Overview
The Fish Lake Loop is the signature easy trail at Fishlake National Forest, circling the entire perimeter of Fish Lake on a mostly flat path that stays close to the water or just inside the surrounding aspen and spruce forest. At 8,843 feet elevation, the lake sits high enough to stay cool even in midsummer, and the scenery shifts constantly as the trail moves between open meadow, dense aspen, and boulder-strewn shoreline.
This is one of the most accessible mountain lake loops in south-central Utah. The trail requires no technical skills, no permit, and no fee. It is popular with anglers looking to scout shoreline access, families with children who can manage 6 miles, and anyone who simply wants a scenic walk at altitude.
The Route
Boat Launch to North Shore (Miles 0-1.5) Starting at the main boat launch parking area, the trail follows the eastern shoreline heading north. This section is the most open, with broad meadow stretches giving unobstructed views west toward the Mytoge Mountain ridgeline. A pair of ospreys nest along this stretch most seasons, and bald eagles are occasional visitors. The path is well-defined and mostly flat.
North End Aspen Corridor (Miles 1.5-3.0) At the north end of the lake, the trail enters a dense aspen grove that provides welcome shade on warm afternoons. The ground cover transitions to ferns and wildflowers in early summer, including lupine and paintbrush. This section follows the Mackinaw Campground boundary, so expect to cross a campground road near the 2-mile mark.
West Shore and Pando Approach (Miles 3.0-4.5) The western shore passes the Pando aspen clone area. Even without taking the interpretive loop detour, you can see the edge of the famous grove from the main trail. The shoreline here is quieter than the east side, with fewer day-use pullouts. Watch for mule deer grazing in the meadow patches along the water.
South End Return (Miles 4.5-6.0) The final stretch rounds the south end of the lake, passing the Bowery Haven Resort area, and returns along the east shoreline to the boat launch. A short optional spur climbs a low rise for an elevated perspective over the full lake, adding about 0.3 miles and 80 feet.
When to Hike
June and July offer wildflowers at peak and the quietest weekday mornings. The lake surface is glassy in early morning before afternoon winds pick up.
August and September remain excellent, though afternoon thunderstorms are common. Start before 9 a.m. to avoid being caught on the open lakeshore during lightning.
October is the top month for aspen color. The groves surrounding Fish Lake turn gold and orange in mid-October, often creating near-perfect reflections on calm mornings. Visitor numbers drop significantly after Labor Day.
Winter brings snow and ice, and the trail becomes suitable for snowshoes. Check road conditions on UT-25 before making the trip.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 1 to 1.5 liters of water per person, though the loop passes close to the lake throughout. Water from the lake requires treatment before drinking. Sunscreen and a light wind layer are useful even on warm days because the altitude and lake breeze can make shade feel chilly. A pair of binoculars rewards birdwatchers along the north and east shores. Individual water needs vary based on exertion level and conditions.
Trailhead Access
The main trailhead is at the Fish Lake boat launch off Utah Highway 25, approximately 30 miles east of Richfield. The gravel parking area is large but fills by midmorning on summer weekends. No permit or fee is required for day hiking. Dogs are welcome on leash throughout. The trailhead has a vault toilet. Cell service is absent from most carriers in this area.
Nearby
After completing the loop, the Pando Interpretive Loop is a short 1.5-mile walk through the world's largest known living organism, just a few minutes' drive from the boat launch. For something more challenging, the Mytoge Mountain Trail climbs the ridge east of the lake for an entirely different perspective. Check current conditions before your trip at /learn/checking-conditions-before-you-go and pack out everything you bring following the principles at /learn/leave-no-trace-7-principles.