Backpacking to Ibantik Lake in the High Uintas – A Beginner-Friendly Adventure
Ibantik Lake (pronounced “eye-ban-tick”) is a scenic alpine lake located just off Mirror Lake Highway in Utah’s High Uintas Wilderness. This short yet rewarding backpacking trip is perfect for beginner backpackers, offering stunning views, multiple alpine lakes, and a high likelihood of spotting mountain goats near Notch Mountain. Though it’s a popular destination with limited solitude, the crystal-clear water and ease of access make Ibantik Lake a favorite among weekend backpackers.
Why Backpack to Ibantik Lake?
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Ideal for first-time backpackers
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Stunning mountain scenery and wildlife
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Short distance with moderate elevation gain
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Dog-friendly and great for older kids
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Easily accessible from Mirror Lake Highway
Route Overview: Point-to-Point Hike
This route is best done point-to-point, which allows for a mostly downhill hike and a more enjoyable experience.
Logistics:
Trailheads: Start at Bald Mountain Trailhead and end at Crystal Lake Trailhead
Car Drop Required: You’ll need to shuttle cars—drop one vehicle at Crystal Lake and drive the other to Bald Mountain to begin your hike.
Distance: ~7.5 miles one way (depending on exact route)
Elevation: Moderate gain and loss, easier when hiked westbound (Bald to Crystal)
Trail Conditions and Highlights
The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, with multiple lakes and streams along the way, making it a great route for dogs and experienced kids. Water is abundant, so you won’t need to carry large amounts as long as you bring a filter.
As you hike, enjoy:
Views of Notch Mountain
Alpine meadows and wildflowers
Peaceful rest stops at various small lakes before reaching Ibantik Lake
Camping and Regulations
Camping at Ibantik Lake is allowed but follows Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest backcountry rules:
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Camp at least 200 feet from any trail or water source
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No fires within 1/4 mile of any lake
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Leave No Trace principles must be followed
Because it’s a popular area, arrive early to secure a good campsite and minimize environmental impact.
Dog & Kid Friendly
Dogs are allowed off leash in most of the Uintas (unless otherwise posted), and will love the many lakes and streams to cool off in. Older children who are comfortable with backpacking and hiking 7+ miles will enjoy this route too.
Directions
Use this map if you are driving from SLC to reach the Bald Mountain TH. Just remember to drop one car at the Crystal Lake TH first! There are portapotty’s at each TH.
Trail Info
Distance:
6 miles to Ibantik Lake from Bald Mountain TH
5 miles from Ibantik Lake to Crystal Lake TH
11 miles total point to point
Elevation gain: 1,000 ft total, but the trail also descends 1,800 ft
Time: You could hike this in a full day, but if you backpack only 1 night minimum is needed
Dog friendly? Yes, off leash
Kid friendly? Yes, for older kids who have backpacking/hiking experience
Fees/Permits? There is no permit, but there is a $6 fee (good for 3 days) for accessing the Mirror Lake Highway and trails. You can purchase the pass at the ranger station in Kamas, UT, or any of the self-serve stations along the highway. If you have an annual National Park Pass or annual American Fork Canyon Pass you can use either to park free.
Trailhead & Parking
The Bald Mountain TH parking lot. This is the same parking lot for hiking to the actual Bald Mountain summit.
The trail starts West of the portapotty.
On the Trail
About 100 ft down the trail, you’ll see a trail split. You’ll see the sign for Bald Mountain to the right, but there’s no sign for left. Take the left split, and you should be hiking around Bald Mountain to the South.
Passing by Clegg Lake on the right. Reids Peak in the distance.
Notch Lake, with Notch Mountain ahead. Ibantik Lake is right on the other side of that ridge.
Continue following the trail as you pass by several small ponds.
Bench Lake.
Past Bench Lake is where you’ll finally gain some elevation, and eventually reach an open high point area. Though it looks like there’s plenty of trees for shade, there isn’t actually very much shade. This trail is only about 1/4 shaded.
We began down a steep descent. And if you are wondering, yes, my friend carried in a grill to make us burgers! His pack had to be around 60 lbs – for ONE night!
The trail will begin to turn south again, after you reach this second open area. You will see two trail splits after this. The first trail split will take you down to the river, and the second trail split takes you to Meadow Lake. Both trail splits turn right, but you’ll want to stay left/straight for Ibantik Lake.
Really pretty meadows.
You know you are getting close when you see the East summit of Notch Mountain ahead.
Ibantik Lake – Home for the Night
Yay, finally at Ibantik Lake (elevation is roughly 10,000ft)! There are several good camping spots on both sides of the lake.
Exploring around the lake.
Bear’s last backpacking trip with me! Can’t believe his month with me had some to an end, but I’m pretty sure he’s happy to be back with his dad and not camping/hiking anymore since he’s a city pup!
This water is so pretty!
What could be better than a wet lap dog and wine in the ORCA Chasterini’s?!
Sunset Views
We hiked up high in the boulder field to get a great view of Ibantik Lake during sunset.
Lounging in the hammock – one lap dog and one that still prefers the ground.
On our way out thunderstorms threatened us all day, though we never got more than sprinkles.
Hiking Out
The trail will take you below the East summit of Notch Mountain as you make your way to “The Notch”.
Hiking by several unnamed lakes.
You will have a great view of the West summit of Notch Mountain! Hard to believe I was up there only a month ago.
Lake Lovenia with the dogs in 2017
With Charlie back in 2014 the first time we backpacked this route!
Past Lake Lovenia is where you’ll gain your elevation for the day, as you hike up a few easy switchbacks.
Reaching Notch Pass
Getting closer to “The Notch” – it’s called that because there is literally a very wide “notch” or pass in-between the East and West summits of Notch Mountain.
You’ll hike over The Notch and start heading back down in elevation again.
When you reach another trail split, stay left towards Wall Lake and the Crystal Lake TH.
Cross the bridge, then turn left following the main trail back to the parking lot.
Check out my video from August 2021!
Trail Map
Ibantik Lake trail map. Green is for Day 1 and blue is Day 2.
My track via Gaia GPS – the best tracking app! Get your app here for a discount.
Nearby Hike
Backpacking to Gilbert Lake, Uintas
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