Day Trip: Mirror Lake and Provo Falls

Mirror Lake Highway (Highway 150) is one of our family’s favorite day trips. A scenic drive with stops starting in Kamas and ending at Mirror Lake. It can take as short as an hour to get to Mirror Lake from Kamas or as long as you want exploring along the way.

If its open, stop at the Kamas Ranger Station at 50 E. Center Street. They usually have some bags made for kids with a frisbee, National Park Service coloring book and pencil. 

About a mile up the canyon on the left is the Samak Smokehouse and Country Store. Here you will find box lunches, homemade jerky, chokecherry jelly and country biscotti. They also rent canoes here that you can take with you to Mirror Lake. 

The drive into the Uintas is a very scenic and beautiful, no matter the time of year. It is closed during winter to late May at milepost 14.7, so keep that in mind when planning. Be sure to watch for cattle, they roam around a span from mile 7 to 15. 

Between mile marker 23 and 24 is Provo River Falls. You will find the trailhead just off the parking lot, as well as some bathrooms. The Falls are part of the Upper Provo River and cascade down stair like formations. There are different sections, the first section is located by the parking lot and has a retaining wall to look over. The second section lets you get up close and stand on the edge of the rocks. The third section is most shallow and safer to let the kids down and play in the water. 

We usually stop at some of the small lakes along the way. About 3 miles from Provo River Falls you will find Teapot Lake, Lilly Lake and Lost Lake. Lilly Lake is encircled in lilly pads, surrounded by towering pines and green grass. Lilly Lake has picnic tables, campgrounds and bathrooms. 

We usually stop at some of the small lakes along the way. About 3 miles from Provo River Falls you will find Teapot Lake, Lilly Lake and Lost Lake. Lilly Lake is encircled in lilly pads, surrounded by towering pines and green grass. Lilly Lake has picnic tables, campgrounds and bathrooms. 

As you drive toward Mirror Lake you will be able to see glimpses of it at the base of Bald Mountain. The trailhead has bathrooms as well as some picnic tables. This is where you will find the non-motorized boat ramp. 

Follow the 3 mile nature trail circling around the lake. You can learn about the local flora and fauna on the educational displays along the way. The view of Bald Mountain and almost perfect reflection of scenery on the lake are one of a kind. There is also camping available at Mirror Lake. 

If you are looking for a place to eat on your way back into Kamas, stop at the Mirror Lake Diner. They have an impressive menu and the owners are some of the friendliest people. I love their B.L.A.S.T (Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado, Sprouts and Tomato). Plus they serve breakfast all day! 
 

THANKS MANDI!

Hi, I’m Mandi. I’m a Floridian married to a Louisianan living in Utah with our two little girls. My husband and I grew up loving spending summers in Utah, so naturally we both ended up here. I love Utah for it’s majestic mountains, active lifestyle, national parks, and food. You can find more of our family adventures on my instagram @mandimedford.