⚡ The Quick Scoop
The Vibe: Pristine alpine magic, hidden gold, and nostalgic "gifts" from the sky.
Must See: The mid-July yellow lilies at Lily Lake, and the 20-peak panorama from Bald Mountain!
Welcome beautiful souls! The High Uintas are more than just mountains; they are a playground for the spirit. From the secret gold mines Todd and I researched to the quiet lakes where I feel my father's presence, this is my ultimate immersive guide to Utah's highest peaks.
👇 Choose Your Path
Pass Lake & Hayden Peak
Pass Lake is one of my favorite Uinta lakes because of the cute islands sitting right in the middle of the water. It also offers incredible views of Hayden Peak.
🧭 The Major Launch Point
I also know that Pass Lake is the major launch place to get back into many of the other lakes (like Amethyst Lake). If you are looking for a beautiful spot to get a shot of Reid’s Peak, this is your spot! Roam around the lake a little and you will find some amazing angles.
Shauna's Honest Hint: Pass Lake does have one small downfall—it is right off the main road. You will occasionally deal with noisy traffic that takes away from the feeling of deep wilderness solitude, but the views and photo opportunities make it absolutely worth a stop!
Moosehorn Lake Paddleboarding
For your nature fix today, we are heading to Moosehorn Lake! This adorable little lake sits beautifully right at the base of Bald Mountain. The water is clear enough and shallow enough that you can see to the bottom in most of the lake. I love taking my paddleboard here (which converts into a fishing kayak!) to just soak in the serenity.
💡 Shauna's Insider Hints
Parking & Wildflowers: Moosehorn has limited parking, so it can be tough to get in. If you visit in the spring, look for White Marsh Marigolds on the south side. In the summer, fields of wildflowers bloom on the east side!
Fishing: The water is clear, but I didn't see a single fish swimming while I was out there. If there are fish, they are snuggled down deep in the mud! Keep an eye out for Todd fishing on his board.
Summiting Bald Mountain
Bald Mountain is one of my absolute favorite hikes, and my latest trip gave me a whole new perspective. The trail starts with a huge switchback, heading up the west side before turning to the east. Right away, you are greeted by peach-colored rocks in cool step formations contrasting with the deep green pines. It makes for a stunning start!
⛰️ A Scottish Coastline in Utah
Just after you turn to head back east, there is a field of speckled rocks and grass that looks straight off a Scottish coastline! If you carefully wander out into that field and find a comfortable rock, the view is fascinating. You are up over 11,300 feet, and the panorama is something pictures will never truly capture.
The 20-Peak Challenge: Grab a map and a sandwich, sit in this field, and try to identify everything! You can see at least 20 lakes and 20 mountain peaks. We spotted peaks all the way from Mount Nebo, Provo Peak, Cascade, Timpanogos, Twin Peaks Dromedary, and Pfeifferhorn, all the way out to Willard Peak by Brigham City! We also counted lakes for days: Lily, Lost, Trial, Washington, Crystal, Clegg, Dean, Notch, Bench, Reid's, and Kamas.
Nature's Art Gallery
As you climb higher, the mountain reveals so many unique details. The rocks start to look like Dalmatian puppies with all their spots! You'll pass deep brownish-red walls, and vibrant Bluebells and Indian Paintbrush tucked perfectly into the nooks of the rocks.
📖 The Curiosity of the Cairn
I walked across Bald Mountain, and I had just planned on hiking to the top, so I had no plan to go further. But seeing the massive rock Cairn at the top had me so curious... where does this go? What is the next part of this trail?
I definitely started researching on Gaia about the trail, but it seriously feels like it just drops off the edge there! I am definitely going to have to research how to drop down off Bald Mountain on that North side, for it makes me super curious. I think it goes to that really pretty "A" mountain to the north.
🌟 A View from the Heavens
While hiking Bald Mountain, a beautiful analogy hit me. You are so high up, you feel like God looking down on the big earth. Looking out, you can see how the Japanese Pine Beetle has invaded and killed many of the trees—leaving grey stumps peppering the forest.
I realized it's a lot like us today. So many people are spiritually dying because they forget about God, letting the "bugs" of life leave them feeling gray. Some are trying so hard amidst the constant struggle to stay spiritually healthy. I hope you can remember God in your life. Love others, listen to your spirit, and may you keep your soul healthy amidst the bugs that want to leave you like all the grey stumps of trees.
The 20-Peak Panorama
The Mysterious Summit Cairns
Hike Up Bald Mountain (Insta360)
Explore the Trail in Google Street View
Crystal Lake's Hidden Magic
Crystal Lake is tucked away near Washington Lake, requiring just a short 1/3 of a mile hike to access. This little bit of effort keeps the lake much quieter and more peaceful! Because it has less traffic, the trail around the lake isn't heavily worn, giving it a beautifully wild feel.
