One of the great things about living in Utah is you’re so close to natural, beautiful, and challenging recreation areas. It only takes about an hour for us to drive east from our home in Salt Lake to the Uinta National Forest and the Mirror Lake region near the Wyoming border. Much of it is still rugged and protected wilderness but some is open to the public.
We decided to visit Bald Mountain, one of the highest peaks and passes in Utah. The trail to the top starts at 10,000 ft. elevation and goes to 11,943 ft. It’s at times steep and treacherous with rocks and sketchy footing. But it only takes about an hour to get to the top and the payoff, the view, is more than worth it.
The Mirror Lake region is simply incredible and Bald Mountain is just part of it. Fishing, camping, cycling, horseback riding, boating (non-motorized) are also allowed though space is limited (thankfully). If you want to see how public land should be managed and used, Mirror Lake is where you should go. But get there early or you might not get a parking space or picnic spot.
