Shadow Lake via the Crystal Lake Trailhead

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Easy
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.
1-1.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
5.8 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.
53 m
User Ratings
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Directions to Trailhead

The hike to Shadow Lake via the Crystal Lake Trailhead is an easy hike in the western Uinta Mountains. Shadow Lake itself is a small but pristine alpine lake with lots of fish and waterfowl. This trail is dog-friendly, and a great way to spend the afternoon enjoying nature with the whole family.

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Route Description for Shadow Lake via the Crystal Lake Trailhead

The hike to Shadow Lake via the Crystal Lake Trailhead is a fantastic route east of Park City, Utah. This trail can get quite buggy in the early summer. If you are heading out in late June or early July, be sure to layer on some bug spray or wear long layers to combat the mosquitos. Besides just the mosquitos, there is lots of wildlife to see along the Shadow Lake Trail. When hiking, be sure to keep an eye out for trout, eagles, and bighorn sheep who live in the area. If you are lucky enough to catch sight of these creatures, remember never to feed them and give them lots of personal space.

Start at the Crystal Lake Trailhead, hike south past the Washington Lake Campground, and follow the trail along the lakeshore heading southwest to Shadow Lake.

Take a break on the shores of shadow lake and enjoy the incredible mountain views before turning around and retracing your steps back to the Crystal Lake Trailhead.
If you are not done exploring, this trail can be continued along the Haystack Lake Hike.

Getting to the Shadow Lake via the Crystal Lake Trailhead 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

    July to September

  • Pets allowed

    Yes

  • Family friendly

    Yes

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Shadow Lake via the Crystal Lake Trailhead Elevation Graph

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