Shadow Lake via the Crystal Lake Trailhead
Table of contents
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.
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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