset and join me gliding on the calm, glassy waters of Mirror Lake. This is a wonderful way to get some "Me Time" and a dose of Nature Therapy. This no-motion video is safe for any viewer (no motion sickness!) and is perfect for a quiet, positive boost.
Want to see what it looks like from the top of the mountain? Here is a flat-screen trailer for my hike up Bald Mountain!
✨ Ask the Alpine Ranger
Curious about what kind of fish are in the lake? Want to know more about the Japanese Pine Beetle? Ask our AI Guide!
A Legacy of Peace
Mirror Lake is a place of deep personal connection for me, a landscape filled with happy memories. While it has changed over the years, its fundamental beauty and peaceful spirit remain. Whether you're there to fish for trout, paddle the clear waters, hike to the peaks, or simply sit by the shore and watch the sunset, it’s a place that has a special way of calming the soul. I hope this guide helps you find your own moment of peace at this beautiful Uinta gem.
Sending Love and Positive Vibes,
Shauna @ VRGetaway
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