The Upper Setting Trail to Big Elk Lake and Island Lake
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The Upper Setting Trail to Big Elk Lake and Island Lake
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The Upper Setting Lake Trail to Big Elk Lake and Island Lake is a fantastic route in the western Uintas. This 18.6mi hike can be done as a day-hike or an overnight backpacking trip with campsites at both Big Elk Lake and Island Lake. This route is dog-friendly, so you are more than welcome to enjoy this hike alongside your favorite four-legged friend.
Getting there
From Kamas, Utah, head east on highway 150 for 8.6mi. Just past the Yellow Pine Campground, turn left onto Upper Setting Road (Forest Road 034). This hike begins at the north end of Upper Setting Road, approximately 7.0mi from the highway turn off.
About
| Backcountry Campground | Camping at Big Elk Lake and Island Lake |
| When to do | May to September |
| Pets allowed | Yes |
| Family friendly | No |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | Low |
| Route Type | Out and back |
The Upper Setting Trail to Big Elk Lake and Island Lake
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The Upper Setting Trail to Big Elk Lake and Island Lake Description
The Upper Setting Lake Trail to Big Elk Lake and Island Lake is a beautiful route through the Western Uinta Wilderness. This hike has some steep and rocky sections, so be sure to arrive with proper, supportive hiking footwear and lots of snacks and water to fuel your adventure. The Upper Setting Lake trail is marked primarily by cairns. If you are unfamiliar with cairns, these are stacks of rocks used as way-markers for backcountry travelers. If you are unsure of where the trail goes, it is always a good idea to stop and scan your surroundings for one of these structures. Please be respectful of the cairns along this trail, do not knock them over, and do not add more that may confuse your fellow hikers.
From the trailhead, follow the Upper Setting Trail as it winds its way east to Elk Lake. Be sure to stop for a rest at Elk Lake before continuing east to Island Lake.
Enjoy a picnic lunch or set up your tent for a night at Island Lake. When you are ready to head home, simply retrace your steps back to the trailhead where you began.
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