Hike Trail Ridge and Lake Mountain Manti-La Sal National Forest, UT

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Jun 18, 2026 — The Wasatch Plateau has various peaks just off Skyline Drive, some more gorgeous than others. I returned to snag a few peaks as quick out-and-backs from my car, this little outing to Trail Ridge and Lake Peak being the prettiest and longest of them. Peakbaggers know of the Wasatch Plateau mostly because of South Tent Mountain, but other summits are Lowry Top, Cox Knoll, Cove Knoll, etc. I did a much bigger loop of peaks on the Wasatch Plateau that was much more fulfilling and I recommend checking out, but this quick jaunt to two peaks straddling Snow Lake were nice and covered in wildflowers today.

There are various roads to reach Skyline Drive, but some are ATV trails and are not passable by most street vehicles. The best access road comes from Ephraim via Ephraim Canyon Road, but I have taken Twelve Mile Road 0022 in the past and it worked well too.

I parked on the west side of Snow Lake and headed up the south ridge of Trail Ridge, following an animal trail most of the way. There was some light brush that I avoided toward the steep last few feet. I backtracked and took an ATV road south along a narrow forested-covered ridge that led to Lake Mountain. I then wrapped east around Snow Lake off-trail to get back to my car.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Trail Ridge

10574 ft

412 rise

Lake Mountain

10560 ft

322 rise

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First up was Trail Ridge, a quick jaunt up its south ridge.

Heading up to Trail Ridge, view south. Snow Lake seen below.

Trail Ridge ahead.

Trail Ridge summit, view west into Manti Canyon.

I then took an ATV trail along a land bridge over to Lake Mountain, center.

Very pretty meadows to the east.

View back toward Trail Ridge.

ATV Trail leading up to Lake Mountain.

Another shot back toward Trail Ridge.

Just below Lake Mountain's summit, view back.

Close-up toward Snow Lake and Trail Ridge.

I headed to the eastern reaches of Lake Mountain and got a view down into Ferron Canyon.

A little tarn.

I continued wrapping around the west side of Snow Lake back to my car.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!