Mirror Lake (Uinta Mountains) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mirror Lake |
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Mirror Lake as seen from Bald Mountain. The Mirror Lake Highway is in the foreground and top left.
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 Mirror Lake
Location in Utah
Mirror Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Uinta Mountains, Duchesne County, Utah, US |
| Coordinates | 40°42′16.51″N 110°53′17.47″W / 40.7045861°N 110.8881861°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 53.4 acres (0.216 km2) |
| Max. depth | 36 ft (11 m) |
| Surface elevation | 10,050 ft (3,060 m) |
Mirror Lake is a beautiful lake located high up in the Uinta Mountains of Utah. It is a very popular place for fishing and enjoying outdoor activities. The lake is known for its stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains and trees, which is how it got its name.
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Exploring Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake is a special spot in the Uinta Mountains. It sits at a high elevation of about 10,050 feet (3,063 meters) above sea level. The lake is owned by the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, which helps protect its natural beauty.
What Makes Mirror Lake Special?
The name "Mirror Lake" comes from how perfectly the calm water reflects the mountains and trees around it. It looks just like a giant mirror! This makes it a favorite place for photographers and anyone who loves nature.
Getting to the Lake
You can reach Mirror Lake by driving on the Mirror Lake Highway. This scenic road is usually open only during the summer months. In winter, the highway is closed to regular cars, but people can still visit the area using snowmobiles.
Fun Activities at Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake is a great place for outdoor adventures. There are many things to do, whether you love fishing, camping, or just enjoying nature.
Fishing and Boating
If you enjoy fishing, Mirror Lake is a fantastic spot. The lake is home to three different kinds of trout:
- Rainbow trout
- Brook trout
- Tiger trout
You can also launch small boats at the lake's boat ramp. Only non-motorized boats, like canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards, are allowed. This helps keep the lake peaceful and clean.
Camping and Picnics
Right next to Mirror Lake is the Mirror Lake Campground. This campground has 94 campsites where you can set up your tent or park your RV. It also has picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal outdoors. Restrooms are available for visitors.
Water Flow and Nature
Mirror Lake is an important part of the local water system. It receives water from another nearby lake and is also the starting point for a major river.
Where the Water Comes From
The water that flows into Mirror Lake comes from Pass Lake. Pass Lake is located just above Mirror Lake, and its overflow feeds into Mirror Lake.
The Start of a River
Water flows out of Mirror Lake to form the very beginning of the Duchesne River. This river then travels through Utah, providing water for many areas.
