High Uinta Alpine Loop
Mirror Lake, the namesake of the highway this loop follows. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Less than two hours from Salt Lake City, the Mirror Lake Highway corridor packs granite peaks, lodgepole pine, and dozens of alpine lakes into an easy weekend loop — no five-hour desert drive required.
Quick Facts
| Trip Length | 2-3 days |
| Rig Suitability | Mixed — main corridor fine for RVs and fifth-wheels; Pyramid Lake is high-clearance only |
| Overnight Stops | 2-3 |
| Regions Covered | Wasatch Front & Uinta Mountains |
| Best Season | Summer through early fall |
| Road Conditions | Dirt/washboard main roads; rocky spur to Pyramid Lake needs at least 18 inches of clearance |
Map
Map points are approximate waypoints meant to show the shape of the route. Use the individual spot write-ups linked below for precise access directions.
The route
Night 1 — Murdock Basin Road Turn off the Mirror Lake Highway (UT-150), cross the bridge over the Provo River, and find a pull-off on dirt/washboard road passable without 4x4. Sites range from small tent spots to lots big enough for a fifth-wheel.
Daytime stop — Mirror Lake and trailheads Spend a day exploring the lakes and trailheads strung along UT-150 — this is what the highway is named for. A recreation pass is required to park at trailheads and developed areas ($6 three-day pass, or a qualifying interagency pass); dispersed camping off the pavement doesn't require it.
Night 2 — Pyramid Lake (Murdock Basin) Push further into Murdock Basin via Forest Road 410 for a quieter, walk-up-friendly alpine lake with Pyramid Peak rising behind it. The rocky final stretch filters out lower-clearance vehicles, which keeps it noticeably quieter than the main corridor. High-clearance vehicles and vans only.
Night 3 (optional) — Mirror Lake Highway Dispersed Corridor If you'd rather stay closer to the highway for an easier exit, the corridor past Sulphur Creek Campground (roughly mile marker 23 and beyond) offers dirt spurs suited to tents and vans, with higher spurs seeing less traffic.
Good to know
- A recreation pass is required for parking along the Mirror Lake Highway corridor, including at trailheads — a three-day pass runs about $6.
- Cell service is little to none throughout the Uintas. Download maps and let someone know your plans.
- This is a short season. Snow closes the high sections outside of summer through early fall.
A quick weekend trip is a great time to test your rig's power setup before a longer trip. See what Momentum Upfitters can build for your off-grid power needs →