Take The Short, Easy Trail To Ruth Lake For A Utah Summer Adventure With The Family
By Catherine Armstrong|Published July 01, 2020
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
The High Uintas Wilderness encompasses some of Utah’s most stunning natural beauty. Its 456,705 acres include glacial lakes, fields of wildflowers, and Utah’s highest peaks (King’s Peak, at an elevation of 13,534 feet is here).
A trip along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is one of the easiest ways to explore some of this wilderness area, and visitors find dozens of lakes and hiking trails along the way. If you’re looking for a short, easy trail with big payoffs, check out the Ruth Lake Trail:
To find the trailhead, travel along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway (UT-150) from Kamas for 35 miles. There is a $6 fee to access the highway, which is good for three days.
At milepost 35.1, you'll find the Pass Lake Trailhead. This trail is one of the easiest in the area, and can get crowded on holiday weekends. Arrive early to find a parking spot in the small lot at the trailhead.
The trail is just .8 miles long. Mosquitos are plentiful during summer months, so bring along insect repellant, and dress in layers - weather up here can change in an instant, and a rainstorm can result in a very cold, soggy hike back.
Wildflowers are abundant here, both on the trail and around the lake. An array of vibrant blooms in pink, yellow, purple, and blue add splashes of color to the beautiful landscape.
Unlike many of the trails in this rugged wilderness, the Ruth Lake trail has an elevation change of just 262 feet. Kids and dogs love this pretty trail, which offers lots of marshy, wet spots for exploring.
When you hike to Ruth Lake, remember to practice the principles of Leave No Trace, and teach your kids how to enjoy Utah's wilderness in a responsible way, too!
