First off, note that this is sometimes called the Crystal Trailhead, and also referred to by the…read moreForest Service as Lakes Country Trail #066. The latter refers to a specific route, but we'll get to that. You will also see references to Notch Mountain Trail #081 and Clyde Lake Trail. We'll get to those, too. Oh, and while the following list of trails don't leave right from this trailhead, it's the most popular (and in some cases only) connections to North Fork Provo River Trail, Marjorie Lake Trail, Duck Lake Trail, Long Lake Loop Route Trail, and the Middle Fork Weber River Trail. It's all the same place, though -- this trailhead. Confused yet? Let's dive in. First things first, you've got to find the trailhead. To do that, get to Kamas and then travel up Highway 150 (The Mirror Lake Highway) about 25 miles until you see the signs to turn off for Trial Lake and Washington Lake. You'll turn north, pass Trial Lake, and at the signs, turn right and pass the Washington Lake Campground and continue on the dirt road (easily passable in all types of cars) for a few hundred yards until reaching the parking area. There is lots of parking, a few picnic tables, and vault toilets. In the busy summer months, this parking lot fills up fast on weekends. Like, fills WAY up. With all kinds of creative parking. I've watched over the last decade as it went from a somewhat busy spot to outright chaos on Saturdays. When it's full, they have overflow parking back down the road to the last junction and further west, but it will tack on almost 2/3 mile onto your hike each way. That's been a real bummer to see, and a nuisance when you just want to get out and hike and end up going over a mile on pavement because the main parking lot was full. But enough of the downsides of the popularity, let's dive into why so many people pick this hike. The reason, really, is that it's not just one hike, it's many. I will preface this with one giant note: GET A MAP. Seriously, the Forest Service has worked hard to make great trails and have a 2016 edition map that's very detailed and much more realistic that the USGS or other maps. Here, more than at any other trailhead, I've noticed that Forest Service maps are wildly different (and more accurate) than other versions. Below are the hikes that take off from this trailhead: Lakes Country Trail #066 This is one of three trails that have their terminus at the parking lot proper. This is the most popular, and it goes due west from the outer apex of the parking loop. It's signed and is the one that takes you to the northeastern shore of Crystal Lake. From there, it starts to rise and there's a turnoff to Clyde Lake (next paragraph), then past that you'll hit more switchbacks before cutting through a mountain pass with views of Mt. Watson. Then you traverse the rocks and have all kinds of decisions to make: you can peel off and go to the North Fork Provo River Trail which takes you towards Marjorie Lake and eventually allllll the way back down (nearly 10 miles) to the Highway, popping out about 3 miles below Soapstone. Or you can turn north on the Middle Fork Weber River Trail, but few do. There's another turn for Weir, Pot, and Duck Lakes (not shown on the maps) as well, but most people pass the Marjorie turnoff and press on to Long Lake. This aptly named, long, skinny lake is at around 2.5 miles in from the trailhead. It's a fine destination, but if you have the will, grit it out another mile and a half or so to Island Lake. It's gorgeous. From here, the Lakes Country Trail #066 goes on a bit, then ends at a junction with the Smith-Morehouse Trail and the Big Elk Lake Trail. Clyde Lake Trail Technically, you begin on the Lakes Country Trail #066, but only go a half mile or so before turning uphill to the right towards Clyde Lake. The Forest Service cut a new trail here in the last couple of years, so don't be confused by a sign in the old trail, with an arrow pointing away from what you think is that old trail. Now you pass Crystal Lake before turning off to Clyde, instead of turning off just before. It makes sense. This trail climbs up and delivers you to Cliff Lake, Watson Lake, and eventually Clyde, but most people veer east at Watson and go up to Wall Lake. This also isn't shown on the map, but makes a nice loop. Wall Lake/Notch Mountain Trail This trail also takes off from the Crystal Lake Trailhead. It bisects the Lily Lakes and runs right up the chute to Wall Lake. Then you can jog east and go past Hope Lake, turn back west and go right through a big notch in the mountain to overlook Lovenia Lake. The trail goes on north, downhill for miles before hitting the Main Fork Weber River Trail. Crysal Lake (South) Trail My own name for it, but you can take a short trail to the south shore of Crystal Lake. It leaves from the southwest end of the parking loop. This area is rife with lakes and hikes. I've kept some secrets. It gets heavy usage but is still so special. Be safe and enjoy!

