Aspen Mirror Lake

Small alpine lake hidden in aspens—wildlife and reflections

Auf einen Blick

Kurz gesagt

Aspen Mirror Lake liegt ~5 min + short hike vom Duck Creek Village Inn entfernt und passt am besten, wenn Sie small alpine lake hidden in aspens—wildlife and reflections moechten. Aspen Mirror Lake is a 15-acre alpine lake tucked in the aspens just minutes from Duck Creek Village — about a half-mile walk from the trailhead on Forest Service Road 057 off Highway 14.

Schnelle Fakten

Entfernung	~5 min + short hike
Fahrbereich	0–20 min
Am besten fuer	Small alpine lake hidden in aspens—wildlife and reflections

Gut zu wissen

Photography — early mornings produce mirror-still reflections of the surrounding forest
Short, family-friendly hike (about half a mile to the lake)
Shore fishing for stocked rainbow, brown, brook, and tiger trout (no boats or float tubes; Utah fishing license required)

Aspen Mirror Lake is a 15-acre alpine lake tucked in the aspens just minutes from Duck Creek Village — about a half-mile walk from the trailhead on Forest Service Road 057 off Highway 14. At roughly 8,400 feet in Dixie National Forest, it's known for calm mornings when the water mirrors the surrounding pine and aspen canopy, wildlife sightings (deer, marmots, chipmunks, and foxes), and brilliant fall color when the aspens turn red, orange, and yellow. It's one of the most photogenic and accessible spots near the village, and the short walk makes it ideal for families, photographers, and anyone who wants a quiet mountain lake experience without a long drive.

Aktivitäten

Photography — early mornings produce mirror-still reflections of the surrounding forest
Short, family-friendly hike (about half a mile to the lake)
Shore fishing for stocked rainbow, brown, brook, and tiger trout (no boats or float tubes; Utah fishing license required)
Wildlife watching — deer, marmots, chipmunks, squirrels, and frogs frequent the shoreline
Connecting trail to Duck Lake, approximately one mile farther

Tipps

Go early for still water and the best reflections. Fall is especially popular when aspen leaves turn — color peaks in September through early October. PowerBait, worms, and small spinners work well for the stocked trout; fly anglers do well with ant, midge, and leech patterns. Spring and fall offer the best fishing, though summer mornings and evenings are productive. Not stroller-friendly due to lava rocks on the trail.

Beste Reisezeit

Best from June through November. Fall color peaks in September–early October and draws photographers from across the region. Snow closes access in winter and early spring. Summer visits are most comfortable in early morning or evening when the light is soft and the lake is calm.

Reisedetails

Difficulty: Easy — half-mile walk on a flat forest trail; not stroller-friendly due to lava rocks
Drive time: ~5 min + short hike from the inn
Parking: Small parking area at the trailhead on Forest Service Road 057 off Highway 14. Vault toilets at the trailhead. Free; no entrance fee (Dixie National Forest).
Pets: Dogs welcome on trail and at the lake. Keep on leash near wildlife.

Was mitbringen

Camera — still mornings create mirror reflections
Fishing gear if you want to cast from shore
Water and snacks
Layers — mornings at 8,400 ft can be cool even in summer

Aufenthalt planen

Once this stop is on your list, use Plan Your Days for itinerary ideas or compare our rooms and cabins to match the style of trip you want.

Warum diesem Guide vertrauen

Lake days can shift quickly with snowmelt, afternoon storms, and road conditions on the plateau. We pair guest-planning experience with the official updates below so you can confirm water access and the safest drive up.

Fragen: Aspen Mirror Lake

Distance, timing, and what to expect at the water.

Wofuer eignet sich Aspen Mirror Lake?

Aspen Mirror Lake is a 15-acre alpine lake tucked in the aspens just minutes from Duck Creek Village — about a half-mile walk from the trailhead on Forest Service Road 057 off Highway 14.