Utah has so many pretty lakes, that it’s hard to choose just one to write about! We’ve already featured one of our favorites, Bear Lake, which is considered the “Caribbean of the Rockies.” And, of course Lake Powell has some of the bluest water in Utah. To see multiple gorgeous lakes, take the Brighton Lakes Trail.

Today, we’re featuring some lakes you may not know about. Hiking to the Amethyst Basin requires some work, but it’s well worth the effort. Most people backpack in and stay the night to fully enjoy this adventure.

The Amethyst Basin is located in the High Uintas. The Basin sits at about 10,700 feet.

Kevin Mills/YouTube This is one of the most stunning places in Utah’s mountains. Majestic Ostler Peak towers over the alpine basin, and the air is fresh and clean and smells like the pine trees that surround you. v

The Amethyst Lake Trail is about 12 miles out and back. It’s typically rated as “Moderate,” and can be fairy steep in some places.

Jason Corneveaux/flickr The trailhead starts from the Christmas Meadows Trailhead. From the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, take the Christmas Meadows exit and park near the campground.

The first few miles of the trail are fairly easy, and you’ll walk through some pretty, flower-filled meadows.

Jason Corneveaux/flickr When you come to a fork in the trail, stay to the left for the Amethyst Basin Trail.

You’ll follow a pretty creek most of the way up.

Jason Corneveaux/flickr

The next couple miles get more strenuous and steep.

Jason Anderton/YouTube Amethyst Meadow is about four miles from the trailhead.

The creek has plenty of fish, so you might even catch some dinner here.

Jason Anderton/YouTube

Camp overnight at Amethyst Meadow. There are already several established campsites, so use one of those if you can to avoid tramping down more vegetation.

Jason Anderton/YouTube

Amethyst Lake is just past the meadow.

Jason Corneveaux/flickr

The water is clean, cold and very clear.

Jason Corneveaux/flickr

You’ll find several other little lakes along this trail - most are unnamed.

Jason Corneveaux/flickr This gorgeous lake sits between Amethyst Lake and Ostler Lake.

The scenery along the way is beautiful. There is often snow up this high, even in the summer (this photo was taken in August).

priya biswas/flickr

Ostler Lake is enchanting.

Jason Anderton/YouTube This little lake can be full of fish, so it’s a great spot for lunch.

Because this hike is remote and more difficult than others, it’s usually pretty quiet up here.

Jason Corneveaux/flickr If you take this trip, please respect this gorgeous place. If you pack it in, pack it out. As they say: leave nothing but footprints; take nothing but photos.

The Amethyst Basin and lakes trail is deep in the Uinta wilderness. Make sure you’re adequately prepared for your trip. Bring warm clothing (including a parka – there is usually snow on Ostler Peak until late in the summer months). Pack in plenty of food and water, and bring a water filtration system. As always, hike with a friend and tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return.

Kevin Mills/YouTube

This is one of the most stunning places in Utah’s mountains. Majestic Ostler Peak towers over the alpine basin, and the air is fresh and clean and smells like the pine trees that surround you. v

Jason Corneveaux/flickr

The trailhead starts from the Christmas Meadows Trailhead. From the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, take the Christmas Meadows exit and park near the campground.

When you come to a fork in the trail, stay to the left for the Amethyst Basin Trail.

Jason Anderton/YouTube

Amethyst Meadow is about four miles from the trailhead.

This gorgeous lake sits between Amethyst Lake and Ostler Lake.

priya biswas/flickr

This little lake can be full of fish, so it’s a great spot for lunch.

If you take this trip, please respect this gorgeous place. If you pack it in, pack it out. As they say: leave nothing but footprints; take nothing but photos.

For more great Utah lakes, take a look at these 10 gorgeous Utah lakes that are demanding your attention.

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