This trail head gives access to many, many different trails, many of which lead to spectacular…read morelakes. The trails around here aren't too difficult or strenuous, but they are breathtaking. I highly recommend for all levels!

Trail is ways to follow -- and there are some parts where trees provide shade…read more Areas can be rocky and tree roots exposed -- it's nature, so come prepared. The waterfall at the end is so pretty and you can get right under it. The colors are amazing right now!

I visited the Stewart Falls Trailhead on a Tuesday afternoon. My party and I took the ski lift to…read morethe trailhead, so we only walked down the mountain. The total distance covered was just under three miles in a little more than two hours. The downward hike was moderately challenging, with some narrow trails and loose footing. It is a trail that would be much more challenging during melt-off season or in a rainy period. Wear thick socks and good hiking boots. Otherwise, dress for the weather!

Wow! Can't believe I've lived in Utah my entire life and never tried this easy, but beautiful hike!…read moreThanks to ChatGPT for recommending this hike me. Searched up easy, short winter hikes for solo hikers and this popped up, super glad it did! This hike is an absolute must try if you live in Utah county. It is just 1.3 miles round-trip and only took about 15 minutes to get up to the frozen waterfall. The waterfall was absolutely beautiful, all of the ice crystals and trees were stunning. It is pretty slippery this time of year so I would bring hiking poles or hiking boots that have good traction so that you can get down to the waterfall. I unfortunately wore the wrong shoes so I couldn't go all the way down. Would've broke my assWill definitely be doing this again, it's nice that it's so close and such a short easy hike for the winter time!

On Monday, April 7, 2025 (Yesterday), I decided to take advantage of the warmer weather and hike at…read moreBattle Creek Falls. Parking lot: Free Size: Small Bathroom: Yes Men and women Toilet: Regular; water-based. From the parking lot to the waterfall, took 15 minutes, give or take. The trail is slightly incline, some parts more, than others and since I haven't worked out in the past few months, I was slightly out of breath, but nothing extreme before the waterfall. Moreover, there is also a path down to the waterfall, with a log to sit on, and taken in the beautiful waterfall. If one decides to go further up, the path does continue on top of the waterfall, right hand side. This trail is easy and no way of getting lost to the water fall. In additon, If you're looking for more beyond the waterfall, there is a much smaller one shortly ahead, but after that, there is not much to see. A lot of snow and mud, and dry plants. And after the second smaller waterfall, the trail does get challenging because it's all uphill. Unfortunately, I did not make it to the meadows. I came across two hikers who said they did go to meadows and it was ugly right now. I wanted to see for myself and on the way there, the path itself was very ugly, muddy and dry. Henced, I turned back. Overall, family friendly, easy hike, and make sure to bring a hat because a lot of the trail after the waterfall is direct sunlight, no shade.

Spectacular views from the tops of Wasatch Mountains between Salt Lake City and Park City. About 20…read moreminutes out of SLC at the top of the road that goes by the Hogle Zoo. Wonderful 360 views and moderate hiking difficulty.

Although the trail is well traveled, the constant ascents and descents can still be rough on the…read morelegs... at least, my legs. But all-in-all a great hike. As for the view, if you love being on top of the world, this should be a joy ride for you. If you want to get away or be insulated from civilization, you may want to go elsewhere, because you can see traffic on I-80 going up Parley's Canyon, as well as all the houses and neighborhoods snaking up Emigration Canyon. Take water, for sure.

