We love the High Uintas. On summer days, they are our favorite escape from the scorching valley floor. We’ve done a lot of hikes that are family friendly, so we’ve rounded them up here. These family-friendly hikes on the Mirror Lake Highway hikes are peppered with alpine meadows, soaring granite cliffs, and beautifully reflective lakes. For more information on each hike, click the link:
Lofty Lake Loop
Lofty Lake Loop is the most difficult hike on our list. At only 4.3 miles, it has a lot of elevation change. But if you kids are a little bigger, you should definitely check out this hike, which passes four beautiful lakes.
Mirror Lake Loop
Mirror Lake Loop is an easy trail that walks right along the shoreline of the popular lake. The distance is only 1.5 miles, around, and though it is somewhat busy, it is cool and shady for much of the way.
Bonnie Lake
If you hike at Mirror Lake, check out Bonnie Lake, too. This hike starts right in the campground and is 2.0 miles RT from the starting point there. If you add it on to Mirror Lake, or start from the parking lot below the campground, it will be a little longer. But this lake is beautiful and peaceful. We only saw one other family on this hike.
Shepard and Hoover Lakes
Shepard and Hoover Lakes is a little longer trail that passes several amazing lakes. The out and back trail total 3 miles, but much of it is a climb. This trail is much less used than many of the busier trails in the Uintas.
Fehr Lake
Fehr Lake is a great hike if you’re not up for the full trip to Shepherd and Hoover Lakes. It’s along the same trail, but it is only a mile roundtrip, so any family can make this easy, level hike.
Bourbon Lake
Bourbon Lake is 2.6 miles round trip, and the lake is really rather wine-colored like its name suggests. The trail is rarely traveled as it is so far out the highway, but it is well-shaded. Because this trail climbs steeply to the lake, it is slightly more difficult than Fehr or Ruth Lake.
Ruth Lake
Ruth Lake is another simple hike appropriate for all families. It is a mile to the lake (making it 2 roundtrip). This is one of our favorites because of the beauty of the lake. It is a little better known, so you’ll see people along the trail, but it is worth it.
Wall Lake
Wall Lake is probably the busiest hike on our list. It is difficult to find a parking spot, but this hike is unique. There is a large granite wall that plunges into the water giving this lake it’s name. The hike runs only two miles out and back.
Teapot Lake
Teapot Lake is perfect for grandma. It’s flat, easy, and short. It runs 1 mile around Teapot Lake, which is right on the road. Make sure to take your bug spray, because there are often mosquitoes this close the water. Other than that, it is the perfect stroll.
Lily Lake
Lily Lake is located way out at the Bear River Guard Station. It climbs up the hill to a small lake called Lily Lake (not the Lilly Lake right on the highway). It’s 3 miles roundtrip and climbs steadily to the lake. We didn’t see another soul on this trail, despite the busy weekend.
Fairy Forest
Fairy Forest has basically been shut down, so make sure to read our post about it. You can still make the hike, but please don’t leave anything in the forest, including paint or inorganic waste of any kind.
If you hike all of our family-friendly hikes on the Mirror Lake highway, check out some other ideas in this area on our Things to do on the Mirror Lake Highway post.
Thanks for this list of hikes. I’m taking my family on the Mirror Lake Highway soon for the first time ever.
Have a great time! It’s the best!