Location: Uintas, UT Distance : 14.3 mi Elevation Gain : 2125 ft Dogs Allowed : Yes Season: July - Sept

Nick Ray Share:

Backpacking Naturalist Basin

Commonly thought of as one of the crown jewels of the Uintas, Naturalist Basin is a fantastic overnight backpacking destination. Following the route we've described, you will see nine different lakes, one waterfall, and plenty of expansive views. It doesn't come without a price though. Because of its popularity, this trip is more suited to someone looking for great views rather than to one seeking solitude. Still, once you actually get to the basin (past Jordan Lake), you can feel pretty isolated while you soak in all of those epic views. The Trailhead Start at the Hayden Pass trailhead located about 3 driving miles from Mirror Lake off of Mirror Lake Highway (Highway 150). The route is an out-and-back so this trailhead will serve as the start and end to your trip.

Start of the trailhead

Below Tree Line The first 6.4 miles of this route are below tree line and can get pretty crowded near the beginning so be patient. Starting at the Hayden pass trailhead, you will descend gradually for 1.2 miles. 1.7 miles into the trail you will come upon the Scudder Lake Trail junction. The main trail (Highline Trail) goes right past the lake (and is visible from it), but take the side trail if you want a closer look of the lake. From this junction on will be gradually uphill until you get to the basin shelf.

The trail actually descends at the start

Heading toward a dry lake

Crossing a log just for the hell of it

Bottom of the Basin At 5 miles, you will reach another junction that forms a loop. Heading west will take you toward Morat Lakes, while heading east will lead you to Jordan Lake. I believe the better option is to head toward Jordan Lake for a few reasons: This route has a more gradual ascent to the top of the basin shelf. On the contrary, the Morat Lakes option has a brutal and rocky climb to the top.

The view of Morat Lakes coming down from Blue Lake is epic. While you can certainly see this from either option, I think popping out from Blue Lake with this view makes it that much more cool.

Erminia at a creek near the junction

On the way to Jordan Lake!

And there is Jordan Lake!

Once you get to the eastern edge of Jordan Lake, you will start the 240 ft ascent to the shelf of Naturalist Basin. This is the toughest part of the hike but is definitely doable for fit hikers. On the Basin Shelf At the top of the shelf, the trail will grow more and more faint until it eventually disappears altogether. However, because you are above tree line now, navigation shouldn't be too much of an issue. In addition, because this part is all off-trail, you will encounter noticeably fewer people. Even though it adds some distance, I strongly recommend heading northeast toward Shaler Lake. This tucked away lake feels very isolated and offers fantastic camping spots with views of the valley below to the south and Spread Eagle Peak to the north.

Climbing to the top of the shelf

Reaching Shaler Lake

Shaler Lake is home to some expansive terrain and dramatic skies

Hell yeah!

Sunset at Shaler Lake

Clearish skies give way to amazing stars

Dwarfed by stars

With a view of Shaler Lake

A short walk northwest from here will connect you to the long Faxon Lake. West of this lake are LeConte Lake (also great camping) and, finally, Blue Lake. Blue Lake is dwarfed by the 12,428 ft Mount Agassiz Peak. Ironically, Blue Lake is actually not the most blue lake on this hike. As you head south from Blue Lake, you will be brought to a gorgeous view of the bluer Morat Lakes. You will also see a cascading waterfall here that adds to the dramatic views.

Passing LeConte Lake

Blue Lake looking not so blue

Pond near Blue Lake

View of Morat Lakes

With a waterfall for good measure

Descend the rocky and steep trail down to the Morat Lakes. Following the trail further will take you to the loop junction again. Return 5.1 miles the way you came. Conclusion Despite the crowds at the beginning of the trail, Naturalist Basin shelf feels surprisingly isolated. I really enjoyed spending time on the shelf and exploring all the different lakes up there. If you are looking for a quick and scenic overnighter, backpacking Naturalist Basin offers a great adventure.

Conservation: Follow Leave No Trace guidelines. Let's keep this area pristine! Permit: Ah yeah, no permit is needed on this trip! Logistics: Be sure to bring: Rain jacket and warm clothing. The Uintas are known for having moody weather. On our last morning of this trip (in August), we woke up to cold pouring rain, had clear sunny skies during our hike out, and experienced rain again as we were leaving the parking lot.

Bug spray. The Uintas are home to a lot of mosquitoes. Hazards Include: Thunderstorms, lightning, sudden changes in weather. Don't be surprised to have totally different weather in the afternoon / evening from the morning. Season: With snow commonly lingering into end of June, shoot for July - September for the best weather in the Uintas.