If you’re planning a drive up State Route 150 today, I have some news that might sting a bit depending on what kind of tires you have. Mirror Lake Highway is officially closed. At least, it’s closed to your SUV. As of January 2026, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has locked the seasonal gates, turning one of the state's most beautiful high-altitude drives into a massive, snowy playground for people with engines on skis.
Most people see a "Closed" sign and turn around. That’s a mistake.
While you can't drive to the Wyoming border right now, the mirror lake highway status doesn't mean the mountain is off-limits. It just means the rules have changed. The gate usually drops around the Soapstone Basin area—roughly 15 miles past Kamas—and doesn't budge until the spring thaw, which, let’s be honest, can take until June if the Uintas get a late-season dumping.
The Reality of the Winter Gate
You've probably heard someone say you can "sneak" past the closure. Please, don't.
Every year, someone in a lifted truck thinks they can handle the drifts near Trial Lake and ends up as a very expensive cautionary tale for Search and Rescue. UDOT isn't joking when they flip those signs to "Closed." The road climbs to over 10,000 feet at Bald Mountain Pass. Up there, the wind doesn't just blow; it deletes the road.
Right now, the status is strictly "Seasonal Closure." This means:
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- No through traffic to Evanston, Wyoming.
- No snow removal beyond the winter closure gates.
- The road is legally repurposed for non-motorized and over-snow vehicle use.
If you’re looking to check the gate yourself, the lower elevations near Kamas are often bone-dry in January, which is super deceptive. You’ll be cruising along, thinking the internet lied to you, and then—bam—the pavement ends at a massive steel arm and a wall of white.
Where the Road Actually Ends (For Now)
The "winter gate" is generally located at mile marker 14.6, near the Soapstone turnoff.
Everything past that point belongs to the snowmobilers and the cross-country skiers. Honestly, it’s a different world back there. The silence is heavy. You won't hear the roar of a semi-truck or the whine of a tourist's minivan. Instead, it’s just the hum of a Polaris or the rhythmic shush-shush of someone on Nordic skis.
If you’re heading up from the Wyoming side (starting in Evanston), you’ll hit a similar wall. The closure on the north end typically starts near the East Fork Bear River area. Everything in between is a 42-mile stretch of frozen wilderness.
Why the Status Stays "Closed" So Long
Utah weather is weird. You might have a 60-degree day in Salt Lake City in April, but at Mirror Lake, it’s still mid-winter. UDOT doesn't just look at the calendar; they look at the snowpack.
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In 2025, the road didn't fully open until late May. Some years, they’re still plowing 20-foot walls of snow in the middle of June. The "status" is a moving target. If you’re checking this in late spring, keep an eye on the UDOT Traffic app or their social media feeds. They usually start teasing the opening a few weeks out, once the rotomills start chewing through the ice.
A Quick Reality Check on Fees
Even when the road is closed, the Forest Service still likes their lunch money.
If you park at the Soapstone gate or any of the winter trailheads to go snowshoeing, you still need a recreation pass. You can grab a 3-day or 7-day pass at the self-service kiosks or the Kamas Ranger Station. Don't skip it; the rangers up there have a keen eye for empty dashboards.
What You Can Actually Do Right Now
So, the highway is a no-go for your car. What now?
Basically, you pivot.
- Snowmobiling: This is the big one. The Uintas are legendary for deep powder. If you have a sled, the groomed trail starts right at the gate.
- Cross-Country Skiing: The Utah Nordic Alliance often has updates on the lower sections. It’s a grind, but the views are unbeatable.
- Fat Biking: If you've got those chunky tires, the packed snowmobile trails are actually pretty decent for a ride, provided you stay out of the way of the high-speed traffic.
- Yellowstone-esque Solitude: If you're willing to hike or skin in a few miles, you can see spots like Upper Provo River Falls without a single other human in sight. That's a rare gift.
Don't Trust Google Maps Blindly
Here is a pro tip: Google Maps is notoriously bad at updating seasonal closures in real-time. It might tell you it’s a 1-hour drive to Evanston. It is not. It will lead you straight to a locked gate and a very frustrating U-turn.
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Always cross-reference with the UDOT "Seasonal Roads" dashboard. They are the only ones who actually know where the keys to the gate are.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
If you're heading toward Kamas today, here is your move:
- Check the UDOT Traffic Website: Look for SR-150 specifically. If it says "Closed," believe it.
- Call the Kamas Ranger Station: Dial 435-783-4338. These folks live and breathe the Uintas. They’ll tell you exactly where the snow starts and if the restrooms at the trailhead are actually unlocked.
- Pack for the Arctic: Even if it’s sunny, the temperature drops about 3-5 degrees for every 1,000 feet you climb. By the time you hit the closure, it’ll be significantly colder than the valley.
- Fuel Up in Kamas: There are zero services once you pass the last Chevron in town. No gas, no snacks, no cell service.
The mirror lake highway status will eventually flip back to "Open" come May or June, but for now, the mountains are sleeping. Respect the gate, enjoy the quiet, and maybe rent a snowmobile if you're feeling restless.
Check the UDOT seasonal road map before you put the car in gear. If you're looking for a backup plan, the road to Wolf Creek Pass (SR-35) sometimes stays open a bit longer, but even that's a gamble this time of year. Stay safe out there.