Basics
- Length:
- 65 miles (104 km)
- Time:
- 2 or 3 hours to drive.
- Fees:
- The USFS charges a day use fee. You need to pay this if you plan to stop along the byway or in the National Forest.
Description
Mirror Lake is the ideal name for this alpine lake, nestled in the northeast corner of Utah. On a still day, the flat, cool lake perfectly reflects the distant sky and tufts of white clouds. As you look up and around, the sounds and sights are new and fresh. Instead of the buzz of a computer or noonday traffic, you hear a bird's curt song or the rustle of leaves in the wind, or silence. Welcome to the Utah portion of Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, where life meets space and serenity.
The area's attractions only begin with Mirror Lake. Take a leisurely hike to the Upper Provo River Falls, a series of terraced cascades, where you can enjoy the sounds and scenery and a picnic. Much of the Mirror Lake Byway parallels the Provo River, well known as a blue-ribbon trout stream. For more family excitement, take an easy, one-mile hike to Ruth Lake.
You can stay the night as well, at one of the many campsites along the route. Cuddle up around a campfire to ward off the cold while you share memories, stories, and songs. You'll come to feel as if you're a natural part of the austere landscape of pine and rock and frigid water.
At its climax through the Bald Mountain Pass, Mirror Lake Scenic Byway reaches an elevation of 10,687 feet. Pullouts along the entire byway afford spectacular views of the Uinta Mountains, America's only major East-to-West running mountain range.
Intermingled with pine-covered mountain terrain, lush meadows, and rugged peaks, the Utah portion of the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway offers the visitor a series of recreational adventures and peaceful retreats.
