Backpack to Hyalite Lake

Follow Hyalite Creek Trail for a little more than 5 miles to reach the lake. The trail is well maintained and begins very mellow. The climb to the lake is about 2,000 ft. but it is a very gradual gain and is not too hard with a pack. The trail is full of waterfalls which gives you a chance to set down the pack and whip out the camera. About a mile from the lake, the canyon you have been hiking through is revealed before you which creates a perfect bowl of green pine trees. Give it another 15-20 minutes and you will be at the lake. Be warned, the lake is more of a pond even by alpine standards but it is surrounded by huge walls and two peaks which makes it a nice place to explore. Camping out here at the lake made a beautiful view to wake up to and it was very secluded since the lake is mostly day hiker destination, it also gives you the options of hiking Hyalite peak for the sunset or sunrise without tiring yourself out too much by having to go all the way back to the car afterwards. You can rest your feet next to a campfire before you have to start thinking about going back home or campus.