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SUMMIT COUNTY — Located in one of the few mountain ranges in the world that is east-west oriented, the Mirror Lake Highway provides hikers with countless trails that carve through the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
The Clyde Lake Loop is just one way to experience the High Uintas. This 5.8 mile loop is a moderately challenging hike that rewards visitors with picturesque views, dense forests and a lofty viewpoint overlooking dozens of secluded, glacier carved lakes.
So grab your dayback — or full backpack as many hikers elect to camp by one of the 16 lakes you'll pass along the trail — and make the short 90-minute drive from Salt Lake to milepost 26 along the Mirror Lake Highway. Turn left and follow the signs to the Crystal Lake Trailhead parking lot.
Once in the lot, start out on the Notch Mountain Trail towards Wall Lake. Since the trail is a loop you could start out on either trailhead, but it is recommended that you start by heading towards The Notch, the name for the depression in the mountains.
You'll pass between two lakes before coming to Wall Lake, the largest lake you'll encounter while on this hike. Fishing is extremely popular at Wall Lake and chances are you'll encounter many families dropping their lines in the water from the shore.
Once at Wall Lake, which is at the one mile mark of the hike, take a right and head towards The Notch.
Off to the left at mile two is Hope Lake which is the seventh lake you will have hiked past at this point. Some are easier to see than others, as some are hidden by trees or ridges.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Elevation Gain: 612 feet
- Distance: 5.8 miles
The trail follows switchbacks up to the top of The Notch. Here you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the lakes and forest below, and marvel at how high you've climbed without it being too difficult or steep. After you've stopped for lunch and perhaps some photos, follow the mountain shelf left. If you get to a spot where you can't spot the cairns or any resemblence of a trail, hike down to Twin Lakes and rejoin the trail.
The next lake you'll see along the trail is Clyde Lake. On a hot summer day, the rocks along the east shore provide a great spot to dry off after jumping in for a cool, refreshing swim.
Here the trail turns south passing Watson, Linear, Petite and Cliff lakes, each showcasing a unique beauty of its own.
The trail decreases in elevation rapidly after Cliff Lake, eventually leading to the Lakes Country Trail junction. A right here leads to Crystal Lake, only another 5 minutes down the trail. A left leads back to the parking lot where the adventure began.
Since the trail is often muddy and sometimes hard to follow, a good topographical map of the Uintas is recommended.
