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 snow. Partly sunny. High near 31, with temperatures falling to around 27 in the afternoon. South southeast wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

31 | 24

Thu

A chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 33. South southeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

33 | 21

Fri

A chance of snow before 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 30.

30 | 22

Sat

Sunny, with a high near 32.

32 | 18

Sun

Mostly sunny, with a high near 32.

32 | 20

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

Wed

A chance of snow. Partly sunny. High near 31, with temperatures falling to around 27 in the afternoon. South southeast wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

31 | 24

Thu

A chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 33. South southeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

33 | 21

Fri

A chance of snow before 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 30.

30 | 22

Sat

Sunny, with a high near 32.

32 | 18

Sun

Mostly sunny, with a high near 32.

32 | 20

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 511493E 4507893N

40°43'19"N 110°51'50"W
Mirror Jct

12T 511616E 4507152N

40°42'55"N 110°51'45"W
Packard Jct

12T 513404E 4504908N

40°41'42"N 110°50'29"W
Wyman Lake

12T 513574E 4503836N

40°41'07"N 110°50'22"W
Packard Lake

12T 513839E 4503600N

40°40'59"N 110°50'10"W

Comments

Want to make a comment? Login and let yourself be heard.