UINTA MOUNTAINS — The Mirror Lake Highway is clear all the way to Evanston, Wyoming, but many high-elevation lakes and trails are still inaccessible due to snow. However, hikers will be in for a real treat on lower-elevation hikes such as Yellow Pine and Shingle Creek.

Yellow Pine Creek Trail is a long trail with a slow climb in elevation, starting at 7,600 feet at the parking lot. This is a busy trail on weekends and especially during the early fall big game hunts. Explore it now as the backcountry begins to warm up.

During the last week of May, snow started to show up at about the 9,000-foot level of the Yellow Pine Creek Trail. It took nearly three hours to reach the snow line where one- to two-foot deep drifts were still visible. The trail ends at Castle Lake at around 10,000 feet elevation.

Yellow Pine Creek was running high, but the trail was open and offered easy footing. There are also two strong wooden bridges that crisscross the creek.

The Shingle Creek Trail had similar conditions. The stream ran high and fast, but footing through the valley portion was stable, albeit soggy in some spots. There are two stream crossings along the lower trail. The water is fast, but not deep. Make sure your feet are well planted in the rocks before taking the next step. Swift water can easily pull your feet out from under you if you are off balance. This trail ends at East Shingle Creek Lake.

The lower section of the Shingle Creek Trail is about 5 miles long. Because it is relatively flat and offers good, solid footing, this trail is great for all members of the family. A reasonable estimate for hiking speed is between 1 and 2 miles per hour.

On the hike along the stream, there is plenty of evidence of beavers, including several dams. The ponds formed from the dams range from puddles under a tree to several acres in size. Mule deer use these ponds as a water source, so be on the lookout and keep a safe distance.

Both of these trails are great early-season hikes due to their easy access, abundant flowers, wildlife and water. Both trails are easy to hike. Round-trip hikes will typically take most of the day. Plan at least 5 hours for either hike, depending on individual pace.

The Yellow Pine Creek trailhead is directly across Mirror Lake Highway from the Forest Service self-pay station. It is a large open area allowing for camping trailers and horse trailers. Both Yellow Pine and Shingle Creek share the trail with equestrian lovers so watch your step.

Mike Radice/KSL-TV

The trailhead to Shingle Creek is the next turn off along Mirror Lake Highway. The road leads down a short wooded road before opening up to a large roundabout. Here, campers, trailers and other larger vehicles will have plenty of room to turn around and park.

One of the most common wildflowers found on these two trails are the ever-present yellow glacier lily and a small, white six-petal flower called the corn-lily or Queen's Cup. Take along a plant and guide book or download an app to get more familiar with the vegetation.

There are also a number of different mushroom species growing in the area, including the Alpine mushroom and a species similar to the Rocky Mountain mushroom that looks more like a rock. Also, rich green moss covers rocks, boulders and fallen tree limbs.

If the warm weather conditions continue, mid-elevation hikes and lakes may be accessible by the end of June. The Forest Service website for the Uinta and Wasatch-Cache ranges keep trail and road conditions updated regularly so hikers can check to see which hikes are open.

When hiking in the Uintas, always pack a raincoat. A few clouds can quickly turn into high winds and rain in no time in the high elevation. Hikers should also always bring extra water, insect repellant and bear spray. The Uinta Mountains are home to many black bears and moose. It is not uncommon to see a mother moose and her offspring along the upper setting road. Keeping a safe distance is the best rule of thumb.

Shingle Creek Trail:

Length: About 5 miles roundtrip

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Time: About 5 hours

Yellow Pine Creek Trail:

Difficulty: Easy

Time: About 5 hours

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