Hike of the week: 17 lakes loop — Uinta Mountains, Summit County

From Crystal Lake Trailhead, take the Notch Mountain Trail to Wall Lake. This trail is next to the horse ramp in the parking area. The trail heads north and goes between the Lily Lakes, on the way to Wall Lake. At 1 mile you arrive at the largest lake, Wall Lake. From Wall Lake the Notch Mountains are to the north. The depression in the mountains is called, The Notch. The trail passes by a few unnamed lakes and switchbacks a cliff face to Hope Lake, at 2 miles. At 2.9 miles you arrive at The Notch. As soon as you arrive, go left on the mountain shelf and watch for cairns taking you down to Clyde Lake. Looking west from the shelf is Clyde Lake and Mount Watson. Looking below the shelf to the south is Twin Lakes. At 3.9 miles you arrive on the north side of Clyde Lake and the trail continues west along its bank. Clyde Lake is a great place to take a lunch break before you continue the hike. After Clyde Lake the trail turns south for Watson, Linear, Petite and Cliff lakes. At Cliff Lake look for rock climbers on the cliffs. The trail arrives at the Lakes Country Trail junction. At the junction, go left to complete the loop. This has to be one of the most beautiful hikes in the Uintas. Hike slowly and take in the beauty!

Directions: It's about a 90-minute drive to the trailhead from Salt Lake City. In Kamas, take U.S. Highway 150 (Mirror Lake Highway) and drive 26 miles to Crystal Lake Trailhead parking lot. Destination Lakes

Difficulty Moderate

Round-trip miles 5.75 miles

Hiking time 4 to 5 hours

Accumulative gain 903 ft.

Trailhead restrooms Yes

Dogs allowed Yes

Three-day pass $6