Mirror and other Uintah Lakes

Trip Overview

Took a day trip up to Mirror Lake area and visited some other nearby lakes as well. Here's the good and bad: The good: Just the drive up to Mirror Lake is gorgeous. Scenic vistas and beautiful forest completely surround you. Mirror Lake itself is beautiful and if you want an easy picturesque paddle on a hot summer day it's perfect. The air temperature was 15-20deg cooler up at the lake than where we started and the air had that beautiful mountain air smell that I crave. The lake is aptly named and you will get some beautiful pictures. We also visited Teacup and Trial lakes which were a little closer to the Kamas side and they were beautiful as well. The bad: Mirror Lake is very popular and despite a relatively large parking area, parking can be an issue. Also, the lake is not very big. You can paddle across it in about 5 minutes at a decent pace, so bring a picnic/fishing eq, ect. to keep you occupied. Trial Lake was pretty as well but the water level was LOW by July and it didn't take long at all to kayak the whole thing. People were fishing there and seemed to have some success. Teacup lake is gorgeous but just slightly off the beaten path and was also very small. It was worth getting out to see and take a few pictures, but unless you're fishing from your kayak it's not big enough to justify the unload and portaging from the car. We really wanted to go out on Washington Lake because it is the biggest of the Uintah Lakes but it is impossible to get access unless you have reserved a camping spot. I do not know why there is not access to the lake, but for now that's just the way it is. In short, I would recommend going up to Mirror Lakes for a day trip of paddling. Especially if you're trying to escape the heat with the kids, but don't expect major kayak exploring or a ton of time on the water. Incorporate paddling with a picnic, fishing, hiking and/or a scenic drive and you have the recipe for a pleasant Saturday.