Mirror Lake Highway: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
Usa, north-america
124.24 km
3,272 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk Mirror Lake Highway! This beauty stretches from Kamas, Utah, all the way to Evanston, Wyoming, and it's a local and tourist hotspot for good reason.
Yep, you guessed it, it’s named after the stunning Mirror Lake that you'll cruise right past.
Officially known as State Route 150, this paved road rolls on for 77.2 miles (124.24km). The Utah section clocks in at about 56 miles, and then you'll cruise through Wyoming for the last 18 miles. Built back in 1933, this route meanders through the western Uinta Mountains, peaking at 10,734ft (3.272m) at Bald Mountain Pass - reportedly the highest paved road in Utah!
Heads up, though: this road is usually open from Memorial Day weekend to early November. Outside of those dates, the highway is closed from the Soapstone Campground (15 miles past Kamas) to the East Fork Campground (33 miles from Evanston).
Nestled in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, it's one of the most popular mountain drives around. Set aside about two hours for the drive if you're planning a no-stop sprint, but honestly, you'll want to budget extra time! You'll wind through farmland, climb into dense forests, and be surrounded by meadows and rugged mountain peaks. Plus, there are tons of spots to jump off into the High Uinta Wilderness. Trust me, the scenery is worth the pit stops!
Where is it?
Mirror Lake Highway: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 36.0427, -95.5410
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 124.24 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,272 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 36.0427, -95.5410
Related Roads in north-america
easyWhen was the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive built?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, nestled in Utah's Washington County. This isn't just a drive; it's a full-blown visual feast! Built back in '32, this paved road clocks in at just over 6 miles (10 km) and snakes along the Virgin River inside Zion National Park. Starting from the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, you'll wind your way up to about 4,468 feet (1,362 meters), ending at the Temple of Sinawava. The road even has a red tint to make the views pop! Now, a heads-up: watch out for tricky conditions after rain and ice in winter. Normally it is a quick 20 minute drive, but you'll definitely want to budget 6-8 hours, since this road is all about the stops. Here's the catch: from March to November, you'll need to hop on the park's shuttle since private vehicles are not allowed, but they do run constantly, especially during the busy months. However, in winter, usually weekdays in December and every day in January and February, you can cruise in your own ride. Worth it? Absolutely!
moderateSquaw Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because Siberia Ridge Road to Squaw Peak is a wild ride! We're talking about a summit sitting pretty at 8,851 feet in California's Placer County, with views that'll knock your socks off. Now, the road itself? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumpiness. You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this one, and maybe a chiropractor appointment afterward. Heads up: Siberia Ridge Road is generally snowed in from October through June, so plan accordingly. Also, a random fact: the summit was leveled out back in the '60s to make room for some old-school FAA radio equipment. So, if you're cool with roughing it and have the right vehicle, the views from Squaw Peak are totally worth the trek!
moderateWhere is Signal Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventurers, let’s talk Signal Mountain! This peak punches way up to 7,726 feet in Wyoming's Teton County, practically kissing the sky. You'll find it in the northwest corner of the state, not too far from Idaho. The road up? A sweet, paved 5-mile ribbon called Signal Mountain Road that winds its way to the top. Keep an eye on the speed limit – it's a chill 30 mph kinda climb. Heads up: this beauty is nestled in Grand Teton National Park, so the road's usually snoozing from November 1st to April 30th, depending on how much snow Mother Nature dumps. The climb from Teton Park Road isn’t too brutal, gaining 1,105 feet with a gentle gradient of just over 4%. But leave the RV and trailer at home, folks, they aren’t allowed on this trip! Is it worth the trek? Absolutely! Budget about 30 minutes for the round trip (not including stops). You'll be treated to jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Tetons, the valleys below, the flat glacial plains, Jackson Lake, and the snaking Snake River. The summit's observation area will have you gasping at the views north over the Snake River and west toward the majestic Teton Range. Get ready to fill up that memory card!
hardA memorable road trip to Indian Rock
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a spot for you that'll make you feel like you're on top of the world: Indian Rock in Oregon's Grant County. This beauty sits way up in the Malheur National Forest, reaching a whopping 7,201 feet. The road to the summit? All dirt, baby! But don't worry, you can usually make it in a regular car when it's dry. And guess what? There's an old-school fire lookout up there, built back in '57. Plus, if you want to spend the night, there's a campground called Head O'Boulder nearby. Just a heads-up, this road is usually open from mid-June to October. Now, the climb is no joke – we're talking some seriously steep sections, hitting gradients of almost 11%! From the start on NF-45, it's about 2.6 miles to the top, gaining almost 1,000 feet in elevation. So, buckle up and get ready for some incredible views!