Guides/Overland routes/Utah
Overland route65 midifficulty: easy

Mirror Lake Scenic Byway

RegionUtahAgencyU.S. Forest ServiceLast verified—
Mirror Lake Scenic Byway — overland route near Kamas, Utah, Utah
Photo by Glennfcowan via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Trail vitals7 facts
Length
65mi
Technical difficulty
Easy
Direction
Point to point
Vehicle
Paved throughout. Any passenger vehicle in summer; chains required in shoulder season.
Best months
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Permit
Required
Cell coverage
Spotty in the high country; service returns at the lower ends.
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The Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is a 65-mile paved highway from Kamas, Utah to Evanston, Wyoming over Bald Mountain Pass at 10,715 feet, the highest pass in Utah crossed by a paved road. The byway runs along the southern flank of the High Uintas Wilderness through Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, with multiple developed campgrounds, alpine lakes, and trailhead access into the wilderness.

The road is fully paved and any passenger vehicle handles it in summer. A USFS recreation pass is required for parking at trailheads and developed sites along the byway. Snow closes the upper segment from late October through Memorial Day.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Winter closure. Bald Mountain Pass closes from late October to Memorial Day. The lower segments stay open year-round but require chains in winter.
  • Wildlife on the road. Moose, elk, and deer cross frequently at dawn and dusk.
  • Afternoon thunderstorms. The high country draws fast-building storms in summer.
  • Cell service. Drops out across the pass.
  • Heavy summer traffic. The byway is the main weekend escape for Salt Lake City; expect congestion at lake-access pullouts.

Location

65 mi · Overland route

Approx. location 40.689, -110.899

Trail facts

5 fields
AgencyU.S. Forest Service
Nearest townKamas, Utah
Websitewww.fs.usda.gov/r04/uinta-wasatch-cache/recreation/mirror-lake-scenic-byway
ClosedNov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Approx. location40.689, -110.899

Getting there

Directions

From Salt Lake City. Take I-80 east to Park City, then SR-248 to Kamas. From Kamas, the byway begins as Utah 150 north out of town. Continue east through the Uintas to Evanston, Wyoming.

From Evanston, Wyoming. Take Wyoming 150 (continuation of Utah 150) south from town. The byway climbs to Bald Mountain Pass and descends to Kamas.

Photos

1 photo

Photos · 1

Field notes

Getting Oriented

The byway begins in Kamas (about 45 minutes east of Salt Lake City via I-80 and SR-32) and runs east on Utah 150 through the southern Uintas to Evanston, Wyoming. The Heber-Kamas Ranger District manages the Utah segment of the road and the developed sites along it. The High Uintas Wilderness lies immediately north of the byway and contains all of Utah's 13,000-foot peaks.

Trail Overview

Sixty-five miles, paved, point-to-point. The road climbs from roughly 6,500 feet in Kamas to 10,715 feet at Bald Mountain Pass, then drops to around 7,000 feet at Evanston. The middle 25 miles run above 9,000 feet through alpine forest and meadow with multiple lake-access pullouts. There are no technical hazards, but the alpine weather is unpredictable and afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.

Points of Interest

  • Bald Mountain Pass. The 10,715-ft summit, with parking, trailheads, and panoramic views into the High Uintas Wilderness.
  • Mirror Lake. The byway's namesake. A glacial lake just below the pass with developed campground and day-use area.
  • Provo River Falls. Cascade visible from a roadside overlook on the western descent.
  • Hayden Pass. Trailhead for the popular Highline Trail backcountry route.
  • Slate Gorge Overlook. Roadside viewpoint on the eastern descent.
  • Stillwater Reservoir. Wyoming-side reservoir near the byway's eastern end.

Where to Camp

The byway has more than a dozen developed USFS campgrounds. Most-used: Mirror Lake Campground (high-demand reservations), Trial Lake, Lost Creek, Beaver Creek, and Wolverine. Fees apply at all developed sites. Dispersed camping is restricted along most of the byway corridor; check current rules at the Kamas Ranger Station.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • Reserve developed sites well in advance. Mirror Lake Campground sells out months ahead.
  • The required USFS recreation pass is sold at the Kamas Ranger Station and at vending machines along the byway.
  • Snow closes Bald Mountain Pass from late October through Memorial Day. Confirm road status with the Heber-Kamas Ranger District (435-783-4338).
  • Watch for moose and elk, especially at dawn and dusk near the lake-access pullouts.
  • Afternoon thunderstorms are routine. Plan high-elevation hikes for early-day starts.
  • The Highline Trail at Hayden Pass is a multi-day backpacking route across the High Uintas; day hikers can sample the first few miles.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is Mirror Lake Scenic Byway?
Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is rated easy. The route runs 65 miles.
What kind of vehicle do you need for Mirror Lake Scenic Byway?
Paved throughout. Any passenger vehicle in summer; chains required in shoulder season.
When is the best time to visit Mirror Lake Scenic Byway?
The best months are Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep. Avoid Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
Do you need a permit for Mirror Lake Scenic Byway?
Yes — a permit is required. It is managed by U.S. Forest Service — check the agency listing for current requirements and fees.
Is there cell service at Mirror Lake Scenic Byway?
Spotty in the high country; service returns at the lower ends.