Joan Lake, Gem Lake, and Echo Lake Trail
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Joan Lake, Gem Lake, and Echo Lake Trail
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The Joan Lake, Gem Lake, and Echo Lake Trail is a beautiful trail in the western Uintas. This hike is moderately challenging with a consistent, steep ascent to a collection of pristine alpine lakes. Dogs are welcome to join you on your hike to Joan Lake, Gem Lake, and Echo Lake, but must be kept on leash at all times.
Getting there
From Kamas, Utah, head east on highway 150 for 21.4mi then take a slight right onto Murdoch Basin Road. Continue along Murdoch Road to the divide and take the road on the left. Drive along the road for approximately 0.3mi then pull off and park along the side of the road to begin the hike to Joan Lake, Gem Lake, and Echo Lake.
About
| Backcountry Campground | No |
| When to do | July to September |
| Pets allowed | Yes - On Leash |
| Family friendly | Older Children only |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | Low |
| Route Type | Out and back |
Joan Lake, Gem Lake, and Echo Lake Trail
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Joan Lake, Gem Lake, and Echo Lake Trail Description
The Joan Lake, Gem Lake, and Echo Lake Trail is a gorgeous hike east of Park City, Utah. Access to this trail does require a vehicle with good clearance and four-wheel drive. The trail itself follows an old service road up to Echo Lake and is used by hikers, OHV/ATV drivers and mountain bikers. When hiking, be sure to remain aware of your surroundings and allow folks with wheels to pass you by. With little traffic annually, the Joan Lake, Gem Lake, and Echo Lake Trail is a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of city life. We recommend bringing a picnic lunch and a fishing rod so you can spend some quality time enjoying the beauty of these pristine alpine lakes.
From the parking pull-off, hike up Murdoch Basin Road heading east. Approximately 0.6 miles in, the trail will divide; stay right at this divide to follow the trail as it curves north. At the next divide, stay left and stay left again at the subsequent divide to follow the Forest Road up to Echo Lake. Stay to your right along Forest Road to make your way to the shores of Echo Lake.
Take a rest at Echo Lake and spend some time exploring Joan Lake and Gem Lake to the west before turning around and retracing your steps back to the car.
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