Ibantik Lake

This is an awesome day hike or overnight trip in the Uintas, with awesome views and beautiful lakes. Park at the Crystal Lake Trailhead; with a large parking area and overflow parking about 0.5 miles away. There is a vault toilet at the parking lot so use it if you hate using nature. This hike is pretty easy as far as elevation gain goes. But you never drop below 10,000 feet so breath can still be hard to come by. The first section of trail has a lot of pretty wildflowers. You will soon pass by Wall Lake. This is the largest you will see and is a popular place to camp. The trail passes the shores of this lake and then up and above it. After this lake you will climb what is called "the notch." This is a small pass that breaks notch mountain into two. This is where most of your elevation is gained each way. As you get to the top of the notch you can see Lovenia Lake below you and some gorgeous views of distant peaks. The trail down the notch is pretty, and mostly easy to follow. Very soon you will hike switchbacks right to the shore of Ibantik Lake. This is a beautiful, deep lake. There were some really good campsites if you want to stay overnight. Take at least an hour at the lake to explore. In the spring there is a waterfall on the south east side of the lake. There are giant rocks to climb around on as well. There are several options to extend this hike and shuttle back to your car, or simply take this as an out-and-back.