The trail down the North Fork of the Duchesne goes 3 1/2 miles to the junction with the trail up the East Fork which climbs back to the Pinto Lakes area. Mirror Lake to East Fork junction is a good trail, but the grade is deceptively steep. Day hikers walking down from Mirror Lake are often surprised at how long it takes to hike back up the hill to the campground. The North Fork Duchesne Trail continues to the Duchesne Tunnel entrance, 7 miles, and down another 5 miles (Duchesne River Trail -- Mill Flat, #081) into Mill Flat and Iron Mine. ..Duchesne Tunnel up to East Fork junction -- The beginning of this trail is not well-marked from the camping area, and crosses a very soft wet meadow. The grade is gentle, but several unbridged streams present a challenge to hikers during the early-season runoff. Although the trail runs right along the Wilderness boundary it is not an easy access into the Wilderness because the Duchesne River canyon sides are steep. There is no bridge across the Duchesne River and the ford can be difficult in spring. ..The Duchesne Tunnel to East Fork junction section of this trail is a beautiful early season hike. While the high country is still blanketed in snow, the river bottom is blanketed in spring wildflowers. Waterfalls cascade down Marsell Canyon and over the rim from Murdock Basin. The upper section of the trail is a pleasant day hike for campers staying at the Mirror Lake Campground. Hikers and horse riders should be aware that the bridge crossing the Duchesne River below the confluence of the East and North Forks may not be in place, following several winters of heavy snow and high spring runoffs. While this does not directly affect the North Fork Trail, it does limit use of the connecting East Fork Trail, as this river is hazardous to ford at high water..

Basic Directions