Amethyst Lake Hike, High Uintas Wilderness, Utah
Amethyst Lake below Ostler Peak
The Uintas are a mountain range I always want to spend more time in. We were driving through the area, and I decided I’d like to stop for a trail run. Based on what was nearby, we parked at the Christmas Meadows Trailhead, and I started down the trail. After 2.5 miles, the trail split and I went left, up towards Amethyst Lake. The next 0.5 miles was exceptionally steep and turned into a power hike for me. I think about 700 ft of elevation was gained in that half mile. There were some pretty, cascading waterfalls along this section of the trail, which helped make up for the steepness. Thankfully, the trail did become more gradual after that and I was able to run again. I passed quite a few groups on my way in and realized this was a pretty popular lake to backpack to. The trail was quite rocky and eroded and could certainly use some love in places and a reroute in others which made it a little more technical for trail running that I was looking for, but that’s how it goes on trails in the Wilderness! At 5.6 miles, I found myself at a small, unnamed lake which ended up being my favorite lake of the day. I continued on and was on the shore of Amethyst lake at 6.5 miles from the trailhead. Several boys were fishing and didn’t seem to have much luck.
I stopped for a 15 minute snack break and enjoyed the views. I didn’t want to get my muscles to start tightening up so after 15 minutes, I was on my way down. Just a few minutes from the lake, I came across three moose, 2 cows and 1 bull, grazing in a meadow. I was just as startled as one of the cows was, but thankfully I was far enough away that she just looked at me for a minute and must have decided I wasn’t a threat so she just continued grazing. I watched them for another minute and then continued on my way back down. On my way down, I passed quite a few more backpackers, and I’m guessing the lake was quite busy that night.
My last surprise of the day was 1.5 miles from the trailhead. I heard them before I saw them, but I ran into a flock of over 100 sheep. They were confused by my sudden presence and the fact that I was running so I got quite a few “baaaaaahhhhhs” as I ran by. I’ve now been to the Uintas twice (very different parts) and both times I have encountered large flocks of sheep.
Overall, this was a beautiful day spent outside. The stream with its waterfalls was beautiful and the lakes were gorgeous as well. I can understand why it’s a popular backpacking destination!
Total Stats: 13.1 miles, 2700 ft of elevation gain
