The Uinta Mountains

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

A beautiful forest road that goes up and over Gold Hill and drops back down to Whitney Reservoir. It has deeply rutted and steep climbs, semi-shelf sections, rocky areas, and narrow areas with fallen trees. It is slow going, but the views over the pass are amazing and worth it. There aren't any camping areas directly on this route until you reach the bottom by Whitney Reservoir, but side roads offer options before the reservoir.

Whitney Road starts at SR 150 and ends at the top of the road to the Whitney Reservoir boat launching area. The road is rough and rocky, but most two-wheel drive vehicles with a little bit of ground clearance can make it during normal conditions. This route goes through private property before emerging into a national forest. There are numerous camping areas in the public land portions, which are clearly marked along this route, that can accommodate single vehicles up to large groups of several RVs. There are no improved camp grounds and only a few vault toilets along the route. Whitney Reservoir is a picturesque lake with good fishing and Bald Eagle watching! Kayaking, SUP, and small non-gas vessels are allowed. While this route is a bit rough, that helps to keep the crowds down!

Near the end of Upper Setting is this surprise of a trail. Not many trails in the Uintas force you into 4WD, but this one just might. Its loose sharp rocks deter the average vehicle with street tires and low clearance. Camping is satisfactory in many spots, distancing you from the more popular sights closer to the Mirror Lake Highway. Be sure to venture down this spur if you are aired down and ready for adventure.

Jogging east off of Soapstone Basin, Soapstone Creek follows its namesake (usually dry) through beautiful open meadows and patches of lush forest. At its end, this trail meets up with Rhodes Canyon, making for a great day loop. The trail conditions consist of packed dirt and loose rocks, with two small sections of exposed rock warranting high clearance and 4wd in less-than-ideal conditions. Camping is abundant near the trailhead in the open meadow, where multiple large sites offer man-made fire rings and plenty of room for multiple vehicles among the soft ground.

If isolation is your goal, then this might be your trail. Near the end of Upper Setting is this unsuspecting, unmaintained spur leading you to Castle Lake. Although it may not require a well-built vehicle or even 4WD, the occasional rocks and mud puddles keep the low clearance crowd away. Once you reach the end, you are treated to a single, solo campsite right near the edge of the lake. A short walk takes you down to the water, where you can enjoy pure solitude.

The western half of Castle Lake is a bit reminiscent of the eastern half, with one big exception, a long and deep water hole. A few camping opportunities lie along this trail, with one decent site after fording the water. This trail sees little traffic so seclusion may be achievable. Since this trail is no longer a loop, the campsite at the trail's end may just be the ticket.

Rhodes Canyon is an easy but bumpy forest service road leading from Highway 35 to the end of Soapstone Creek. Any vehicle with high clearance can handle this trail, as the small rocky patches are nothing more than a few inches tall. Although the trail is mainly contained within the Ashley and Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forests, camping is fairly limited. There are only a handful of good preexisting dispersed sites with man-made fire rings, and none of them are much larger than 3-4 vehicles in size.

This point-to-point route starts at the intersection with Whitney Road and dead ends about a half mile past the intersection with Gold Hill Pass Road. It is a relatively flat and easy drive that has numerous camping options, including some areas for large groups and RVs. If you plan on parking and using any recreation facility, don't forget that day-use permits are required and available at any of the many self-service permit areas along the Mirror Lake Highway.

A side trail off of Hoyt Canyon, Hoyt S2 is a narrow rocky trail that climbs its way to a ridgeline. As you weave your way through the aspens, the underbrush encroaches as this trail is very lightly used. If pinstriping is not your thing, there may be better options for you. Airing down is recommended due to its rocky nature. Passing storms continue to wash away what dirt remains.

Silver Meadows is a popular, well-traveled forest service road leading to an abundance of camping. Aside from a few blind curves and occasional potholes, this trail has nothing in the way of obstacles, making it suitable for just about any vehicle with a moderate amount of clearance. Connecting this with Rhodes Canyon, Soapstone Creek, and Soapstone Basin creates a fantastic loop to explore the fresh Uinta air. Camping is abundant and offers great places to pitch a tent, set up a hammock, or pull your trailer into. Sites range in size from 2-3 vehicles up to multiple RV's. All camping along Silver Meadows is dispersed and offers no amenities.

An easy spur off of Upper Setting, Castle Peak jogs through the trees over rough dirt and scattered rocks and brings you to a clearing in the trees with a marshy meadow. Although the trail is nothing special, the campsite at the end is peaceful and isolated, so campers have the opportunity to escape the city crowds that huddle close to the Mirror Lake Highway. Due to the wetlands at the end, bug spray is highly advised!

Tucked away near the top of Upper Setting is Francis Road. This unmaintained, bumpy trail leads you to great camping further away from the more popular areas, giving you the feel of being "out there." The rocky surface promotes airing down to aid in the comfort during your journey. This trail can get rather tight during the spring due to its lack of popularity, so be sure to bring a saw to cut back the offending overhang.

