Big Elk Lake 2025

I was surprised and pleased that I could assemble a group of 14 WMCers to visit an out-of-the-way spot in the Uintas, Big Elk Lake. It's a great destination on a warm day — most of the hike is over 10,000 ft.

We carpooled up to the Upper Setting trailhead, then set off on the very straightforward trail. The trail winds down through forest and meadows, passing various lakes and occasional cliffy outcrops of quartzite that show glacial striations. The meadows were full of flowers and the lakes were full of water, which is good news given how dry our summer has been. The trail has been improved substantially since my previous visit — most of the deadfall has been removed, the trail tread looks much better and there is a little actual signage.

I was impressed enough by the flowers that I took many photos of them. I especially liked the pink monkeyflowers and the yellow columbines.

Many thanks to the participants for making it such an enjoyable trip: Yi Qu, Gretchen Siegler, Jim Kucera, Kianoush Sadre Bazzaz, Leslie Woods, Hong Duong, Chris Hartnett, Jennifer Arce, Beth Blattenberger, Mitchell Dutt, Diana Yang, Dave Beardsley and Patti Beardsley.

go to the Big Elk Lake photo gallery