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A nice day trip to a less frequented destination in the Uintas.


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Map Key

11.2

Miles

18.0

KM

79%

Runnable

9,902' 3,018 m

High

7,066' 2,154 m

Low

2,869' 874 m

Up

2,869' 874 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

56%

Max Grade (29°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · Views

This one is open year round—even after the Mirror Lake Highway closes.

Overview

This 11.4 mile long run is an out-and-back to a very nice lake, and has some really great views of the Provo River drainage and Mt. Timpanogos along the way.

Need to Know

  • Please be sure to securely close the forest service gate behind you.
  • Water is available along the entire length of the run for those who boil/filter.
  • Trekking poles would be moderately useful for this one.

Runner Notes

There's a pretty gnarly section for runners just before mile three where the trail becomes predominantly grapefruit to small dog sized rocks for about and eight of a mile and climbs steeply. Otherwise, seems like a great trail for runners.

Description

The parking area for this run is located on the north side of Mirror Lake Hwy (Hwy 150) about six miles east of Kamas.

Starting at the parking for the Yellow Pine Trailhead, cross the bridge to start this run on Yellow Pine Trail. Continue east for a bit until the trail turns northeast and heads through a Forest Service gate (be sure to secure it closed behind you). The trail is wide and has a good surface for several miles. It consistently heads uphill to the northeast while crossing Yellow Pine Creek on several footbrigdes. The grade is mostly moderate with only a few short steeper sections.

When you reach the upper regions of the drainage, you'll encounter unique sign in the form of a log with engraved with a chainsaw. The Yellow Pine Trail turns to the left and heads up to the Yellow Pine Lakes. To continue this run, head to the right onto Castle Lake Trail. Stay on the southeast side of Castle Peak to continue on to Castle Lake. The first quarter mile after the fork can be hard to follow but look for cairns and ribbons along the way where the trail is faint or snowy.

Castle Lake is a great spot to rest and have lunch. Once you're ready, turn around and head back the way you came.

Contacts

Shared By:

Chris Patterson

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 1 vote

#5080

Overall
  3.0 from 1 vote
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Recommended Route Rankings

#230

in Utah

#5,080

Overall
10 Views Last Month
1,137 Since Nov 17, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Castle Lake
Nov 18, 2017 near Kamas, UT
Mt. Timpanogos from upper part of Yellow Pine Trail.
Nov 18, 2017 near Kamas, UT

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