Amethyst Lake: Best Big Day. This region of the backcountry is truly breathtaking! 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). The meadows below Amethyst Lake offer plenty of campsites. Christmas Meadows/Amethyst Lake Trail. Amethyst Lake is one of several lakes that is accessed via Christmas Meadows. Camping is plentiful along the lake's western shore. Follow the signs for Christmas Meadows campground and 3 miles later you should arrive at the campground/trailhead and the … Kermsuh Lake sits in one of the three basins in Christmas Meadows – Ryder and Amethyst Lake … Many people prefer to make it an overnighter. We chose the trip because the trail-head is very close to Salt Lake City and was a good distance for a 1 night trip. This was my first foray into Amethyst. I cut out from the meetings at noon on this Friday, so I missed an hour of our meeting, but I figured I’d paid my fair share of presence when others had skipped out for other commitments or interests, so I could be forgiven this. Reach Amethyst Lake (10,740 feet). Although I was prepared for the 2,00 foot steep climb into the Amethyst basin from Christmas Meadows, alas my Cowboy was not and he had a real tough go. From Evanston drive on Highway 150 South to Christmas Meadows. Location: 40.754539, -110.763559. The first part of the trail is easy, but the path starts climbing up after the first three miles (4.8 km). TOTAL MILEAGE - 14-16 miles, depending on itinerary add ons. The trail is 11 miles round trip. Amethyst Lake is accessible by I-80 from Salt Lake City to Evanston, Utah. The Ostler Fork trail from the Christmas Meadows trailhead is well maintained and easy to follow. Just past this area you will see the parking lot for the trailhead, and access to the Stillwater Trail, with an elevation of 8790 feet. Amethyst Lake rests upon the cliffs behind the pine groves. This last weekend, July 26 and 27 2014, Jake, Michelle, and I (Tyler) went on a short overnight trip to Amethyst Lake in the Uintas. Christmas Meadows is loosely ringed with mountains. July 14, 2017, Ride into Amethyst Basin, Uinta Mountains, North slope,out of Christmas Meadows, w/ Tina Lewis, Steven Price, and Rick Herbert. Approaching Amethyst Lake. This wild area is a perfect winter playground for Bear River Lodge to welcome guests. The reflection of snow-capped mountain peaks on the icy surface of Amethyst Lake will make you want to drink in a long, crisp breath and feel the relaxation flowing through you. The trail will continue all the way to Amethyst Lake, but for an ascent of Ostler Peak some routefinding will be required. Those looking to camp and explore more of the High Uintas will want to camp near Christmas Meadows. Location: 40.764031, -110.771198. Lakeside Meadows. Then follow the dirt road four miles to the Christmas Meadows Campground. Day 1 - Hike from Christmas Meadows to campsites on the far end of Amethyst Lake below the peaks Day 2 - Hike around Amethyst Lake or climb as far up Ostler Peak as you feel comfortable. At six miles each way, it’s a big day. ENDING TRAILHEAD: Christmas Meadows . It was also Michelle's first time… Christmas Meadows Trailhead to Amethyst Lake 6 miles, +2,000ft/-50ft. Northern View It sits at an elevation of 10,200 ft, making it the perfect cooler destination while the SLC valley is baking in heat. Where to Stay Day 3 -Return to Christmas Meadows. Christmas Meadows is situated perfectly to view Ostler Peak, Hayden Peak, and among the Stillwater Fork of the Bear River. As for the trail, it is well marked and easy to find. 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