Backpacking in the Uintas brings to mind an exploration of the mountain range’s most postcard-esque landscapes, requiring heavily-laden packs chock full of enough supplies to last a month outdoors. But sometimes you just want a quick getaway for the weekend, yet demand an escape from the crowds at established campsites. There are many small, remote lakes in the Uintas that will do just fine, lakes like Scudder Lake.
Scudder Lake is a good choice for a backpacking one-nighter, or an introduction to backpacking for those camping away from the car for the first time. Scudder is only two miles from the Highline Trail parking lot, doesn’t require any steep ascents or descents, and has several appropriate areas near the shore for setting up camp.
The lake may be the destination, but backpacking is really about the journey. From the trailhead off the Mirror Lake Highway, you’ll hike through a stand of pine forests thin enough to take in a sweeping view of Bald Mountain and the surrounding peaks to the west. After a short distance, the path descends into the lower drainage where the forest thickens and closes in. The trail eventually levels and along the way, views come and go where wildflower laden meadows force open the wall of trees, and the rounded hulk of Mount Agassiz holds court above.
After only two miles of backpacking, a fork in the trail is marked by a sign showing the way to Scudder Lake. Going right will take you there as the path mildly falls to the shore of this small, alpine lake.
Like most lakes in the Uintas, Scudder is small. Tall pines surround the blue water, which is always in contrast to the green lily pads that dot the surface. Open, flat areas abound, screaming for you to pitch your tent next to fire rings and log seats left behind by previous parties. The only thing left to do is to set up camp, hang some hammocks, and relax with a drink.
Of course, while there you can always hike some more. Ditch the heavy pack snd set out for a day hike to surrounding lakes like Packard, Wilder and Wyman further down the Highline Trail. If you’re feeling more ambitious, you can hike a loop in Naturalist Basin, or even climb Mount Agassiz if time allows.
But there’s nothing wrong with just lounging by the lake with a good book, your dogs, and a campfire. So if that’s what you’re after, then you can’t do much worse than making the short trip to Scudder Lake.
To get to Scudder Lake, drive the Mirror Lake Highway from either Evanston, Wyoming or Kamas, Utah to the Highline Trail trailhead near Mirror Lake. Watch for signs to lead you there. Park in the lot and hike on the Highline Trail for two miles until you reach the sign showing the way to Scudder Lake. Follow this trail for less than a half-mile and you’re there.
Kinda a weird question, but what kind of dog is this? It looks exactly like mine!
We’re not sure. Lucy was a rescue… we think she is part German Shorthair, part Blue Heeler… maybe some lab?
Thinking about taking a Scout Troop there for an overnighter. Just wondering if there’s fresh water to pump from or just the lake?
Scudder Lake is pretty marshy so the water would not taste very good. We filtered our water from a creek that you cross near the trail on the way to the lake.
How is the fishing here? any luck? How about any horse pasture? Looking for a quick and easy ride for my kids ranging 5 to 10 years old.