Notice: Function wp_enqueue_script was called incorrectly. Scripts and styles should not be registered or enqueued until the wp_enqueue_scripts, admin_enqueue_scripts, or login_enqueue_scripts hooks. This notice was triggered by the nfd_wpnavbar_setting handle. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 3.3.0.) in /home4/utahmou6/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6078
Ruth Lake -
Ruth Lake with lily pads and mountain

Ruth Lake

/ Blog, Wasatch Back / By
  • Length: 2 mile loop
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Child carrier: yes
  • hike-in camping available
  • Vault toilet at trailhead
  • Location: Uinta Mountains

Ruth Lake is one of the best hikes for kids in the Uinta mountains! Not only is the hike appealing for families because of its easy 2 mile loop, but it is absolutely beautiful with so much to do.

This hike has a difficult rating of easy. The most difficult part is the first .5 mile of the hike. If you have toddlers that are between being carried in the child carrier and hiking it on their own, we suggest carrying them in the child carrier on this hike. Our favorite thing about this trail to Ruth Lake is that it is the perfect spot for hike-in camping for kids and beginners. 

Father and son hiking on a trail with camping gear.
hike-in camping at Ruth Lake

What to expect along the trail

Since Ruth Lake is in the high Uinta mountains there is a small window of opportunity to access Ruth Lake (Mirror Lake Byway is closed in the winter). That means in the summer the entire area can get very crowded.

You can expect to find a full parking lot and most likely will need to park down along the street. There is a vault toilet at the trailhead, along with information about the trail, and a guest log. 

The first .5 mile has an elevation gain of about 200 feet. After that it is a relatively flat trail. Once you get through this section of the hike you will come to a small pond to your left. The trail will follow the side of the pond and continue until you reach Ruth Lake. Once you hit Ruth lake you can go either way to make the loop around the lake. 

What to do

Fishing- The handful of times we have been here, we have not had any luck at catching fish. We have seen plenty of people catch fish here so we know it is possible. 

Two children sharing a fishing pole on Ruth Lake
fishing at Ruth lake

Wildflowers- If you are a lover of wildflowers like me (mama) then you are going to LOVE this trail! The wildflowers are at their peak mid- late July. The best part about the wildflowers here is not only are they everywhere, but there are so many different varieties and colors of wildflowers. 

colorful wildflowers up close.
Wildflowers with Ruth lake and a mountain in the background.
dirt path lined with purple and yellow wildflowers.
wildflowers and rocks at Ruth Lake.
Wildflowers with Ruth Lake and mountain in the background. Mountain reflecting bright orange in lake because of the sunset.

Photography Tip

When photographing wildflowers get down so that you are adjacent to the flowers. Take photos in the morning, evening, or on a cloudy day so that the brightness of the sun doesn't saturate the flowers. 

Swimming- You can swim in the lake, but we don’t know if you would want to. Remember that this is a high altitude lake and so the water temperature is frigid. We have seen several teenage and young adults swimming here. If you are looking for a fun (but freezing) lake to cliff jump into, we recommend Wall Lake which is also located in the Uinta mountains. 

Check It Out

Ruth Lake is a heavily trafficked trail. Escape the crowds and check out the trail below that leads to a rock climbing wall. Get some incredible views without the crowd!

Rock Climbing- Before you reach the small pond there will be a sign that says, “Ruth Lake”. The sign will have an arrow for you to continue going straight. If you rock climb or just want to go watch others rock climb then take the trail that is to your left. There is not a sign, but you will see a rock slab making a bridge.

Below is a photo of the bridge you cross and what the trail will look like. The trail is lined with rocks to guide you where to go. 

child on father's shoulders walking over a rock bridge.
bridge to cross for rock climbing trail
Father and child holding hands while following a rock lined path up a mountain.
trail to the rock climbing wall

The trail leads to the perfect rock climbing wall. You will see many advanced rock climbers in the area. It is fun to watch them and to talk to your children about how the safety gear works. You will not be able to rock climb without proper safety equipment. However; you can still go and explore among the lower rocks. This is the perfect spot to gain a little elevation and take in the views. 

Large rock climbing wall in the distance.
the rock climbing wall in the distance
child looking out from mountain top at trees below and mountains in the distance.
watch rock climbers & take in the views
View of Ruth Lake from top of a mountain. Trees and other mountains in the background.
View of Ruth Lake and surrounding area
  • Advisory: The last photo was take when Alex (papa) of Utah Mountain Mama climbed up higher on the rocks. Use wisdom in your exploring and do not climb up high unless you have experience and/or climbing safety gear. 

How to get to Ruth Lake

Hike to Ruth Lake via the Ruth Lake trailhead. The trailhead is located in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest on the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway (UT-150) at mile marker 35. Remember to pay the recreational use fee of $6.00! You can do so at any one of the many self use fee boxes as you enter the National Forest. 

Happy Trails

Ruth lake is one of the best hikes for families! The short, easy trail combined with the ability to camp at the lake, fish, rock climb, and wildflowers galore make this a remarkable trail. One your family will want to come back to again and again. Happy trails to Ruth Lake until we meet again!Â