Ibantik Lake, Utah.
Ibantik Lake is one of my favorite backpacking trips in the Uinta Mountains. The trail climbs through pine forest before opening into a beautiful alpine basin surrounded by granite peaks. It feels remote without requiring a long expedition, which makes it a great overnight backpacking trip for anyone looking to explore Utah’s high country.
We actually found Ibantik Lake by accident. After missing a turn, we ended up bushwhacking toward Notch Mountain instead of taking the direct route. It wasn’t the easiest way to get there, but it gave us incredible views across the Uintas and turned into one of those adventures we’ll never forget.
Quick Facts
Trail: Ibantik Lake Trail
Location: Uinta Mountains, Utah
Distance: Approximately 12 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: About 2,000 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Best Time to Visit: July through September
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Camping: Backcountry camping is permitted. Follow Leave No Trace principles.
How to Get to Ibantik Lake.
The trail begins near Crystal Lake along the Mirror Lake Highway in the Uinta Mountains. From Salt Lake City, the drive takes about two hours through Kamas before climbing into the mountains. Parking is available at the trailhead, although it fills quickly on summer weekends.
The trail is easy to follow for most of the hike. Pay attention to trail signs, especially if you’re connecting with Notch Mountain. We learned that lesson the hard way.
What the Hike Is Like.
The trail starts with a steady climb through dense pine forest before gradually opening into wide alpine meadows. As you gain elevation, the views become bigger with every switchback. Granite peaks begin to surround the trail and small lakes appear between the trees.
When we accidentally headed toward Notch Mountain, we found ourselves looking down at Ibantik Lake from above. It wasn’t the route we planned, but it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. Sometimes the wrong trail leads to the best memories.
Once we reached the lake, everything slowed down. The water was calm, the campsites were quiet, and the only sounds came from the wind moving through the trees.
Camping at Ibantik Lake.
There are several established campsites around the lake with plenty of space to spread out. Always camp on durable surfaces and leave the area cleaner than you found it.
Bring a water filter because the lake provides a reliable water source. Afternoon thunderstorms are common during the summer, so it’s worth setting up camp before the weather changes.
Sunset at Ibantik Lake is one of the best parts of the trip. As the light fades across the granite peaks, the entire basin takes on a completely different feel.
What to Pack.
Weather in the Uintas changes quickly, even during the middle of summer. I’ve been caught in rain, hail, and freezing temperatures on trips that started with blue skies.
I always pack a lightweight rain jacket, warm layers, a water filter, bug spray, a head net during mosquito season, and trekking poles. Good hiking boots are worth the extra weight on the rocky sections of trail.
Best Time to Visit Ibantik Lake.
Late July and August are my favorite times to backpack to Ibantik Lake. Wildflowers are usually at their peak, the trails are mostly snow melted and the days are long enough to enjoy camp without feeling rushed. Bugs are typically gone by August.
September is another great option if you’re looking for fewer people and cooler temperatures. Nights become much colder, but the changing colors and quiet trails make it one of the most beautiful times to visit.
Wildlife.
Keep an eye out for moose, deer, marmots, and pika throughout the hike. The lake is also home to cutthroat trout, making it a popular destination for backpackers who enjoy fishing.
Always store food properly and give wildlife plenty of space.
Why I Keep Coming Back.
I’ve backpacked all over the Uinta Mountains, but Ibantik Lake continues to be one of the places I recommend most often. It has everything I look for in an overnight trip. Beautiful scenery. Great camping. A rewarding hike. It feels wild without being overwhelming.
If you’re planning your first backpacking trip in the Uintas or you’re simply looking for another alpine lake to explore, Ibantik Lake deserves a spot on your list.
Bring your camera. Slow down when you reach the lake. Stay for sunset if you can. It’s one of those places that reminds you why backpacking in Utah is so special.
How to get to the Ibantik Lake Trail
Depending on which way you take the trail. Ibantik Lake Trail is a 6.4 mile hike located near Kamas, Utah. This out and back hike features an elevation gain of 1115 feet and access to a variety of lakes for fishing, camping and day hiking. This trail is kid and dog friendly and is normally clear from May to October depending on the snowpack. Be aware, horses and mountain goats also use this trail. Getting to the trailhead is easy, finding the trailhead in the parking lot can be confusing just be sure to look for the correct signs and make sure you bring a map.
From Salt Lake:
Head East on i80 and adventure up into the mountains.
Exit South onto US-40 /189.
Take Exit 4 to Park City / Kamas and turn left on to UT-248.
Turn Left (north) in Kamas on to UT-32 and travel 2 blocks.
Turn Right (east) on to Center Street which turns into the Mirror Lake Highway.
Take the Mirror Lake Highway (Highway 150) 27 miles to the Trial lake.
We went off the beaten path to Ibantik Lake, partially because the signs are deteriorating. Partially because we were trying to get ahead of a giant boyscout troop and started hiking on the wrong trail. Because we were to proud of our egos and didn’t want to turn around we bushwhacked through the Uintas and pointed ourselves towards the notch. Not the shortest way but defiantly the most adventurous. The shortest way is on the Notch Mountain Trail that goes past Wall Lake. Our longer and more adventurers loop on the way in allowed us to catch the sunset and some spectacular views of the Uintas from the Notch.
