Hiking Shingle Creek in the Uinta Mountains
It’s not your typical hiking season here in Utah. While the desert is scorching hot, the high peaks are still covered by over one hundred inches of snow in places. Now is the time for exploring areas you may have overlooked. Chances are you’ve driven by Shingle Creek on the Mirror Lake Highway but never stopped to check it out, but I’m here to tell you that this often overlooked trail is well worth a day hike or overnight trip.
Hiker Skip Whitman and George cross the 1st backcountry bridge at Shingle Creek in the Uinta Mountains.
The Shingle Creek trailhead is 10 miles east of Kamas on the Mirror Lake Highway (UT State Road 150). The signed turnoff leads to a small parking area with spaces for cars and horse trailers. The hike begins at a moderate altitude of 7,500′ in the pleasant forest of the western Uinta Mountains. Hikers begin by ascending a steep section and switchbacking down to Shingle Creek. A large footbridge spans the creek and the fun hiking begins just beyond.
The Narrows is the steepest and hardest section of the Shingle Creek Trail.
Shingle Creek is home to many of your favorite Uinta terrain: the well worn trail makes it way through lodgepole pines, aspen groves and past small seasonal ponds. Shingle Creek is visible for most of the hike, and when early summer snowmelt is flowing it’s more river than stream. At mile two hikers cross the first of two well constructed backcountry bridges; the Forest Service did a fine job on these structures. Just beyond the first bridge adventurers will ascend The Narrows section of the path. Expect a tough slog up loose dirt and rock. This is the toughest portion of the trail.
The Shingle Creek Trail is full of scenes like this one.
Once atop The Narrows the views become gorgeous: look south for miles of uninterrupted forest scenery. Impressive ridge lines tower to the east and west. The trail levels out somewhat and the forest grows more dense. This is a great place to spot animals such as deer, elk and moose. Industrious beavers have constructed their dens in some of the small ponds below the ridge lines. This area truly captures the splendor that make the Uintas such an amazing place.
Endless views are what make the Uinta Mountains so great.
5.5 miles of hiking will bring travelers to East Shingle Creek Lake. Another mile further is South Erickson Lake and the junction with the Erickson Basin Trail. This marks the turnaround point for hikers doing an out and back trip; simply retrace your steps to the trailhead. Allow at least a half day to complete the 13-mile journey. Hikers will gain about 2,000′ of elevation to reach East Shingle Creek Lake. This trail also offers some excellent backcountry camping opportunities. The shoreline of either lake could make a great campsite (if the ground isn’t covered in snow) and there are also numerous places to camp along the trail. Try to find an existing site and always practice Leave No Trace Ethics. If you’re looking for an early season trip that packs as much beauty per mile as many classic Uinta hikes, then the Shingle Creek Trail is a great option.
Maps: Trails Illustrated Map #711 (High Uintas Wilderness); Hoyt Peak 7.5 topo map
Dogs: Dogs allowed on trail and in water; use caution as trail receives use from horses and mountain bikers
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