Mirror Lake Scenic Byway - UT Section

State: Utah
National Forest: Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Ashley National Forest, Uinta National Forest
Length: 65.0 mi / 104.6 km
Time to Allow: 2 or 3 hours to drive.

Upon entering the mountain town of Kamas, the jumping off spot for this byway, one is reminded of the best things that small-town America is known for. Cozy accommodations, hometown restaurants, and friendly smiles greet visitors.

From the Kamas intersection of US-189 and U-150 you'll ascend through pine-covered mountain terrain accented with lush meadows and rugged peaks. Along the way you'll find more than a few scenic viewpoints and picnic areas to slow your progress, not to mention the inviting mountain lakes and campgrounds which line this high-mountain road. Plan time to take advantage of these pleasant diversions. Much of the byway parallels the Provo River, well known as a blue-ribbon trout stream. At Upper Provo River Falls, 24 miles from Kamas, a series of terraced cascades can be viewed from walkways near the road.

The byway climbs to an elevation of 10,687 feet at Bald Mountain Pass, affording spectacular views of the Uinta mountains, America's only major East to West running mountain range. The Uintas are Utah's highest mountains, and home to camping, hiking, fishing, and mountain biking, as well as true back-country wilderness mountaineering. The road then descends past photo-perfect Mirror Lake, where you may want to spend a day or two fishing and just soaking in the pristine surroundings.

Stories

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  Mirror Lake Scenic Byway -- Utah Overview

  Apr 24, 2006

  Mirror Lake is the ideal name for this alpine lake, nestled in the northeast corner of Utah. On a still day, the flat, cool lake perfectly reflects the distant sky and tufts of white clouds. As you look up and around, the sounds and sights are new and fresh. Instead of the buzz of a computer or noonday traffic, you hear a bird's curt song or the rustle of leaves in the wind, or silence. Welcome to the Utah portion of Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, where life meets space and serenity.