High Uintas Wilderness

Chasing Hayden Peak

A Story of Grit, Wildflowers, and Pushing Limits

Pass Lake

Ruth Lake

Butterfly Lake

Amethyst Lake

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Round Trip Miles

⛰️

11k

Max Elevation (ft)

🔥

Extreme

Day Hike Difficulty

💎

5/5

Shauna's Rating

Part I: The Spark

Shadows, Snowballs, and Wildflowers

I remember the first time I really got familiar with Hayden Peak. It was right after I had decided that I REALLY loved how amazing timelapses are with clouds making shadows across mountains. I thought I had the perfect conditions, and I was in the Uintas, so we decided to set up in front of Hayden Peak and see what magic could happen.

You never know until you get home, but I was definitely tickled pink when I saw those shadows dance! As sunset approached that day, we realized we needed a better spot, so we made a quick stop at Pass Lake. It didn't look like we were going to get much of a sunset anyway. As I started shooting, it began to sprinkle rain, but it was such a light rain that it just made cute little ripples across the lake. It felt like little kisses on my cheeks.

It was cold enough that there were still fun piles of snow around the lake to make snowballs with! As I was sitting there playing in the snow and watching the sprinkles, the clouds suddenly parted. The sun started setting, making a lovely reflection in the lake with views of Hayden Peak right behind me. It was in that moment that I had this gnawing feeling to go back and see what other gems surrounded this incredible mountain.

Hunting the Lesser Lakes

When I was researching wildflower spots in the Uintas, I knew this was my perfect pairing: Wildflowers and chasing Hayden Peak. My first goal was Ruth Lake. Known for lovely wildflowers on the trail and the sounds of trickling streams, it did not disappoint. I found the best fields around Cutler's Cove and on the north side of the lake.

Next was Butterfly Lake. I wanted to get Hayden Peak lighting up while I was out on my paddleboard. Unfortunately, dark clouds covered half the mountain, but the other half lit up exactly like I hoped! I was pleasantly surprised that this lake (like Lily Lake) had lots of lily pads in bloom. What a treat!

Meadow and Climb before Amethyst Lake Back of Hayden Peak

What powered this specific trip (and where things went a little sideways).

🎥

Insta360 RS 1-Inch

This trip was my first real test of this new 360 camera. I was excited to use its Log/Lut color features, but I learned the hard way the feature wasn't quite ready! I had to throw away a lot of footage due to strange green/blue tints, but it was a valuable learning experience.

🏄‍♀️

🌼

Inflatable SUP

Absolutely essential for Butterfly Lake. Gliding through the blooming lily pads with Hayden Peak in the background is a core memory from this trip. Always worth the effort to inflate!

🦿

Knee Support Bandage

An unexpected MVG (Most Valuable Gear). A heavy jacket tied tight around my knee was the only thing that got me through the final mile. Next time, I'm bringing actual exoskeleton knee supports!

Part II: The Grueling Trek

Grit, Determination, and Amethyst Lake

I had gotten some pretty great views of the west side, so I was off to see if I could get any views on the north and east side. The goal was Amethyst Lake. I knew this would be a long day, so I started out in the dark from Christmas Meadows.

A Little Behind The Scenes: What most people don't know about me is I have a bit of a bad valve issue with my heart (it's actually why I picked up hiking—to get my heart in better condition!). This makes me a slower hiker. Add in the fact that I film and walk many sections three times for the perfect shot... it takes me a lot longer to hike a trail. Everyone passes me. But what I lack in tip-top shape, I make up for in pure grit and determination!

This trail has miles and miles of forest that isn't very exciting. Just trees and more trees. No wildflowers, only a few glimpses of the stream. BUT when you finally make it out of the tree line, it is AMAZING. Pure bliss.

"The views of Hayden Peak from the East side were every bit as magical as I could have possibly imagined. I felt like Maria in the Sound of Music sitting on a rock in a field admiring the cliffs, feeling like a song needed to burst from my mouth!"

The False Summit

There was a moment when I hit the first bonus lake where I was super excited. I threw my hands up cheering, "I Arrived!!!"... only to look at my Gaia GPS and realize I had not actually made it to Amethyst Lake. It was still one mile further.

It should have been no big deal, but I was exhausted, and it was steep. I stopped so many dang times on the way up that last leg. But honestly? I think that was a good thing. It gave me time to soak in the mountains and realize how rugged and beautiful those cliffs really were.

Arrival & Agony

Arriving at Amethyst Lake was every bit as magical as I had hoped. The air was crisp and clear. The few fishermen there were charming to talk to, there were cute campsites scattered around, and the cliff backdrop was just lovely. It's a true gem of a location, and I am incredibly proud that I made it there.

Was the journey back hard? Oh yes. With only a mile left to the car, my knee started screaming. I grabbed my jacket, tied a tight support bandage around my knee, and took any paths that were less jarring. I literally did a zig-zag, sideways walk just to make it back to the car. I am definitely looking forward to testing out some knee supports for the next big adventure!

False Lake before Amethyst Lake Unitas - Prettier Reflections

Part III: 360 Video

Transport Yourself

Grab your VR headset and join me to explore the glorious Hayden Peak for a wonderful positive boost from nature. This VR Getaway features views of this majestic mountain, its surrounding wildflowers and lakes, and even a fantastic rainbow that appeared just for us!

💡 Planning Your Own Trip?

🎟️ The Pass: You need a recreation pass to park anywhere along the Mirror Lake Highway. You can buy a multi-day pass at the ranger station or self-serve kiosks.
🦟 The Bugs: The Uintas are notorious for mosquitoes in July. Bring heavy-duty bug spray, especially near the lakes!
🫁 The Altitude: You are starting at around 10,000 feet. Drink way more water than you think you need and take your time.
🌩️ The Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms roll in fast. Start your hikes early and be off exposed ridges by noon.

Until Next Time

This adventure was a perfect mix of beauty, challenge, and frustration. It pushed me physically, tested me technically, and rewarded me with stunning alpine scenery. Sometimes the struggle is what makes the final view so much sweeter! I hope it inspires you to tackle your own beautiful challenge.

Sending Love and Positive Vibes,
Shauna from VRGetaway