Alexander Loop Spur - Level 3

Alexander Loop Spur is a short side route in the Uinta Mountains of Summit County, Utah. It sits east of Kamas, off the Mirror Lake Highway (UT-150) in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, in the Provo River drainage near Alexander Lake.

The area south of the lake has a network of forest tracks. This spur is one of them and sees mostly camping and hunting traffic. Expect a quiet drive through high-country forest and open pockets, with a few spots where a group could stop.

Trail Summary

LocationSummit County, Utah
Distance1.9 miles
DifficultyLevel 3
Elevation8,999 ft to 9,159 ft with a 160 ft change
Travel Time20 minutes

Difficulty

Best suited for a high clearance 4x4

This trail is rated level 3, Moderate, which is best suited to a high clearance 4x4. Expect a stock 4WD vehicle with good ground clearance and off-road tires to handle it. Typical level 3 conditions are an uneven, rutted dirt surface with some loose rock, ledges or drops under 12 inches, short steep grades, and possible mud holes. Any water crossings are usually less than a foot deep. The road is generally one vehicle wide with places to pass. The driver's log did not call out any specific obstacle on this spur, so treat it as a steady, careful drive and place tires with some thought on the rougher sections. Conditions can change with snowmelt and rain.

Terrain

The route runs on a narrow forest road at roughly 9,000 feet in the Uinta Mountains. The surface is dirt with scattered rock, and spots where it can be uneven or rutted. The setting is subalpine conifer forest broken by small meadows. Alexander Lake and other small lakes lie nearby, and the ground can be soft or muddy in wet weather and early in the season.

Highlights

The spur is close to the Mirror Lake Highway, so it is quick to reach and is a handy base for dispersed camping or a short exploring day. Alexander Lake, known for brook trout fishing, is a short distance away. Fall hunting season brings more traffic. Check current Forest Service orders before camping, because some areas along the Mirror Lake Highway have been closed to vehicles and camping to protect wetlands and streams.