Spider Lake Trail is a 21.8 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Mountain Home, Utah that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
FIRE CLOSURE: As of February 2021. there are closures in this park or area due to wildfire. For more information, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/ashley/home.
Duchesne/Roosevelt Ranger District Duchesne Office 85 West Main PO Box 981 Duchesne, UT 84021 Phone: 435-738-2482 Fax: 435-781-5215
From Heber City, take US Highway 40 east 69 miles to Duchesne. Then tate SR 87 north 14 miles to Mountain Home. Follow Moon Lake Road north 4 miles to where Yellowstone River Road Intersects on the east side. From this point, follow Yellowstone River Road another 4 miles to Hell's Canyon Road. Hell's Canyon trailhead is west of the Center Park trailhead.
The trail is maintained but it is very rocky, not a hike for people who are just starting out. The fishing there is not bad catching some large Brooke trout and large cutthroats. The only pass you have to get over is not very hard going to the lake but is very steep and rocky on the way out. Besides that it was a very beautiful hike with lots of great views.
I’ve done this trail ten times now. It’s rocky, steep, full of meaningless ups and downs and is not for the faint of heart, but it’s my favorite basin in the Uintahs. Twice we took horses but regretted it both times. This trail is not a horse trail. Just keep your packs light and enjoy the fantastic fishing and breathtaking scenery. Last year we took six grandkids - ages 10 - 14. They made it just fine. They loved it because they caught fish on nearly every cast and there wasn’t a mosquito to be found anywhere. That, however, probably will never happen again
If you want a backpacking, butt-kicking trail-riding experience, then this is your trail. You'll feel SO glad when reach Spider lake!! If you are wanting to go to the top of the drainage, then Spider should be your destination for the 1st night especially to acclimate so you don't get altitude sickness. Hiked this in 2013 and again in 2014. Very rewarding and crazy elevation changes. normbagley@gmail.com
Amazing! The hike beats you up no doubt, but once you get there it is 110% worth it. Fishing was unbelievable as well. Honestly you can catch 40 fish is 50 casts up there. It's the most rewarding hike ever, and there's tons of water on the trail so you can stop and drink as many times as you want. Bring a water purifier. Overall, my favorite hike ever. Would do a million times over.
I would rate this higher, but since 4 stars is "I would do it again", I can't go that high because this trail chewed me up and I doubt I will do it again. This trail was as advertised hard. The elevation changes were really challenging, but that was my fault for not being as prepared as I should have been. Going in I had support and made the 9.8 in 10 hours. Coming out we hiked out to Swasey Creek and camped just off the trail. I would suggest doing this in and out unless you really are prepared for the elevation changes and the distance. Having said that it was truly mythical. Beautiful and amazing views from the tops and descents through some amazing meadows. There is also good water several spots along the trail.