The Mirror Lake Highway in the High Uintas has dozens of amazing lakes and countless beautiful hikes. We found a very short hike to a beautiful lake that is just right for toddlers or other beginning hikers. The Crystal Lake Trail runs only about a half mile, and that includes getting to the lake and venturing along the shore.
Crystal Lake Parking
Parking for Crystal Lake on the Mirror Lake Highway can be found in a large series of lots called Crystal Lake trailhead parking. Because several other hikes leave from this area, there are a lot of sections and stalls, but a lot of these hikes are great for backpacking the cars will be there for a few days. Arriving early in the morning is the best chance for finding a spot. The turnoff is at 25.5 miles up Mirror Lake Highway, and from there, it is easy to follow the signs to Trial Lake and Crystal Lake just over a half mile down from the main Mirror Lake Highway.
Trailhead
The Crystal Lake trail begins right near the restrooms. Pass the two pit toilets on the left and follow the trail into the trees. There is a sign that says “Crystal Lake 0.3 mile,” but it is not that far. Within 75 meters, you’ll be able to see the small Crystal Lake, so don’t go too far! There is no elevation gain on this hike at all.
When you reach the lake, you can go left or right. The right takes you to a few open camping places right on the lake shore. People fish and camp in this area. The left takes you across a small foot bridge. Stay close to the lake to remain on the trail, and you will come around to a second fishing spot. The area is fairly open and there is space for the kids to explore. The return trail is equally short. This barely qualifies as a hike, but is great for little ones. It is also a great spot for fishing because it is a short walk to the lake.
You can also pair Crystal Lake with a longer hike to Cliff Lake, which we’ve written about here. To do this, go to the right when you get to Crystal Lake and then follow the trail up to the ridge to the larger Cliff Lake Trail. This is a very short distance, so it is easy to do both of these lakes together. We love hiking on the Mirror Lake Highway. For all of our ideas of family-friendly hikes in the Uintas, visit this post.
