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.
Spirit Lake sits in the High Uintas Wilderness on the far East end of the range, with the lake at 10,180 ft. Access to this area is only open from the end of June (sometimes early July depending on the snow pack) through October.
Bald Mountain (11,942 ft) in the High Uintas Wilderness is one of my favorite peaks to summit. Not only is this peak one of the easiest to summit in the area, but it also offers grand views of the Mirror Lake Highway, surrounding lakes, several peaks, and on a clear day you can see Mt. Timpanogos. Along the Bald Mountain trail you may see mountain goats, pika, squirrels, and an abundance of wildflowers in early summer. As with any high altitude terrain, start this hike early in the day to beat the daily afternoon thunderstorms, the afternoon heat, and crowds.
Bourbon Lake sits at an elevation of 9,800 ft and offers a beautiful high alpine lake in the High Uintas Wilderness. This lake gets its name from the color of the lake - the deep amber color reflected against the surrounding cliffs creates an amazing reflection of yellow and golds.
The Fehr Lake Trail (pronounced like "Fair") sits high in the Uintas Wilderness at 10,260 ft, and offers a few hiking options from really easy and short at 1 mile round trip, to a little longer at 4 miles round trip.
Ruth Lake sits high in the Uintas Wilderness at roughly 10,200 ft. Ruth Lake is one of the easiest trails in the Uintas, making it great for families with children, or perfect for the beginner backpacker.
Check out my list of the BEST Day Hikes in the Uintas! The High Uintas Wilderness offers some of the best day hiking near Salt Lake City. It provides for a fun, quick getaway that you can do in one day. If you have time, I highly recommend backpacking this mountain range as well. The Uintas are the only mountain range in the lower 48 states that run East to West. The Uinta Mountains extend for 100 miles across Northeast Utah, and a small part of Northwest Colorado, bordered by the Wasatch Mountains to the West.
Hiking to Hell Hole Lake in the High Uintas Wilderness
Hell Hole Lake is a scenic alpine lake tucked deep in the High Uintas Wilderness of Utah. Surrounded by rugged peaks like A-1 Peak and Kletting Peak, this secluded lake offers a peaceful backcountry experience away from crowds. Reaching the lake involves a moderately challenging hike that totals 6.7 miles one way, with an elevation gain of around 1,700 feet—a gradual incline that’s manageable for most hikers and backpackers.
Hiking Haystack Mountain in the Uintas (10,985 ft)
Haystack Mountain (10,985 ft) is a prominent, 3-mile-long ridge located in the High Uintas Wilderness of Utah. Easily accessed from the Crystal Lake Trailhead, this hike offers a scenic and relatively easy summit adventure—perfect for those looking to bag a peak without an intense climb.
🏔 Note: Don’t confuse this Haystack Mountain with the one in the La Sal Mountains near Moab. This Uintas version is shorter, easier, and far more beginner-friendly!