Norway S13 is a great little spur off of Norway Flat. It resides within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest which is home to thousands of miles of forest roads, along with endless camping, fishing, and many other recreational activities. S13 takes you to a great campsite on a small lake that would be a fantastic spot to kayak or paddleboard. The trail is not challenging and is suitable for any high clearance vehicle. Be sure to check this one out if you are in the area!

This short bumpy spur leads you toward the Castle Peak yurt (available to rent for a fee). If camping is more your thing, there is a good site with plenty of room to stretch out. Loose rocks and a slight incline warrant the moderate rating, although most any high clearance vehicle can work their way carefully through without too much issue.

Cold Springs is a popular option in the area that provides incredible camping along its entire route. Spanning from Silver Meadows to Soapstone Basin, this trail is usually part of a loop for exploring the refreshing Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The trail is very easy, with only a few potholes to avoid, so just about any vehicle can handle it. There are many campsites to choose from. Along the eastern half of the trail, many of the sites are tucked into the trees, offering a little bit of privacy from the main road, while on the western side, campsites are typically perched on small hills, providing great views of the lush forest and meadows below. Many sites can fit multiple large campers, while a few are considered small and personal. None of the campsites have any amenities aside from man-made fire rings.

Iron Mine Camp Spur gives you a great place to base camp while also providing a small pond to toss in the line and relax. This trail is not technical at all, but ruts are beginning to develop, causing a bumpy ride. You will likely have a little seclusion compared to other trails nearby as well. Dispersed camping is available at the end of the trail. There is not much level ground, but it would be good for vehicles with rooftop tents. 3-4 vehicles would fit comfortably.

Leaving from Soapstone Basin within a group of campsites, Lambert Hollow is a bumpy, unmaintained forest service road with an abrupt ending. Although the majority of this trail is easy, there are a few patches where water runoff has caused rocks to become exposed and ruts to form. 4 low is beneficial, especially when the rocks are slick from recent rain. This trail once continued up Iron Mine Mountain but is now closed to motorized use before reaching the peak. Most of the good large campsites are right at the trailhead, but a few smaller and more private sites are scattered along the way. All of the camping options are dispersed, with no amenities offered.

Although nothing extraordinary, Hoyt Snow Survey spur is a neat side shoot off of Hoyt Canyon. The trail is tight, bumpy, and has a fair amount of moisture compared to surrounding trails. Whether you are looking to adventure every trail possible or just extend your time away from the city, this short spur will be a welcome addition.

Acting as the only connector between Mill Creek Road and China Meadows, Blacks Fork is a slightly less-maintained, bumpy dirt road climbing to over 9,800 feet in elevation as it winds 12.8 miles through the north end of the Uinta Mountains. Despite not offering direct access to many of the activities that this region is known for, Blacks Fork makes a great addition to an extended overland adventure across the thick forests of northeastern Utah.

Camping is rather limited and comes in the form of scattered, dispersed sites. Most of the sites lie near either end of the trail, and none of them are very large, with room for only a handful of vehicles. If you are looking for more developed camping, there are many campgrounds along either Mill Creek Road or China Meadows.

Iron Mine Dispersed Camping #1 is a dedicated camp spur off of its big brother Iron Mine Lake trail. This trail is well-maintained and very popular with all users in the summer months. Any high clearance vehicle can travel this short spur. The camping offered at the end of the trail has no amenities, but it is a great setting among the trees. You will need to pack your gear a short distance from the end of the trail to your campsite.

Running between Silver Meadows and Rhodes Canyon is a very seldom-used trail called Mill Fork. Although not intensely difficult, this trail will likely add a little spice to the otherwise "easy" forest service road. Due to the lack of maintenance and use, Mill Fork has severe ruts and washouts that must be maneuvered and straddled. Stock 4WD vehicles will not struggle under average conditions, but a little experience can be helpful. The difficulty will only increase if this trail is wet, as these ruts are large enough to swallow a tire. A few rocky patches will also slow drivers down, where embedded and loose rocks reach 6-8" tall. Please remember to stick to the trail and not drive around the rutted section! If you cannot drive over the washouts, just turn around.

Camping was limited to the few spots on the trail's western end, right where it branches off from Silver Meadows. These are smaller dispersed sites with nothing more than a man-made fire ring.

Red Pine Road is an out-and-back route that climbs from the popular Smith and Morehouse Reservoir into the highlands, reaching nearly 10,000 feet in elevation. The lower section winds through a dense aspen forest with steep Red Pine Canyon to the west, before opening into a sweeping meadow with panoramic views. From there, the road climbs a steep hill into the upper forest.

The trail is mostly dirt and rock with one notable obstacle: a steep, eroded ascent into the meadow. The upper section is narrow, and overhanging brush will likely leave pinstriping. Dispersed campsites are scattered along the route, though the higher elevations bring chilly nights.

At its upper reaches, Red Pine Road overlooks South Fork Canyon more than 2,000 feet below, with views stretching toward Rowe Mine. The reservoir itself is named after George Smith and Henry Morehouse, 19th-century tie hackers who cut and squared massive trees for the Union Pacific Railroad, floating them down the Weber River to Echo Canyon.

Seasonal closure is in effect during May and early June due to spring snowmelt runoff.