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Utah County, Utah

Looking for the best backpacking in Utah County? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Utah County. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Backpacking Spots in and near Utah County

  • Evanston, Utah

    Backpack Naturalist Basin and Summit Mount Agassiz

    4.0
    15 mi / 3700 ft gain
    Naturist Basin is a beautiful area in the High Uintas Wilderness with an abundance of mountains, lakes, meadows, and wildlife.  It is best hiked July-September. To get to the trailhead, drive up the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway until you reach the Highline Trailhead Campground, about 3 miles past Mi...
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  • Oakley, Utah

    Backpack to Cutthroat Lake

    4 mi / 280 ft gain
    There isn't a trail to Cutthroat Lake so for a portion of the hike will be cross-country.  I highly recommend bringing a GPS but with intermediate route-finding skills you should be able to find your way.  We used the Gaia GPS app and this made the hike much easier.  The distance depends on the r...
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  • Oakley, Utah

    Scale the Cliffs at Ruth Lake

    4.8
    Getting There From Evanston, take the Mirror Lake Highway 150 about 42 miles to the Ruth Lake trailhead and follow the easy hike up from the highway; just look for the signs directing you to Ruth Lake. The Trail/The Climbs Once on the trail, keep an eye out to your left and soon you'll see the cl...
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  • Evanston, Utah

    Backpack to Ryder Lake

    4.7
    18 mi / 2000 ft gain
    Ryder Lake is accessed via the Stillwater Trail, beginning at the Christmas Meadows Trailhead off of Mirror Lake Highway. The trail heads due south from Christmas Meadows along the Stillwater River. It winds through lodgepole pine forests and skirts alpine meadows, gradually gaining elevation. A...
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  • Evanston, Utah

    Hike to Ostler Peak in the High Uintas

    13.7 mi / 3935 ft gain
    Hiking Ostler Peak in the High Uintas Wilderness is a serious challenge for anyone. Typically, this hike is done over 2-3 days, with an overnight at the beautiful Ostler Lake. Strong hikers can do this hike in one day, however, as long as you are prepared and know the route.  The route up Ostler ...
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  • Evanston, Utah

    Amethyst Basin via Christmas Meadows

    4.5
    12.57 mi / 2303 ft gain
    Directions: The trail leaves from the Christmas Meadows Trailhead. From Mirror Lake Scenic Byway (US 150) turn on Christmas Meadows Rd. The campground and trailhead are around 3.5 miles down the road dirt road. The road is suitable for low clearance vehicles. Trip Length: 6 miles each way + opt...
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  • Evanston, Utah

    Kermsuh Lake Trail

    5.0
    13.04 mi / 1722 ft gain
    Kermsuh Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Oakley, Utah.
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