Packard Lake | Western Uintas

Hiking Packard Lake - Western Uintas Hiking Packard Lake

Western Uintas

Overview | Getting There | Route | Photos | Maps | Comments

Overview

RATING: Moderate Hike
MAPS: HAYDEN PEAK, UT

Wed

A chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 64. South wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

64 | 49

Thu

A chance of rain showers before 9am, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

56 | 47

Fri

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.

60 | 44

Sat

Sunny, with a high near 63.

63 | 43

Sun

Sunny, with a high near 65.

65 | 45

View Full Weather Details
SEASON: Summer, Fall
WATER: Filterable at the lake

Wed

A chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 64. South wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

64 | 49

Thu

A chance of rain showers before 9am, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

56 | 47

Fri

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.

60 | 44

Sat

Sunny, with a high near 63.

63 | 43

Sun

Sunny, with a high near 65.

65 | 45

View Full Weather Details
Lily pads in the lake.

Lily pads in the lake.

The Highline Trail from Mirror Lake Highway sees a lot of traffic from hikers and horsemen. Many of the hikers visit Naturalist Basin or Four Lakes Basin as either long day hikes, or as backpack trips. I find these areas can feel a bit congested and overrun. Packard and Wyman Lakes, though not as dramatic as Naturalist Basin or other areas farther from the trailhead, make for a very enjoyable day hike and are much less frequently visited. These lakes are good choices if you are looking to get away from the crowds, and maximize leisure time around the lake!

Looking into the Duchesne River drainage.

Looking into the Duchesne River drainage.

Getting There

Note: The Mirror Lake highway that is used to access this hike is closed in the winter. The gate is typically open from Memorial Day until late October, but if planning this hike on the shoulder season, call the forest service to see if it is open. ((801) 466-6411)

The trailhead is the Highline Trail trailhead/Hayden Pass off the Mirror Lake highway. This is at mile post 34.2, which is 34.2 miles from Kamas Utah on highway 150, or about 43 miles south of Evanston Wyoming on highway 150. The trail will likely be very snowy until late June in most years.

Views along the trail.

Views along the trail.

Lake views.

Lake views.

Route

To Packard Junction (3 miles / 1.5 hours)
Follow the Highline trail. After 0.75 miles, a side trail comes in from Mirror Lake, stay left as the trail descends southeast along the base of the high Uintas.

Continuing on, a junction is reached with right going to Scudder Lake and left bypassing Scudder Lake. Either way is fine, but I recommend right to see the lake close up. Just after the lake, the trail re-joins the main trail.

Next up is Packard Lake junction, about 3 miles from the trailhead. Go right here.

To Packard Lake (1 mile / 30 minutes)
The trail heads south and passes near Wilder Lake before crossing a small ridge to Wyman Lake. Continue past Wyman, across one more small ridge, to visit Packard Lake. Of the 3 lakes, I think Packard is the most scenic, as it sits overlooking the Duchense River drainage.


Photos

Maps

Route / 7.79 miles / Elevation Range 9,906 - 10,377 ft.
Printable Maps:

Trailhead

12T 511493mE 4507893mN

N40° 43' 19" W110° 51' 50"
Mirror Jct

12T 511616mE 4507152mN

N40° 42' 55" W110° 51' 45"
Packard Jct

12T 513404mE 4504908mN

N40° 41' 42" W110° 50' 29"
Wyman Lake

12T 513574mE 4503836mN

N40° 41' 07" W110° 50' 22"
Packard Lake

12T 513839mE 4503600mN

N40° 40' 59" W110° 50' 10"

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