Crystal Lake and Watson Lake Trail
![](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Table of contents
The Crystal Lake and Watson Lake Trail is a gorgeous hike in the western Uintas. This trail is moderately challenging with a steady climb up to a series of exceptional alpine lakes. Along this trail, you will not only visit Crystal Lake and Watson Lake but Cliff Lake, Petite Lake, Ponds Lake, and Linear Lake as well.
Route Description for Crystal Lake and Watson Lake Trail
The Crystal Lake and Watson Lake Trail is a fantastic hike east of Park City, Utah. In the early summer, this trail can be quite buggy. If you are hiking in late June or early July, be sure to layer on the bug spray and bring some extra for the trail. Wearing light clothing with long sleeves and long pants is also a great way to combat the bugs. Mosquitos aside, this trail is stunning. The series of alpine lakes surrounded by lush forest radiates natural beauty. When hiking, be sure to keep your eyes out for wildlife such as eagles and bighorn sheep, who are often seen in the area.
Starting at the Crystal Lake Trailhead, follow Lakes Country Trail 216 west to a divide. At this divide, you can do a short out and back to Ponds Lake via the trail on your right before continuing west. Take the trail on your right to head north up to Cliff Lake at the next divide. Continue north from Cliff Lake past Petite Lake and Linear Lake to arrive at your destination: Watson Lake.
Enjoy a snack or a picnic lunch on the shores of Watson Lake before turning around and retracing your steps back to the Crystal Lake Trailhead where you began.
Getting to the Crystal Lake and Watson Lake Trail Trailhead
From Kamas, Utah, head east along highway 150 for 39.6 km then take a left onto Forest Road 041. Continue along FR 041 to a divide, take a right then park at the Crystal Lake Trailhead parking lot just past the Washington Lake Campground.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
Washington Lake Campground
When to do:
March to October
Pets allowed:
Yes
Family friendly:
Older Children only
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back
Crystal Lake and Watson Lake Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
![Weir Lake Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Weir Lake Trail
Uinta Mountains
![Lillian Lake via The Lakes Country Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Lillian Lake via The Lakes Country Trail
Uinta Mountains
![The 20 Lakes Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
The 20 Lakes Trail
Uinta Mountains
![Marjorie Lake Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Marjorie Lake Trail
Uinta Mountains
![Three Divide Lakes Loop](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Three Divide Lakes Loop
Uinta Mountains
![Cliff Lake via Clyde Lake Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Cliff Lake via Clyde Lake Trail
Uinta Mountains
![Fire Lake via the Crystal Lake Trailhead](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Fire Lake via the Crystal Lake Trailhead
Uinta Mountains
![Wall Lake Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Wall Lake Trail
Uinta Mountains
![Island Lake Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Island Lake Trail
Uinta Mountains
![Island Lake Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Island Lake Trail
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
![Ibantik Lake](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/USA-UT-Uintas-Ibantik-lake-1920x480.jpg)
Ibantik Lake
Uinta Mountains
![Clyde Lake](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/USA-UT-Uintas-Clyde-Lake-1920x480.jpg)
Clyde Lake
Uinta Mountains