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!

If you are in Park City in the warmer weather you MUST take this drive to Mirror Lake. In the…read moreautumn the many colors are overwhelming. Hint - look for the Beaver Creek Nudist Ranch! The on way back take the back road to Heber City then back to Park City.

So many lakes. So many trails. So many places to backpack or camp, and only an hour from Salt Lake…read moreCity. The Uintas have a million secret treasures. The more you go, the more you find. Love the Uintas year round, but the mosquitos are FOR REAL in summer. Go prepared.

I had to pick my jaw up off the ground so many times! Silver Lake was absolutely beautiful. The…read morewater was crystal clear and the mountains in the background were breathtaking. I loved the boardwalk around the lake. I was hoping to see a moose but didn't. A little girl walked by and said "mommy, isn't this where the moose was last week?" Non the less, I would do it over and over. I loved Silver Lake and I loved Utah! @outdoorswithmandy

Nice. It's a hiking trail. And it's got dirt, trees, and some grass. Sometimes the sun is there,…read moresometimes it's not. Catch a vibe.

It's a short little hike--something like 1.1miles each way on the main trail, so you probably…read morearen't going to make a day of it. And it's on the way to such great hiking farther up towards Wolf Creek Pass, so it's going to be overlooked by many. However, in the winter, this place is hopping. It's popular with the wintertime crowd, and the trees are all marked for winter x-country skiing and you'll hear a lot of motors that time of year, too. But I've only hiked it in summer--twice, actually--and both times it's been a delightful excursion. I ran it the first time, and though it's not perfect for running (some rocks later in the trail and some skinny parts that don't make for easy passing) it was fine. The last time I hiked it, I was carrying a picnic and that was just right. One mile, a nice cascade at the end, a lovely picnic, and back at sunset. You wander along a little river after parking in the massssssive parking lot (trailers, snowmobiles, you really have to see it in winter) and being near this brook is absolute loveliness. It drowns out the sounds as you leave the highway, and has enough pools and ponds that you can stop and wander. We crossed once for curiosity's sake and then went back to the trail and on our way. It's pretty easy, so kiddos could pick their way along the trickier portions, and still probably make it to the end. Just watch them near the water. It never gets too too deep, but they'll want to run and jump in it. Dogs, too. There have been groups hiking there on both my visits, as it's a well-marked trailhead and fairly popular. I quite like these little hikes you can do in a quick evening, though driving from SLC it doesn't much make sense to just come here for this hike, as the drive will take twice as long as the actual hike.

Great hike near a natural spring river. The dogs love splashing around in the summer. Fairly easy…read moreat only 1 mile. I've been on this hike maybe 15 times and enjoyed it each time. Even in the winter it is magical.

Lake Mary is a classic trail to adventure if you want to show off some of Utah's finest nature. I…read morelove doing this trail and have often done it solo. Depending on the time, it can be quite busy, but once you arrive to the lake, you can treat yourself to a panoramic view on one of the many rocks and sitting areas. It's one of those places you want to just put your phone away and lose yourself in thought. Pro tip: bring a hammock and a good book!

Beautiful scenery. If course bot allowed to swim. Lots of cute squirrels. It is just so scary for…read moreme when we pass swarm of mosquitoes. The people said it is normal there. I didn't have any jacket and repellent and I got bitten so badly.

Located along the Mirror Lake Highway, just between mile markers 23 and 24, is a small turnout to a…read morevery impressive waterfall. To call it a waterfall is a bit of a misnomer, or at least feels incomplete. IT's more of a series of falls, or probably more accurately, cascades. Whereas most waterfalls actually, uh... fall, this is more of a whitewater tumble. There's not much freefall in the water, but it does cascade down a series of terraced rocks and the effect is quite beautiful. The parking lot isn't too big, so if it's a weekend and peak season, expect to park on the highway and walk in. No sweat, it's not far. You can see the falls from the parking lot, so no worries on long treks. From here, it's a choose your own adventure. There are some paved-ish (it's been a long while since they were maintained) trails, but it's not exactly accessible. Head down the stairs to the first and main overlook, or just head down the trail to the bottom falls and work your way back up over the rocks. It's a very popular place, and you'll see loads of picnickers and families. In the summer when the water levels recede, you may very likely see someone swimming, or see people venturing out over the terraced rocks. But in the spring/early summer, there's a dangerous level of water coming down the Provo River, so you'll want to say out of the frigid river itself. All told, you can see the whole thing in 15 mins and it's a nice pit stop along the Highway. If you intend to park and stay, you'll have to display a pass on your vehicle, which are available at a few locations along the highway on a self-serve basis. A three-day pass is currently $6 (no one-day passes available) and you get to park at any of the sights along the way with that pass. If you missed the self-serve station at the entrance on the Kamas side, or the (I think??) pass station at the Soapstone Basin restrooms, you can drive a little farther up the road (mile marker 25? 26?) and there's a self-serve station there.

Just beautiful there is the 1st set of falls and then walk down farther and see the additional…read morefalls. It was fuller than we expected for July. It is very cold and breathtaking.

