A couple of weeks ago, the Salt Lake Tribune posted their "Hike of the Week", which was a trail in the Uintas to Lofty Lake. The article made it sound amazing, and not too difficult. Plus, I had never spent any time in the Uintas. It sounded like just the place for me to go to get away briefly from the stress of my work situation, and before the Fall Semester classes begin tomorrow. My pal Cyndee agreed to join me for the journey.
Now, everything I had read online before rated the trail as "easy to moderate", and only a 4-mile round trip. However, when we arrived at the trailhead, there was a sign that said something along the lines of "The trail to Lofty Lake is steep and rocky at times", and rated it as moderate to difficult. Oy! Nevertheless, we started on our way.
The scenery was breathtaking, and the air was cool and fresh. But I have a bone to pick with the phrase "at times". I take that phrase to mean "occasionally". However, the climb was not only steep and rocky occasionally, but pretty much non-stop on our way to the lake. The redeeming quality of it was that it was so beautiful, and there were multiple smaller lakes along the way that we could stop and enjoy before moving on. Since the trail was a loop, we continued around Lofty Lake and on to Kamas Lake, at which point, the trail seemed to even out a bit, and although still rocky, was not near as steep as before. Such a beautiful trail, and highly recommended.
The Lofty Lake Trail begins at the Pass Lake Trailhead, approximately half an hour from Kamas, Utah on Highway 150. There are several lakes and campgrounds you'll see along the way. Mirror Lake in particular is a very popular destination. Be aware that the trail starts out at around 9,800 feet, and then has an elevation gain of 1,000 feet. Make sure you take your time, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and have plenty of water and some snacks to avoid issues with the altitude.
Now, everything I had read online before rated the trail as "easy to moderate", and only a 4-mile round trip. However, when we arrived at the trailhead, there was a sign that said something along the lines of "The trail to Lofty Lake is steep and rocky at times", and rated it as moderate to difficult. Oy! Nevertheless, we started on our way.
The scenery was breathtaking, and the air was cool and fresh. But I have a bone to pick with the phrase "at times". I take that phrase to mean "occasionally". However, the climb was not only steep and rocky occasionally, but pretty much non-stop on our way to the lake. The redeeming quality of it was that it was so beautiful, and there were multiple smaller lakes along the way that we could stop and enjoy before moving on. Since the trail was a loop, we continued around Lofty Lake and on to Kamas Lake, at which point, the trail seemed to even out a bit, and although still rocky, was not near as steep as before. Such a beautiful trail, and highly recommended.
Scout Lake - Part of a scout camp in the high Uintas
Kamas Lake
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