If you are in the Uintas and looking for a path that will take you past a lake, try the trail to Clyde Lake. You won't get just one lake view — you can stop and enjoy at least seven lakes in a route under 5 miles.
Directions • On the Mirror Lake Highway, SR 150, take the Trail and Crystal Lakes turnoff. Follow the signs to the Crystal Lake Trailhead.
Hike • There are a number of trailheads at this parking lot; take the one called "Lake Country Trail." As you follow the dirt trail, you'll soon get a good view overlooking Crystal Lake. Watch for a rusted metal sign labeled "Cliff Lake" that will point you to a trail on your right. Follow this trail, and you will quickly reach Cliff Lake. From here, the trail gets a little more difficult and requires climbing over rocks and boulders as you make your way higher into the mountains. You'll pass a few more lakes — Petite Lake, Linear Lake and Watson Lake —as you continue your climb. Just before you reach your destination, you'll get a glimpse of the larger Wall Lake below. Continue on the trail a little longer, and it will take you into the valley where Clyde Lake is. Take a walk around the lake's edges, or hike west if you haven't seen enough lakes yet — Booker Lake is not far away. This trail can be done as a loop, but we opted to meander on the trail near the shoreline before returning the way we came.
— Jessica Miller
Destination: Clyde Lake
Hiking time • 2-3 hours
Round-trip miles • 4.7 miles
Elevation gain • 484 feet
Difficulty • Moderate
Trailhead restrooms • Yes
Dogs allowed • Yes
Bikes allowed • No
Fees • $6 Mirror Lake Highway recreation fee
Jessica Miller | The Salt Lake Tribune A lake is spotted in the distance during a hike to Clyde Lake in the Uinta Mountains.
Jessica Miller | The Salt Lake Tribune Kelly Miller walks along a boardwalk near one of the many lakes hikers pass on the way to Clyde Lake.
Jessica Miller | The Salt Lake Tribune This sign guides hikers towards Cliff Lake, where the trail continues to Clyde Lake.
Jessica Miller | The Salt Lake Tribune This sign marks the trailhead to Clyde Lake in the Uinta Mountains.
