Hike of the week: Scout Lake Trail, Boulder Mountain — Garfield County

Besides the Scout Lake Trail, there are many trails on Boulder Mountain to choose from. To help you decide, stop by the Wildcat Visitor Center, off Highway 12. It offers great information on trails and maps of the area. The trail to Scout Lake is on a primitive road, used by ATVs, horseback riders and hikers. From the parking areas you head uphill in a open meadow, with terrific views of Capitol Reef National Park and the Henry Mountains. Most of the elevation gain is at the start; it flattens out quickly after the first junction. At the junction, stay right and follow the road into a burned-out aspen grove. As you make your way through this area, notice how the forest is coming back from that fire. As you leave the charred trees, the trail opens into a large meadow. On the far side of the meadow, you arrive at the next junction for the Great Western Trail; stay on the road. After one hour and 1.6 miles of hiking, you arrive at Long Lake. Follow the road on the right side of the lake. You leave the lake and enter trees and the next junction. Stay left, and follow the road for Scout Lake. If you have time, visit Round Lake, too.

Directions: From Torrey, Wayne County, drive approximately 22 miles south on Highway 12. There is a trail post along the highway for Scout Lake trailhead.

Difficulty Easy

Round trip 4.9 miles

Hiking time 3 to 4 hours

Elevation gain 490 ft.

Trailhead restrooms No

Dogs allowed Yes