Uinta's - Kamas Lake Loop
Welcome to the first installment of the hike of the week articles. To start out this series I chose a hike that truly gives you an amazing tour of the panoramic views in the High Uinta's and it's all packed neatly into a 3 mile loop.
The Kamas Lake loop starts at the Pass Lake trail head just under a mile from the mirror lake turnoff. Check the directions at the bottom for more information about finding the trail.
When you pull into the parking lot you will see that there are actually two trail choices, one trail that starts at the north end of the lot and one that starts at the south end of the lot. Most people do this loop form the north trail, but I will be leading you on the loop from the south. I like this way better because it breaks the climbing into several smaller sections instead of one long climb to the top.
Follow the signs on the south trail towards Cuberant Lake. At about a 1/2 mile you will come to a large meadow with incredible views of Reids Peak and Bald Mtn. to the south. (Pictured above)
After making your way along the north side of the meadow get ready for the first real climb of the hike. About half way up the hill you will see a trail turnoff. This is the the Cuberant Lake turnoff. Keep straight toward Kamas Lake. After about another 1/4 mile from the turnoff the trail levels off at Kamas Lake. (Pictured on right)
This is a great place to stop for lunch, do some fishing or just take in the peace and beauty of the High Uintas.
When your ready to move on we will be hitting the second climb of the hike. This one brings you up to Lofty Lake with views of the Northern drainages and Wyoming on clear days. When you get to Lofty Lake pat yourself on the back since you made it to this super high altitude lake at well over 11,000 feet.
After crossing the meadow on the north side of the lake, you are in for one more short climb to the ridge. Your reward is more incredible views to the east. (Pictured left)
From here it's all down hill and you will be thanking me I didn't tell you to come up this way. After about a 3/4 mile of down hill you will come to Scout Lake which is obviously named after the Boy Scout camp on the other side. From here it's a short half mile back to the parking lot.
Getting There:
Take the Mirror Lake Highway from Kamas to just past mile marker 32 where you will see the sign for the Pass Lake trail head on the left.
Additional Info:
This is a great time of year to do this trail since most of the bugs are gone, but the weather can be very unpredictable. So make sure to bring plenty of warm clothes, food and water.
Come back next week for another Utah hike!