High peaks, lush basins, oodles of wildlife and breathtaking views are just a few of the joys awaiting hikers in the High Uintas Wilderness of Utah. It’s hard to pick a bad spot, in fact, it’s more of a game of which basin is the most beautiful. I’m not going to take a stab at that debate, but I can tell you that the Christmas Meadows and Amethyst Basin area has a reputation for being on the short list. If you choose to spend a day or perhaps a weekend exploring this region, it won’t be tough to see why that is.
Christmas Meadows
At the end of a bumpy dirt road sits a cluster of cabins with a view that will stop you in your tracks. The Christmas Meadows area is situated at the terminus of a long, narrow meadow cut by the Stillwater Fork River. This rivulet is favored by fishermen, and a day spent with a rod and a cooler full of cold ones here would be time well invested. Oh, and that view? Looking south up the meadow reveals a cluster of mountain tops dominated by the crown of Ostler Peak. The wide open blue sky and pillowy clouds complete the painting. This is where a journey to Amethyst Basin begins, and as far as opening acts go, it’s not easy to beat.
Amethyst Lake Trail
The first 2.5 miles of hiking on the Amethyst Lake trail are easy going. Hardly any elevation is gained as you travel with the pristine meadow on your right side. Views of the Stillwater Fork and the towering mountains are soon hidden by the dense forest of pines. Wildflowers and smalls streams line the route, and the Forest Service has done a great job of erecting walkways and bridges where needed. After roughly an hour of hiking, the junction of Amethyst Lake Trail and Ryder Lake Trail (also known as Stillwater Trail) is reached.
Go left at the junction and get ready to sweat. The trail immediately begins a steep climb as you head up towards the basin. The steady roar of Ostler Fork drainage will be heard almost the entire way up. This small river plunges over numerous falls and provides plenty of gorgeous spots to take a break and catch your breath. Eventually the incline mellows, and hikers arrive at at large meadow below the towering face of Ostler Peak, and Amethyst Basin proper.
Amethyst Basin sights
This is an outstanding area of the Uintas, and it’s no shock that Amethyst ranks as one of the “High Use” zones in the range. Continuing further up the trail will bring hikers to the namesake lake, and plenty of outstanding campsites. The water here is cold and clear, and I hear there are plenty of fish to try your luck against.
Those with a thirst for heights might consider a summit of Ostler Peak. At 12,718’ it’s a worthy goal. Begin your peak assault from the north shore of Ostler Lake where the cliffs are less intimidating. There is no trail to Ostler Lake, but if you are handy with a map and compass it is easy to locate. This lake is also worth taking a stroll around, as it’s often less crowded than Amethyst. Overall, the entire basin is simply an outstanding example of what the High Uintas Wilderness area can offer visitors, whether it be for a few hours or a few days. I have no trouble agreeing that this one belongs on the short list.
Getting There
From the town of Kamas, UT, take Mirrow Lake Highway (UT-150) for approximately 50 miles and turn right on Christmas Meadows Road (SR-0057). Follow the signs for Christmas Meadows campground and 3 miles later you should arrive at the campground/trailhead and the beginning of the hike.