One of the best things about exploring Utah is that we enjoy different biomes. From the deserts in southern Utah to the wetlands and forests that dot the landscape, we get a little bit of everything. During the heat of summer (which is right now, in case you didn’t realize that it’s 100 degrees outside!), it’s time to head for our alpine forests. Here’s a road trip that immerses you in Utah’s most beautiful forest landscape. You’ll see some waterfalls, drive along a road lined with fragrant pines, and visit multiple lakes. What are you waiting for? Hop in the car and head to Kamas, where our road trip begins.
The distance from Kamas to Mirror Lake is about 35 miles. Plan on spending the entire day along this byway, though…there are so many places to stop and explore along the way!
Google For an interactive map with directions, click here.
Start with a tasty breakfast at Mirror Lake Diner. You’ll find it at 35 S. Main Street.
Taryn N./Yelp The portions are huge, and the pancakes are to die for.
Make a quick stop at the Kamas Ranger District office at 50 E. Center Street. It’s open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, and the rangers can give you a heads up about any additional points of interest along the way. Then, hit the road!
JR P/flickr
Stop by Samak Country Store to get some of the best fresh beef jerky you’ve ever tasted.
wasfito w./Yelp The store is open seven days a week, from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
You’ll drive about 21 miles from Samak Country Store to the next stop (though you’ll certainly see plenty to explore in-between!).
zbestbiker/Tripadvisor Pull off to the left and park at the small parking lot for Provo River Falls. You can view the falls right from your car, but you’ll want to hop out and take a look from the overlook. You can also walk down along the falls, but you’ll need to scramble a bit over small boulders.
Lost Lake is the next stop on our list, and the first of several lakes you can visit right off the road.
Andrey Zharkikh/flickr There are more than 500 lakes in the High Uinta Wilderness Area…but you’ll have to hike or even backpack overnight to see most of them.
Teapot Lake is one of the smaller lakes along the road here.
carfull…home from Mongolia/flickr Most of the lakes right alongside the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway offer campsites, so if you want to make this a weekend trip, you certainly can!
Say hello to the chipmunks! You’ll find them in all the campgrounds and picnic areas up here.
Bouvonthemove/Tripadvisor
Lilly Lake is my favorite lake on the byway!
Andrey Zharkikh/flickr It’s pretty small, and features a trail that goes all the way around. It’s a great spot to get out and stretch your legs again, if you’re just driving through.
Trial Lake is beautiful.
Jeremy Piehler/flickr It’s definitely worth your time to plan a few hikes along this route, if you’re up for a little exercise.
Watch for moose all along this byway - they’re plentiful up here!
Bouvonthemove/Tripadvisor
Pull over at one of the scenic overlooks. This one is right before you get to Mirror Lake.
Adam D./Tripadvisor It goes without saying that you want to bring your camera or make sure your cell phone is fully charged before you take this trip. This is one of Utah’s most scenic places!
You can see why they call it “Mirror Lake!” This is the crown jewel of the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, and it’s absolutely gorgeous.
tweety874/Tripadvisor
While you’re at Mirror Lake, you’ll definitely want to get out of the car and take the trail around the lake. Breathe in that fresh, pine-scented air!
JPLehtola/Tripadvisor
On your way back through Kamas, stop at Hi-Mountain Drug for a delicious burger. Yes - it’s located inside the drugstore…but you’ll love the burgers here!
texaswillie/Tripadvisor Click here to read our article.
What’s your favorite spot along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway?
For an interactive map with directions, click here.
Taryn N./Yelp
The portions are huge, and the pancakes are to die for.
JR P/flickr
wasfito w./Yelp
The store is open seven days a week, from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
zbestbiker/Tripadvisor
Pull off to the left and park at the small parking lot for Provo River Falls. You can view the falls right from your car, but you’ll want to hop out and take a look from the overlook. You can also walk down along the falls, but you’ll need to scramble a bit over small boulders.
Andrey Zharkikh/flickr
There are more than 500 lakes in the High Uinta Wilderness Area…but you’ll have to hike or even backpack overnight to see most of them.
carfull…home from Mongolia/flickr
Most of the lakes right alongside the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway offer campsites, so if you want to make this a weekend trip, you certainly can!
Bouvonthemove/Tripadvisor
It’s pretty small, and features a trail that goes all the way around. It’s a great spot to get out and stretch your legs again, if you’re just driving through.
Jeremy Piehler/flickr
It’s definitely worth your time to plan a few hikes along this route, if you’re up for a little exercise.
Adam D./Tripadvisor
It goes without saying that you want to bring your camera or make sure your cell phone is fully charged before you take this trip. This is one of Utah’s most scenic places!
tweety874/Tripadvisor
JPLehtola/Tripadvisor
texaswillie/Tripadvisor
Click here to read our article.
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