Lakes

Aspen Mirror Lake

Small alpine lake hidden in aspens—wildlife and reflections

At a glance

Drive time: ~5 min + short hike from the inn
Difficulty: Easy — half-mile walk on a flat forest trail; not stroller-friendly due to lava rocks
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.

At a glance

The short version

Aspen Mirror Lake is ~5 min + short hike from Duck Creek Village Inn and works best when you want small alpine lake hidden in aspens—wildlife and reflections. 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.

Quick facts

Distance	~5 min + short hike
Drive band	0–20 min
Best for	Small alpine lake hidden in aspens—wildlife and reflections

Good to know

Photography — early mornings produce mirror-still reflections of the surrounding forest
Short, family-friendly hike (about half a mile to the lake)
Shore fishing when current Utah DWR rules and stocking conditions support it (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 is known for calm mornings when the water mirrors the surrounding pine and aspen canopy, occasional wildlife sightings, and brilliant fall color when the aspens turn red, orange, and yellow. It is 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.

Activities

Photography — early mornings produce mirror-still reflections of the surrounding forest
Short, family-friendly hike (about half a mile to the lake)
Shore fishing when current Utah DWR rules and stocking conditions support it (no boats or float tubes; Utah fishing license required)
Quiet wildlife watching along the shoreline and forest edge
Connecting trail to Duck Lake, approximately one mile farther

Tips

Go early for still water and the best reflections. Fall is especially popular when aspen leaves turn — color peaks in September through early October. Check current Utah DWR rules and stocking information before making fishing the main reason for the stop. Not stroller-friendly due to lava rocks on the trail.

When to go

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.

What to bring

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

Official planning links

Use these source pages for current access, facility, water, fee, or condition details before you drive.

USDA Forest Service: Duck Creek Visitor Center Open official source Dixie National Forest alerts Open official source Utah DWR: fishing rules and stocking Open official source

Stay planning

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.

May 2026

Why trust this guide

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.

Questions: Aspen Mirror Lake

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

What is Aspen Mirror Lake good for?

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.