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In this outdoor activity, I take a hike to Wall Lake in the Uinta Mountains. The trail head begins in the Crystal Lake parking lot, which is one of many trails in this area.
The hike to Wall Lake is 2.5 miles round trip with little elevation gain. This makes it a family friendly hike that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This is a very popular trail, so if you are looking for seclusion, this hike may not be for you.
Crystal Lake Parking Area:
The parking area for Wall Lake and many other trails is limited. When I arrived early Friday morning it was difficult to find a parking spot. However, even though the parking lot was full doesn’t mean everyone is hiking to Wall Lake. The trail head to Long Lake and many other higher elevation lakes begin in this same parking area.
Wall Lake Trail:
The location of the trail is past the first dark brown restroom as you enter the parking area. If you find yourself on a trail leading to cliff lake, crystal lake, or lakes country trail, this is the wrong trail. Once you begin the hike you will pass two beautiful smaller bodies of water named Ponds Lake and Lily Lakes. The trail itself is relatively flat with only a few sections of rocky areas. There is one small hill just before you reach the lake.
You can hike around the lake towards the east, however, towards the west is the “wall” which is how the lake got its name. Your overall hiking distance will depend on how far around the lake you decide to explore.
Fishing:
This lake is very popular for fishing, so if you enjoy fishing pack your pole. The fish you can expect to catch are Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Cutthroat Trout. Although, the fishing was very slow for me, I did see several other anglers catching fish with a fly rod.
Safety:
Even though this hike is short, please do not underestimate the Unita Mountains. Pack the essential gear, which should include, food, water, warm clothing, a way to make fire, poncho, safety blanket, headlamp or flashlight, bug repellent, sunscreen, and first aid supplies. The weather in the Unitas can change suddenly and temperature difference can be 20 + degrees cooler than in the lower elevations. At this elevation, lightning is a real threat, especially in July and August.
Even though this location has many lakes you must carry or have some way to filter plenty of water for everyone in your group. This is why I decided to test the Hydroblu Clear Flow Water Bottle on this outdoor adventure.
Hydroblu Clear Flow Water Bottle Test:
Utah Outdoor Activities likes to support and use outdoor products from Utah businesses. Hydroblu is one of these companies which is based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
While hiking to Wall Lake I thought this would be the perfect location to test out this product. The Clear Flow Water Bottle is a filter water bottle combo. The filter surpasses EPA standards for removing E. Coli, Giardia and Cryptosporidium, along with many other waterborne contaminants. Also, it reduces heavy metals, such as iron and lead.
To test this out, I decided to get the water from a small creek, instead of dipping the bottle in the lake. Once the location was found, the bottle was filled, and with little hesitation I tried the water.
I will admit, I hesitated because I honestly thought the water would have a dirty muddy taste. To my surprise the water tasted clean, and fresh. I will continue to test and put this great little water bottle to use on further outdoor adventures. If you would like to learn more about the Hydroblu Clear Flow Water Bottle click here.
Driving Directions:
From Kamas, Utah travel approx 32 miles along the Mirror Lake Highway to the Trial/Washington Lake Road at mile marker 26. At mile marker 26 turn left off the Mirror Lake Highway. Travel on the lower road approx 1 mile to the Crystal Lake Parking Area. Follow the signs.
Related Articles:
Provo River Falls - Mirror Lake Highway
Hike to Long Lake - Utah's Uinta Mountains
Mirror Lake and the Mirror Lake Highway
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