Utahs High Uinta Wilderness is one of the most beautiful places in the Beehive State. During hot summer months, a road trip along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway (UT-150) brings cooler temperatures, the fragrant smell of pines, and dozens of clear, alpine lakes.
The Mirror Lake Scenic Byway starts in Kamas and winds its way up to Bald Mountain Pass before making its way back down to Mirror Lake. From there, the highway continues on to the Utah/Wyoming border. The entire byway stretches 42 miles, but it’s just 32 miles from Kamas to Mirror Lake.
Make sure you have your camera with you before you set off on this road trip — the scenery is some of the most spectacular in the Beehive State.
JR P/flickr
Your first stop is Upper Provo Falls. It’s a beautiful 40-foot waterfall that cascades down the mountain along the Provo River. You can see the falls right from the parking lot off the highway, or take a little stroll to get a closer look.
Aaron Hawkins/flickr
Just off the highway, you’ll find two pretty lakes. The first is Washington Lake…
Netegories 99/Google
…the other is Trial Lake, a popular spot for anglers seeking rainbow trout.
Breck Tuttle/Alltrails
Continuing on past the falls, you’ll soon come to three little lakes that are right off the highway. Teapot Lake is on your left-hand side…
carful…in Wyoming/flickr
…then you’ll see Lost Lake on your right…
Andrey Zharkikh/flickr
…and Lilly Lake is directly across the road to your left. These three little lakes all have pretty campgrounds and are very accessible right from the main highway.
Andrey Zharkikh/flickr
The Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is the highest road in Utah, reaching an elevation of 10,687 at Bald Mountain Pass.
Jgray0615/Tripadvisor
From the top, the views are incredible. Make sure to pull off and soak in the scenery.
Adam D/Tripadvisor
As you descend down from the pass, you’ll come across Moosehorn Lake…
Phillip Peterson/Google
…and you’ll soon see Mirror Lake, visible right from the road.
madpoet_one/flickr
These lakes are just a few of the many lakes you’ll find in the Uinta mountains near Mirror Lake Scenic Byway. If you’re willing to get off the beaten path, you’ll be able to explore dozens more crystal-clear lakes along the way.
tweety874/Tripadvisor
Shoestring Lake is a small lake that’s located just past Upper Provo Falls.
Andrey Zharkikh/flickr
In this photo, you can see Moosehorn Lake in the foreground, with Fehr lake behind it. The three small lakes farthest away are Hoover Lake, Shepard Lake, and Marshall Lake.
Andrey Zharkikh/flickr
It’s common to see moose and deer along the highway, and you’ll certainly see some wildlife if you take the time to explore around the lakes and along the trails.
BouvOnTheMove/Tripadvisor
Many of the meadows around the lakes are filled with vibrant wildflowers in late summer months.
BouvOnTheMove/Tripadvisor
While you’ll definitely want to take this road trip along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, here’s one lake in Utah that you’ll want to avoid at all costs this summer.
JR P/flickr
Aaron Hawkins/flickr
Netegories 99/Google
Breck Tuttle/Alltrails
carful…in Wyoming/flickr
Andrey Zharkikh/flickr
Jgray0615/Tripadvisor
Adam D/Tripadvisor
Phillip Peterson/Google
madpoet_one/flickr
tweety874/Tripadvisor
BouvOnTheMove/Tripadvisor
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