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Clever Hiker: Amethyst Basin Backpacking Guide – High Uintas

Amethyst Basin is moderately challenging and this hike takes you up to a high alpine lake with gorgeous campsites.

Clever Hiker: Amethyst Basin Backpacking Guide – High Uintas

Last updated:
November 20, 2025
|  5 min read
A lake in front of a mountain

Clever Hiker: Amethyst Basin Backpacking Guide – High Uintas

Clever Hiker: Amethyst Basin Backpacking Guide – High Uintas

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Amethyst Basin is moderately challenging and this hike takes you up to a high alpine lake with gorgeous campsites.

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Clever Hiker: Amethyst Basin Backpacking Guide – High Uintas

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Amethyst Basin Backpacking Guide – High Uintas

The High Uinta Wilderness is home to a plethora of great backpacking options. A hike to Amethyst Basin is among the very best. Moderately challenging, this hike takes you up to a high alpine lake with gorgeous campsites. The trail follows the Stillwater and Ostler Forks of the Bear River as it ascends about 2050 feet, passing beautiful waterfalls on the way to a stunning cirque basin. The meadow-framed basin rewards backpackers with a glistening alpine lake with panoramic views of Ostler and Hayden Peaks. Extra days allow time for climbing Ostler Peak or walking the entire perimeter of the lake.

Continue reading to learn more about backpacking the Amethyst Basin, written by Dave Collins.

Clever Hiker: Amethyst Basin Backpacking Guide – High Uintas

Amethyst Basin Backpacking Guide – High Uintas

The High Uinta Wilderness is home to a plethora of great backpacking options. A hike to Amethyst Basin is among the very best. Moderately challenging, this hike takes you up to a high alpine lake with gorgeous campsites. The trail follows the Stillwater and Ostler Forks of the Bear River as it ascends about 2050 feet, passing beautiful waterfalls on the way to a stunning cirque basin. The meadow-framed basin rewards backpackers with a glistening alpine lake with panoramic views of Ostler and Hayden Peaks. Extra days allow time for climbing Ostler Peak or walking the entire perimeter of the lake.

Continue reading to learn more about backpacking the Amethyst Basin, written by Dave Collins.

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Founder, CEO & Editor-in-Chief
Dave Collins
Dave is CleverHiker’s founder and he oversees day-to-day operations of the site.
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Clever Hiker: Amethyst Basin Backpacking Guide – High Uintas

Amethyst Basin Backpacking Guide – High Uintas

The High Uinta Wilderness is home to a plethora of great backpacking options. A hike to Amethyst Basin is among the very best. Moderately challenging, this hike takes you up to a high alpine lake with gorgeous campsites. The trail follows the Stillwater and Ostler Forks of the Bear River as it ascends about 2050 feet, passing beautiful waterfalls on the way to a stunning cirque basin. The meadow-framed basin rewards backpackers with a glistening alpine lake with panoramic views of Ostler and Hayden Peaks. Extra days allow time for climbing Ostler Peak or walking the entire perimeter of the lake.

Continue reading to learn more about backpacking the Amethyst Basin, written by Dave Collins.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Founder, CEO & Editor-in-Chief
Dave Collins
Dave is CleverHiker’s founder and he oversees day-to-day operations of the site.
Media Mentions
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