Hoop Lake

Hoop Lake is an easy, scenic out-and-back route that runs south from Highway 414 near Mountain View, Wyoming, into the quiet alpine forests of northeastern Utah, ending at the picturesque shores of Hoop Lake. This trail follows a well-maintained graded dirt road that steadily climbs through rolling terrain, skirting aspen groves and grassy meadows as it crosses the state line into Utah’s Uinta Mountains. It’s approachable for any vehicle with decent ground clearance and requires no previous offroad experience, making it an ideal outing for new or casual drivers.

Most visitors use this trail to access Hoop Lake itself, a popular destination for fishing, paddle sports, and family camping. A handful of dispersed campsites can be found along the route before reaching the lake, but the main draw is the well-developed National Forest campground at the lake’s edge, which features 37 shaded campsites nestled among mature aspens on the west side of the water, and 7 sites in the sunshine closer to the shore just beyond the trees.

This route remains open year-round, and during winter, it becomes a gateway for ice anglers looking to fish Hoop Lake’s frozen surface. Despite its popularity, Hoop Lake offers a relaxing drive into the mountains with a rewarding destination that’s well worth the trip, especially if you’re looking to combine offroad travel with lakeside camping or a peaceful day of fishing.