Memory Of The Upper Provo…read more Perfect dark blue line, stretched transparently thin. Like taffy tumbling over and over as it bends and twists and turns, but never breaks. Each rivulet and riffle tells the story- connecting the dots between the headwaters of how it all began, and the tailwaters of how it all ends. How did it all begin? The same story plays out each year. A year ago today, then tomorrow, a little warmth, then warmer still. Mountain shoulders appear smiling in a beautiful green and white patterned dress. Warmer still, and the dress melts away to fiery red beneath-- melting slowly at first, then faster, then powerless to the call. Winter cedes to the universal order: Two forces become one-- Heat and Gravity join together each tendril of melted snow like interlocked fingers making sweet, soft noises as they tumble unknowingly, happily, gleefully, to where they belong. Raging rapids, calm flats, trout-filled pools, and riffles that whisper secrets from upriver and predictions of what's below. Snow and rain and hail have become River. Soapstone pools, happy hikes, jumping off of logs, sending wishes under a bridge. A river fulfills the promise of life together under the blue sky: Baking sun on garden shores. Each river is unique; a love story tied between how it all begins and how it all ends. How does it all end? Autumn slows the story, Spring runs rapid with confused and turgid channels, summer meets the full measure of happiness. But winter's cold and cruel isolation cannot stop current beneath the ice. The heart of the river beats always. A river never ends. The stretch between how it all began and how it all ends is infinite, ever-flowing, unceasing. Time, distance, dam, or diversion: The heart of the mountain only beats louder; its pulse never wavers, never ends.

Ok Jeffrey, you can't have this river all to yourself. From the headwaters in places like three…read moredivide lakes to when it enters the Jordanelle reservoir, it's a treat. It provides the backdrop for so many campgrounds and picnic areas along the mirror lake road. I've loved driving along it, and enjoying the sites for many years.

This review is for Cecret Lake from Albion Base which was a ~4.5 miles round trip that took ~2.5…read morehours to complete. Trail starts from a ski resort which means it would be difficult or inaccessible during the winter! Extremely diverse terrain; stunning views from beginning to end. The last stretch up to the lake was steep and rocky! AllTrails map recommended. Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/zkHFyRgwxMQ

We have hiked Cecret Lake many times and enjoyed this spectacular hike at Alta Ski Area. It's…read moreespecially outstanding in the summer when the wildflowers are peaking in colorful arrays. Our boys love climbing the many large rocks on the way to Cecret Lake, and we also enjoy traversing around the lake. If you're more adventurous, you can hike up to Sugarloaf Lift and check out the ski runs.

This was an amazing scenic drive that was highly recommend by a friend who lives in town. I took…read morethe drive early in the morning stopping at a few different places to take more and more pictures. It was beautiful. I passed a stop called the bloods lake hike which I remember reading about as I was planning my trip. So I stopped to take the hike. I thought it was going to be shorter than it was so I left my bag with water, back up charger, etc. Wish I brought it with me. The hike to bloods lake and back from the parking lot took 3.3 miles. It was tough for me because of the inclines and I'm no hiker. I'm from Florida and used to flat land so I don't know if my calves have ever worked so hard. The trail was very populated giving it was a Monday. Many people with dogs. The view once you arrive to the lake is worth the journey! I took a couple photos before my phone died. I then returned to this drive later in the evening to watch the sunset. I stopped at the one of the fist stops called empire pass and it was gorgeous. Same view as the morning but so much prettier with the colors in the sky!

***UPDATED REVIEW = My review is NOT for Guardsman Pass Overlook I did NOT go here. Yelp for some…read morereason attached my review for the Lake Lackawaxen Trail and Lake to Guardsman Pass Overlook. I never even went to the lookout. The trail starts down the street at the parking lot across the street from the new Bloods Lake Trail. Who ever the yelper app people are that did this it's not cool. You don't live here so you don't know the area. Trust that when people add a new "listing" they know what they are talking about! To get to Lake Lackawaxen trail you will need to first hike about 1.8 miles on the Bloods Lake Trail until you get to the lake. (which is a beautiful lake) Continue on the trail, which is clearly marked about a mile more up the trail. This part of the trail is a little more steep, and definitely more rocky but well worth the climb. There is a fork in the road where you can continue to go towards the left or make a right and climb up to Clayton Peak. If you want to go to Lackawaxen stay on the left side of the trail. It takes you past a couple rock scrambles but are easy enough to pass. This lake is very serene, and peaceful not as many people climb up to this lake as the one below. Dogs are allowed on the trail just not near the lake. Please respect the rules and keep your dog from going into the water as this is our watershed. Perfect time of the year to climb to the lake as the leaves are changing colors and the temps are much cooler.

Donut Falls is a very special place to me, and it's accessibility makes it a great family-friendly…read morehike. You can choose to scale the slick rocks to the top of the waterfall if you're feeling bold, just be super cautious and be sure you're experienced and wearing proper gear. Even if you choose not to, you'll still be rewarded with incredible views!

First time in Utah, and this was our very first stop. It's a bit of a drive followed by a 1.5-mile…read morehike, but it's well worth it. The road to the trailhead is bumpy, so take it slow. The parking lot is small, though there's some overflow parking along the road. Bathroom facilities are available, so be sure to use them if needed. About halfway to the falls, you'll pick up a small stream, which makes the hike even nicer. Most of the trail is shaded by trees, which helped keep us cool. Once you reach the falls, it can get a bit congested with people. The views from the bottom are beautiful, but the real spectacle is the "donut" itself -- I've seen the photos, and it looks incredible. There are signs asking people not to climb up, but the allure of the falls seemed too strong for some, and a few went to the top anyway. One thing to be aware of: there were a couple of areas with ground bees swarming, so stay alert and watch your step. A beautiful spot -- absolutely worth the time and effort.