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    Hikes/United States/Utah/Uinta Mountains

    The Upper Setting Trail to Big Elk Lake and Island Lake

    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.
    5-7h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    18.6 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.
    669 m
    User Ratings
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    The Upper Setting Lake Trail to Big Elk Lake and Island Lake is a fantastic route in the western Uintas. This 29.9 km hike can be done as a day-hike or an overnight backpacking trip with campsites at both Big Elk Lake and Island Lake. This route is dog-friendly, so you are more than welcome to enjoy this hike alongside your favorite four-legged friend.

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    Route Description for The Upper Setting Trail to Big Elk Lake and Island Lake

    The Upper Setting Lake Trail to Big Elk Lake and Island Lake is a beautiful route through the Western Uinta Wilderness. This hike has some steep and rocky sections, so be sure to arrive with proper, supportive hiking footwear and lots of snacks and water to fuel your adventure. The Upper Setting Lake trail is marked primarily by cairns. If you are unfamiliar with cairns, these are stacks of rocks used as way-markers for backcountry travelers. If you are unsure of where the trail goes, it is always a good idea to stop and scan your surroundings for one of these structures. Please be respectful of the cairns along this trail, do not knock them over, and do not add more that may confuse your fellow hikers.

    From the trailhead, follow the Upper Setting Trail as it winds its way east to Elk Lake. Be sure to stop for a rest at Elk Lake before continuing east to Island Lake.

    Enjoy a picnic lunch or set up your tent for a night at Island Lake. When you are ready to head home, simply retrace your steps back to the trailhead where you began.

    Getting to the The Upper Setting Trail to Big Elk Lake and Island Lake Trailhead

    From Kamas, Utah, head east on highway 150 for 13.8 km. Just past the Yellow Pine Campground, turn left onto Upper Setting Road (Forest Road 034). This hike begins at the north end of Upper Setting Road, approximately 11.3 km from the highway turn off.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      Camping at Big Elk Lake and Island Lake

    • When to do

      May to September

    • Pets allowed

      Yes

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Low

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    The Upper Setting Trail to Big Elk Lake and Island Lake Elevation Graph

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    The Upper Setting Trail to Big Elk Lake and Island Lake Reviews

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