💡 The Hidden Ledge
There is a main trail that goes up to Washington Lake, but it sits up on a ledge away from the water. Hikers will walk right past Crystal Lake without even knowing it's there! Keep your eyes peeled for stunning views of both Notch Mountain and Haystack Mountain from different spots along the shore.
Upper Provo River Falls
I call these falls a "MUST PULL OVER" whenever we drive up the Mirror Lake Highway. I just can't drive by and not see them! This time, instead of stopping at the main parking lot, we parked at one of the higher pull-outs with our trailer and walked down the Upper Provo River. The trail is about 1 mile long and is absolutely beautiful all the way down to the main falls.
The stair-like rock structures that the falls run down are so perfectly constructed, you would think they were man-made works of art. But no, the Ultimate Creator above made these beauties absolutely perfect!
Mirror Lake's Legacy
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.
While the Japanese Pine Beetle has scarred the surrounding forest, 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.
Gliding on the Water (Street View)
Chasing Hayden Peak & Amethyst Lake
The views of Hayden Peak from the East side are 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!
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| Amethyst Lake |
💖 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... everyone passes me.
But what I lack in tip-top shape, I make up for in pure grit and determination! 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 literally did a zig-zag, sideways walk just to make it back to the car.
Trial Lake & The Rainbow Gift
Trial Lake holds a very tender place in my heart—it was my dad's absolute favorite fishing lake. After he passed away, my sister and I took a drive up there. It was a gloomy day, and we were reminiscing and just really missing him. The mood was heavy.
But then, as we sat by his favorite waters, the most AMAZING double rainbow suddenly stretched completely across the sky. It was breathtaking. It felt like a direct gift from him, a beautiful reminder from heaven to be happy. It is a moment of nature therapy I will never forget.
Lily Lake: Flowers & Flying Fish
If you are looking for the absolute cutest shots of yellow lily flowers, Lily Lake in mid-July is the place to be! I love coming here on my paddleboard to glide through the blooms.
🐟 The Surprise!
During one of my visits, I was out there just enjoying the peaceful lily pads when suddenly—BAM! Two HUGE fish jumped completely out of the water right in front of me! It was crazy! It startled me so much I almost dropped my camera into the lake. Nature definitely knows how to keep you on your toes!
The Quest for Uinta Gold
With all these gold-digging YouTube channels popping up, curiosity about mining in the Uintas and American Fork Canyon has definitely spiked. I have to chuckle when I tell you this, but Todd got completely wrapped up in it! Gold fever hit hard.
⛏️ The Mountain of Gold
He went out and bought a ton of new mining gear, and he and his buddy did hours upon hours of research on the legendary "Mountain of Gold." They had grand plans for finding some of the lost gold hidden in those mountains!
They were all set to go until a disaster happened with his buddy that landed him in the hospital, which definitely messed up their plans for a while. The mountains are wild and unpredictable, but the legends of Uinta gold are still out there!
Off the Beaten Path: Murdock Trail
We have driven so many backroads in the Uintas, and I honestly don't remember half of their names. But I do know that there are times you absolutely need a high clearance, good 4-wheel drive vehicle, and even with a high clearance vehicle we still have to get out and walk!
🚙 High Clearance Required
One of our favorite off-the-beaten-path adventures was wandering up the Murdock Trail, just chasing lakes. We eventually made it all the way to Pyramid Lake, but the road got so rough that we had to stop "Orvilla" (our rig) and hike the last mile or so in. If you want to escape the crowds and find some rugged beauty, taking these high-clearance trails is incredibly rewarding.
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| Conquering a Lake back in the Depths of the Murdock Trail |
What's Next?
There is still so much of this beautiful mountain range to explore. The Highline Trail start near Hayden Peak is iconic, and it is definitely on my list for this summer.
🏔️ Conquering Red Castle
I am also hoping to get to Red Castle this year! Last year the wild weather scared me away, but I would really like to conquer this one. With my bad knees, I think if I had one of those exoskeleton knee things, I wouldn't be so scared of it! LOL! Until then, I'll keep strapping my jacket around my leg and pushing forward.
The Uinta Scrapbook
A collection of my favorite moments, from massive jumping fish to beautiful wildflowers and breathtaking views from the trail.
Which of these stunning Uinta spots is calling your name? Let me know in the comments below!
✨ Ask the Alpine Ranger
Curious about the lakes, the trails, or the gold legends? Ask our AI Guide!
A Legacy of Peace
Whether you're there to fish, paddle, or conquer a 14-mile trek, the High Uintas have a way of calming the soul. I hope this guide helps you find your own moment of peace.
Sending Love and Positive Vibes,
Shauna @ VRGetaway
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