Island Lake is one of many gorgeous lakes in the Uintas – it can be hard to choose which lake to visit. This lake offers a quick backpacking trip, cliff jumping, swimming, fishing, & solitude in the summer months. If you are feeling adventurous, you could even hike up to one of the three surrounding peaks. Hiking to Island Lake is an easy, family friendly hike, that even the dogs can join in on.
Directions
From SLC head East on I-80 towards Park City. Take exit 146 for Hwy-40 south towards Heber. Take exit 4 towards Kamas. At the first light in Kamas, UT turn left, and at the next light turn Right, onto the Mirror Lake Hwy. Drive until you see the sign for Crystal Lake TH, and follow the signs for the parking area. There are restrooms at the TH. Keep in mind that the Mirror Lake Hwy charges a fee – 1-3 days is $6, 7 day pass is $12, or $45 for an annual pass. If you have an Annual National Parks Pass you get in free. Be sure to place your pass on your dashboard. Drive time from SLC is about 1:15-1:30. Here is a driving map.
Trail Info
Distance: 6 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 600 ft
Time: 3-6 hours depending on how much time you want to spend at each lake
Dog friendly? Yes
Kid friendly? Yes
The official TH. We almost always have to park in the overflow lot, and then hike about 10 minutes to get here.
Continue straight pass a few trail splits. These rusted signs are really hard to read.
Cross a bridge. Usually by Fall this creek has dried up.
You’ll hike over a small saddle, and then drop down again hiking over more bridges.
At 2 miles reach Long Lake.
Great place to let the dogs take a dip!
Walk across another bridge, and you’ll come to an intersection. Stay left for Island Lake.
Just before you reach Island Lake you will walk along the edge of the cliff side.
Island Lake! This is a popular spot for cliff jumping and backpacking. The peak ahead is called Long Peak.
On the way back we took the slightly longer route to see something new.
Passing by Pot Lake. A lot of people were fishing here.
Letting Charlie swim at Weir Lake to cool off.
Eventually the trail links back up with the main trail just North of Long Lake. It made a nice fun loop!
Throwback to 2015 – my first time hiking here in October and it was so cold!
Two routes to choose from.
My track via Gaia GPS – the best tracking app! Get your app here for a discount.
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