Amethyst Lake: A Gem in the High Uintas

The High Uinta Wilderness Area is an expansive piece of nature

crisscrossed with adventurous hiking trails and filled with glittering

lakes populated by beautiful trout, but the most scenic part of it has to

be the trail to Amethyst Lake. Given that the distance to the

trailhead (at Christmas Meadows) is within two hours from Provo, you

might expect to see more crowds, but its likely that this

short but steep hike keeps away many of the tenderfeet, saving this

gem for the more intrepid hikers.

The first three miles are not difficult as the trail follows the edge

of a picturesque meadow and then crosses a babbling stream several

times before a taking a left turn at the trail junction. This junction

is the beginning point of the second half of the hike, and it will test

the stamina of most hikers as the trail climbs nearly 2,000 feet over

the final three and a half miles to Amethyst Lake. The trail makers

must have been in a hurry here because the ascent has a challenging

switchback. However, as you huff and puff your way up the trail, you

are pleasantly rewarded with gorgeous views of the stream next to the

trail which cascades beside you into turbulent swirling pools.

Eventually, the trail levels off in a high alpine meadow and

follows the course of the stream as it meanders along. Two and a half
miles from the trail junction and after another short ascent, the trail

leads to a nameless lake referred to on maps as B-24. If you are

camping, this is the place youll want to pitch your tent. At B-24

there are enough campsites for several groups, nearby natural

springs for obtaining cool and refreshing drinking water (I would still

filter it though), and beautiful mountain vistas. Perhaps most

importantly, campfires are allowed here but not at Amethyst

Lake further up the trail.

The last mile of the hike takes you on a short climb above B-24

and into an open rock-strewn meadow where your gaze will

be drawn upward to where the chiseled mountains form a

cirque around the far side of Amethyst Lake.

The trail ends at the shore of Amethyst Lake, and it is evident

that natures forces have been at work here as the cliffs surrounding

the lake are made up of piles of rock worn away from the high peaks

above sparkling turquoise water.

If you like fishing, try your luck in Amethysts crystal clear blue

green waters. At almost any time of the day you should be able to

hook into a few of the brook trout that inhabit the lake. If you want

fish for dinner, carry a few back to camp as the trout at B-24 are far

more cautious.
 The hiking season is fleeting in the High Uintas (late June to

early September), so before making your way back to

civilization make sure to take in a long last look at this

stunning natural jewel.