Hiking the Lofty Lakes Loop in the Uintas
The Lofty Lakes Loop Trail is one of the most scenic and rewarding day hikes along the Mirror Lake Highway in Utah’s Uinta Mountains. This 4-mile loop takes hikers past a series of stunning high alpine lakes, scenic overlooks, and through classic Uinta landscapes—all with moderate effort and big rewards.
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.
Hiking to Desolation Lake & Peak in Utah is situated in the Mount Olympus Wilderness, and can be hiked to within 2 hours. Desolation Lake is a beautiful blueish-green alpine lake. The long, gradual incline, and few switchbacks make this a very doable hike for any skill level. Hiking to Desolation Peak requires a little more stamina and comfort with ridges. Be sure to bring plenty of water and a snack to enjoy at the lake. This trail can be hiked year round. This trail is located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, and therefore dogs are not allowed due to the watershed. Please respect this rule. This is a very popular TH and on weekends, parking typically gets full by 7am in the summer.
Hiking Haystack Mountain (11,641 ft) in the La Sal Mountains, Utah
Haystack Mountain (11,641 ft) is a striking summit located in the La Sal Mountains, just outside Moab, Utah. As the second-highest mountain range in Utah—after the Uinta Mountains—the La Sals offer a scenic, high-alpine escape from the desert heat below.
Grandstaff Canyon (previously known at Negro Bill Canyon prior to 2016) follows a perennial stream, along tall Navajo Sandstone, through an oasis of cottonwood and willow trees.
Cure Hydration is one of the newer electrolyte drink powders on the market, and I'm always on the lookout for new brands to try. In summer, I always carry electrolytes with me for hotter days, when I work really hard and sweat a lot, or am higher up in elevation to prevent elevation sickness. I also enjoy new flavors to get that spitty taste out of my mouth and keep me hydrated when I don't feel like drinking plain water.
At 10,188 feet, Powell Point showcases the highest geologic layer of the Colorado Plateau's iconic Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, offering panoramic views and rich geological history.