Four Lakes Basin

Four Lakes Basin is a great fishing destination. It is surrounded by rocky mountains on three sides, tucked in along the main spine of Utah's Uinta mountains. It rains almost daily, stays close to freezing at night for 10 and a half months out of the year, lush with greenery, and alpine. The basin contains four lakes, all with decent fishing. The trail starts at the Highline Trailhead off of the Mirror Lake Highway. For most of this trip you will be on the Highline trail, which runs along the spine of the Uinta Mountains, East to West. The Highline trail is very well marked (with an 'i' cut into the trees) and in places wide enough for two to hike side by side. In the wet places there are bridges and wood slat trails. There are other trails that break off of this one, so be alert because there are not always clear sign posts. When you come to the left turnoff for Naturalist Basin, keep going straight. Down into the river valley you will come to another turn off to Pinto and Governor Dern Lake. Go straight (or left). Once out of the valley, you will come to a turn off for Carolyn lake, which can be seen through the trees (see Optional Side Treks at the bottom). This makes a great camp for the first day. A little farther up the trail will split with the Highline continuing left up to Rocky Sea Pass, and right to Four Lake Basin. You will round the mountain pretty much at tree line, and shortly come into view of the basin. Camp locations are all over the place. Choose one with a good fire ring already built. Remember to stay 200 feet from trail and water. That can be difficult, there are some good and legal camping spots near streams by Dale or Dayne lake. This side of Jean lake has been some of the best fishing I have found in Four Lake Basin. I love to go along the rocks, where the lake drops off deep and quick, and catch the large fish lurking in the boulders' shadows. Large is a relative term for the Uintas; 12 inches is large here. Generally there are a few groups here when I've gone, but the basin is large enough that you may not even see each other or hear each other.