Tucked up in the Northeast corner of Utah is a mountain range that reaches breathtaking heights. The Uinta Mountains aren’t just a picturesque snow-covered range that can be viewed from afar. This mountain range is scattered with offroad trails, making it accessible to all.
The region is home to peaks ranging from 11,000 feet all the way up to 13,500 feet above sea level, making it the highest mountain range in all of Utah. The Uinta Mountains are lush with alpine forests including pine, spruce, cottonwood and maple trees. The forests are contrasted by beautiful fields of mountain flowers such as lupine, poppy and primrose. Feeding all the plant life are boundless lakes and streams waiting to be fished or kayaked.
Nature this pristine sounds too good to be true. But with a vast offroad trail system consisting of easy to moderate trails, the Uinta Mountains are accessible to almost any high-clearance 4wd vehicle. The trail system can make for a great weekend getaway or can be strung together to create a full week of adventure and exploration.
The Uinta Mountains are known for their incredible dispersed camping options. Find your own epic campsite in the middle of a dense pine forest, next to a flowing creek, or overlooking a serene alpine lake. For those who prefer a few amenities to make their off-the-grid weekend more comfortable, there are also improved campgrounds. These typically have room for trailers and include potable water, fire rings, picnic tables, and bathrooms.
A gem of the beehive state, the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is home to thousands of miles of forest roads and endless camping, fishing, and many other recreational activities. The Norway Flats area, just 10 miles from town, is an excellent intro to the vast wilderness of these mountains. Norway Flat is an easy trail leading you to numerous great camping spots and small lakes where you could take the kayak out and enjoy the peace and quiet. Because there are no developed campsites along this trail directly, and the small size of the lakes, this trail doesn't see as much action as others in the area, making it a great trail to escape the crowds and enjoy the cool mountain air.
Blue Lake Loop is nestled high in the Uinta Mountains, just a few miles off of popular Mirror Lake Highway. When looking for somewhere not too far from civilization, but off the beaten path, this one makes the list. This moderate off-road trail will lead you to nearby Blue Lake and neighboring Buckeye Lake. Both are popular fishing destinations for catching perch, brown trout, and rainbow trout. In addition to some great destinations for water recreation, there is a plentiful selection of peaceful campsites to choose from for both small and large groups.
Rolling through the mountains of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is a popular trail known as Soapstone Basin. This well-traveled route is known for being a quick getaway from the summer heat of the city, providing ample opportunities to set up camp among the trees or take a walk down one of the many hiking trails that the Uintas has to offer. At an elevation of just over 9,000 feet, this trail will allow you to breathe in the cool, refreshing air while listening to the breeze whisper through the trees. Although it is a popular trail, it doesn't take much to find yourself a little campsite tucked away among the trees so you can enjoy your own little slice of mountain paradise.
Hoyt Canyon is a rough dirt trail spanning 4 miles but ending just shy of Hoyt Peak. It climbs 1,500 feet and has no major obstacles other than a few ruts and rocky patches where 4WD may be necessary due to the incline. This is a great trail to take the family up, enjoy a day away from the city, and breathe in that fresh air. Once you park at the overlook, there is a final hike to reach the peak if you wish for even better views.
A true hidden gem in the Uintas, Trail Hollow West, often called Lightning Ridge, is a loop trail spurring from the top of Rhodes Canyon. This is a non-maintained forest service road with a few obstacles to be aware of. If the loop is run clockwise, the bulk of the obstacles before the overlooks are rocky patches and a small steep climb. These rocks are a mix of loose and embedded but are nothing much larger than softball size. If the loop is run counter-clockwise, a few more considerable challenges must be conquered uphill before the incredible views, including a 1-foot rock shelf and some loose rocky hills with slightly larger-than-ssoftball-sized rocks. Due to this, many drivers choose to run clockwise to the overlook and then return the same way, skipping the more challenging portions of the trail.
The views from the cliffs are some of the most impressive views of the Uintas offered by a simple drive. Sheer rock cliffs drop 1,000 feet in front of you while you peer over the surrounding mountains above ten thousand feet. Camping is limited, but a few good sites lie on the exposed cliffs. None are soft-grounded or large, but a few rigs could make it work. If the weather cooperates, this could be some of the best camping in the area.
Wide Hollow is an easy dirt trail winding through the Kamas State Wildlife Area. Ruts and small rocky patches are common, and the trail has steeper inclines, making 4WD very helpful. Scrub oak and open meadows give way to aspens and pines as you gain elevation. The trail is a straight-through trail beginning in a neighborhood and ending on Hoyt Canyon. This is an excellent trail for beginners and nature lovers to escape the city's heat.
Climbing quickly from the Mirror Lake Highway, Upper Setting is a popular trail that gets you up and away quickly and effortlessly. Camping is abundant along the trail. Many sites have wonderful views or direct access to Coop Creek. This trail is well-maintained, so you may even see a couple of cars on your journey. Be sure to bring your hiking boots and continue on foot to either Castle Lake or the Shingle Creek Lakes.
Chalk Creek Road is maintained as a public right-of-way through private property. The main purpose of this road is to provide public access from the Coalville, UT area and I-80 to Whitney Reservoir and the other high Uintah roads and activities. It is a seasonal vehicle road and a popular snowmobile route during the winter months. It is a scenic drive traverses ridgelines, canyons, mountain passes, and creeks. Some narrow, steep, deeply rutted rocky areas and the two creek crossings can be fairly deep depending on run-off. Thus, the moderate designation is warranted. High clearance and all/4wd is necessary.
Numerous "No Trespassing" signs are posted all along the route. They specifically state both sides of the road are private property. Thus, no camping is allowed anywhere along this route. You must stay on the right-of-way county road. Once you reach the end, near Whitney Reservoir, you will find plenty of camping options!
East Portal Road in the Wasatch National Forest departs from Murdoch Basin Road and drops down to the Duchesne River Dam and Little Deer Creek Falls. Although not a long trail, at just over 3 miles, plan for slow going since the surface is primarily large cobble rocks, descending roughly 1,000 feet in elevation. Most of the dispersed camping is located at the end of the trail directly next to the Duchesne River Dam. A rock fire ring distinguishes each site. Little Deer Creek Falls is easily seen by foot just off the trail, and the impressive Cataract Gorge is also hikeable.
Broadview Meadows departs off Murdoch Basin Road and heads through the 2020 Upper Provo Wildfire burn scar north to Broadwater Meadows, connecting to the Mirror Highway. When running this trail, be sure to stay on Broadview Meadows FR416, as quite a few ATV-only trails diverge off the trail. A designated camping area is available immediately at the start of Broadview Meadows, with sites distinguishable by the metal fire rings and picnic tables. This fee area requires a recreation pass obtained at the kiosk on the Mirror Highway when you are first entering the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Three-day passes are only $6. The trail is a mix of rough dirt and cobblestone stretches. Air down to make the ride more comfortable.
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