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    Hikes/United States/Utah/Uinta Mountains

    Cutthroat Lake Trail

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Moderate
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    1.5-2.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    6.6 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    167 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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    Directions to Trailhead
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    The Cutthroat Lake Trail is a beautiful hike east of Park City, Utah. This trail brings you past four stunning alpine lakes: Ruth Lake, Hayden Lake, Jewel Lake, and Cutthroat Lake. The Cutthroat Lake Trail makes an excellent day-hike or a fun and easy overnight backpacking trip.

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    Route Description for Cutthroat Lake Trail

    The Cutthroat Lake Trail is a gorgeous hike in the western Uintas. This trail is well maintained and well-traveled up to Ruth Lake. Once you pass Ruth Lake, the path becomes less defined, and some creative route finding is required. If you are not experienced in route finding, we recommend bringing along a map and/or GPS unit to help you stay on track. You will definitely want to bring a camera as well; the views along the Cutthroat Lake Trail are absolutely stunning.

    Beginning at the Ruth Lake Trailhead, follow the well-marked path west as it winds along Hayden Fork to a divide. Stay right at the divide to make your way to Ruth Lake. Follow the path along the north shore of Ruth Lake and, just west of Ruth Lake, look for the rugged trail that branches off to your right. Follow this trail northwest for 0.6 km to Jewel Lake. From Jewel Lake, make your way west to the shores of Cutthroat Lake.

    Kick back and relax at Cutthroat lake, and go for an invigorating swim in the cool waters before heading back to the trailhead following the way you came.

    Getting to the Cutthroat Lake Trail Trailhead

    From Kamas, Utah, head east out of town on highway 150. Stay on Highway 150 for 54.7 km and look for the Ruth Lake parking area on the west side of the highway, just past the Butterfly Lake Campground. The Cutthroat Lake Trail begins here.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      Primitive Camping at Ruth Lake, Jewel Lake, and Cutthroat Lake

    • When to do

      April to October

    • Pets allowed

      Yes

    • Family friendly

      Older Children only

    • Route Signage

      Poor

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Cutthroat Lake Trail Elevation Graph

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    Cutthroat Lake Trail Reviews

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