High Uinta Wilderness
Amethyst Lake
The High Uintas Wilderness encompasses 456,705 acres and stretches nearly 60 miles east to west. It is a spectacular area with hundreds of glacier-formed lakes reflecting blue skies and Utah's highest peaks in clear, cold water. As a Utah local, the Uintas is a favorite! A Wilderness that is right in our backyard! So much room for exploration! Amethyst is a gorgeous basin with a steep ascent. The views and isolation at the lake was totally worth it and perfect if you're looking for a quick epic overnighter.
Route
Amethyst Lake
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12.9 miles out & back
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1 nights/2 days
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Hard
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Dog Friendly
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Park at Christmas Meadows Trailhead (15$ overnight fee)
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Night 1: camp at Amethyst Lake
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When to go : Late June - September
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No Backcountry permit required to camp
NOTE
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Store food properly! Squirrels are savages!
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Black Bear and Mountain Lion Country
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Always be ready for rain
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Not buggy in September
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Dispose of waste properly and keep campsite clean!
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Moose are plentiful
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Lots of Horse Poop
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Last bit of road is gravel and washboardy
AllTrails Link
NIGHT 1 : Amethyst Lake
It's about 6.5 miles from the Christmas Meadows Trailhead to reach camp at Amethyst Lake. It gets pretty steep to reach the basin. This can also be done as a day hike but it's a far drive for us so we like to backpack in. The last bit of road to the trailhead is gravel/washboardy. Once you get to the basin there is a beautiful small lake called BR-24 on your right (it's my favorite lake). The water glows this emerald green when the sun hits it just right. We usually go in September so camping away from the water is recommended. It gets pretty cold/frosty up there at night.
Day 2 : Hike out back to Christmas Meadows
Before we pack up, we like to get some solid fishing in and take a trip to the neighboring lake called Ostler Lake. Its about a 2 mile trip from Amethyst Lake.