A few months ago we were looking for a location for our daughter to play in the water, and we…read morestumbled upon this place. Parking is very easy and is located across the street from the golf course. You will hike on a paved road for about 15-20 minutes, and then on your left there will be a dirt path to get to the Dripping Rock Falls. It is perfect on a hot summer day to do some rock hunting or to wade, The dripping waterfall is also a very nice site. Excellent spot for the kids to hike and enjoy some fun in the water.

Beautiful drive once you get there all paved walkways so much fun to see the water, cascading fish…read morein the bonds and unique flowers and white natural grasses

This is my type of hike-more like a mild nature walk with all my favorite things: water, trees and…read morewildlife. There's a good sized parking lot with some restrooms (which were unfortunately poorly maintained due to staffing issues-but that's another review). There are a few nice overlook spots along the trail and even a few benches to stop and enjoy the scenery. I noticed that there were many spots in the grassy area that appeared to be burned. As I was wondering aloud what those meant, I came across a sign that explained that they were prescribed burns to prevent the existing trees from choking out. They need space to grow. The water is incredibly clear and the stream has a lovely flow to it. There are some spots that are a little more sparse than others, so it might not be the most magnificent trail you'll find in the mountains, but if it's along your path and you'd like a short walk, it's definitely worth visiting.

Amazing early morning view of the city. Arrive before daylight to see city lights transition into…read moresunrise.

Hike relatively short... Able to go with the kids and it's round trip. You can see the peak from…read moreafar it's labeled as Logan Temple. There's a memorial park when you're done. Very small and cool to relax before heading to the car.

Recommended as a good early spring time hike, but there was a dusting of snow overnight. The snow…read morewasn't really an issue until you got to about the last mile, when the slush and mud got slick. Combined with the steep incline, it was just slow going but no special gear was necessary. It's always the downhill with these conditions that get me, but I didn't fall this time. Yes, it is steep in parts but there were enough not so steep parts for you to catch your breath. With the sunny weather and a less hazy day, I was treated to a beautiful view of Provo, Utah Lake and all the surrounding mountains dusted with fresh snow. If you have time for only one hike in the area, this wouldn't be a bad one. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

If I could choose 3 ways to describe Squaw Peak Trail, I would choose,…read more 1. Steep...ish 2. Pretty 3. Filled with wild-life 1. Squaw Peak isn't the steepest hike I've done in my life, but it was pretty steep! (Not steeper than the Y...don't worry.) The first bit of the trail is a gradual incline on the thicker paths of Rock Canyon Trail. After hiking on Rock Canyon Trail for a while, you turn left onto a smaller, poorly marked trail. This is Squaw Peak Trail! It is steeper, narrower, and more secluded than Rock Canyon trail. There are parts of the trail that are pretty easy to walk through, and there are other parts that are suuuper steep. It sounds tough, but anyone who is in average shape should be able to do it just fine. 2. The entire hike is gorgeous! The view from the bottom is pretty as you look up to the jagged-looking rocks. Then, the trail is pretty as it runs through densely packed trees and other plants. THEN, the view from the top is amazing!!!! On one side you can see the trees growing on the side of the mountain, and on the other side you can see the entire Utah Valley -- all the way from the point of the mountain in Lehi until far south of Provo! It is such a beautiful view. And there are beautiful, blooming flowers and plants covering the top of the mountain. 3. The ENTIRE hike, my head was getting swarmed by bees and flies. I had used fragrant dry shampoo and was wearing scented lotion, and it must have attracted them, because they would not leave me alone! I wish I had brought bug spray! We also saw a snake. It was actually huge. I heard something moving and looked near my feet and saw a thick, long, black and yellow snake right next to my feet!!!! I was sort of freaking out, but it ended up being okay. I looked it up after, and I think it might have been a kingsnake, which is non-venomous. #Phew! We also had someone warn us on our way up that they recently saw a rattlesnake on the path. So watch where you step, and stay on the trail! It took me and my cousin about 2.25 hours to hike to the top and 1.25 to hike to the bottom. I would give yourself at least 4 hours total to do this hike so you have enough time to enjoy the views at the top! It's worth it!