Skip to main content
ForestMatters, LLC

Posy Lake Trail

Dixie National Forest, Utah · 3 min read

Distance
4 mi
Elevation Gain
400 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
June through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
2 / 10
Trailhead Amenities
Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
At Trailhead
Camping
Developed
Google MapsApple Maps

Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Posy Lake, a scenic, high-altitude fishable lake at 8,600 feet
  • Dense aspen and spruce-fir forest characteristic of Boulder Mountain
  • Good trout fishing access on a manageable trail
  • One of the most accessible of Boulder Mountain's 80+ lakes

Overview

Posy Lake is one of the more accessible fishing lakes on Boulder Mountain, sitting at 8,600 feet in the aspen and spruce-fir forest that characterizes the middle elevations of the mountain. The 4-mile out-and-back from the campground trailhead is gentle, gaining just 400 feet, and provides a relaxed alternative to the demanding Boulder Mountain Summit Trail for visitors who want to experience the mountain without a serious climb.

Boulder Mountain holds over 80 named lakes scattered across its broad volcanic surface, and Posy Lake is both one of the easiest to reach and one of the most reliably productive for fishing. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, and the surrounding forest provides the kind of quiet, shaded approach that makes the walk to the water as pleasant as the water itself.

Dixie National Forest manages the Posy Lake area through the Teasdale Ranger District. The campground at the lake provides a comfortable base for those who want to spend time on the mountain.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1.5: Forest Approach

The trail begins near the campground and follows a clear path through mixed aspen and spruce-fir forest toward the lake. The grade is gentle and the forest is dense enough to provide shade throughout the approach. Small meadow openings appear occasionally.

Miles 1.5 to 2.0: Lake Shore

The trail reaches the lake shore and follows it around a portion of the perimeter. Several good fishing access points are present. The lake reflects the surrounding forest and, on clear days, the sky. This is the standard turnaround and destination for the out-and-back.

When to Visit

June through October. The access road typically opens in June. Fall is excellent, the aspen forest surrounding the lake turns gold from late September through mid-October. October brings quiet conditions and good fishing before winter closes the road.

Afternoon thunderstorms are possible in July and August. The forest along the trail provides more shelter than exposed high routes, but the lake shore can be exposed.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry:

  • 1.5 liters of water (water available at the campground)
  • Fishing gear and Utah fishing license if planning to fish
  • Insect repellent for early season near the lake

Consider bringing:

  • Binoculars for bird watching around the lake
  • Waterproof footwear if wet trail sections are expected

Practical Details

Vault toilets at the campground near the trailhead. Cell service absent. Free day-use parking. Practice Leave No Trace principles. Keep dogs on leash near the lake to protect wildlife and other visitors' fishing experience.

For camping at Posy Lake Campground, see how to get a national forest camping permit.

Getting There

From Torrey on UT-24, take UT-12 south toward Boulder. Approximately 17-20 miles from Torrey, turn onto the signed forest road (FR 179) heading to Posy Lake Campground. The road is gravel; verify current conditions with the Teasdale Ranger District. From Boulder, take UT-12 north toward Torrey and watch for the Posy Lake road on the right (east side of the highway).

Trailhead Parking

Posy Lake Campground, accessed off UT-12 via FR 179 on Boulder Mountain. Paved to campground, gravel to trailhead. Free day-use parking.

← Back to Dixie National Forest

More Trails in Dixie National Forest

strenuousout-and-back

Boulder Mountain Summit Trail

9 mi2,300 ft gain
July through September

The Boulder Mountain Summit Trail climbs to the highest accessible point on Boulder Mountain at over 11,000 feet, offering sweeping views across the Colorado Plateau on a strenuous 9-mile out-and-back in Dixie National Forest.

4 min read

moderateloop

Bristlecone Pine Loop

3 mi600 ft gain
June through October

The Bristlecone Pine Loop visits ancient bristlecone pine trees estimated at over 3,000 years old near Cedar Breaks on a 3-mile moderate loop at 10,000 feet in Dixie National Forest.

3 min read

moderate-hardloop

Cedar Mountain Loop

8 mi1,600 ft gain
May through October

Cedar Mountain Loop traverses the Cedar Mountain plateau above Cedar City on a moderately challenging 8-mile circuit with views across the Great Basin and the Hurricane Cliffs in Dixie National Forest.

4 min read

easyloop

Paradise Flat Trail

3.5 mi200 ft gain
June through October

Paradise Flat Trail is a short, easy 3.5-mile loop across a high meadow plateau near Cedar Breaks, offering wildflower displays and views of the surrounding cliffs and forest in Dixie National Forest.

3 min read

easy-moderateloop

Pink Cliffs Loop

4 mi500 ft gain
May through October

The Pink Cliffs Loop explores the top of the Grand Staircase above Bryce Canyon on a 4-mile circuit through white and pink limestone hoodoos in Dixie National Forest, no park entrance fee required.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Red Canyon Rim Trail

5.5 mi700 ft gain
April through November

Red Canyon Rim Trail follows the rim above Red Canyon's striking red hoodoos and orange limestone formations on a 5.5-mile out-and-back route in Dixie National Forest, a comparable but less crowded alternative to Bryce Canyon.

4 min read

easyloop

Wide Hollow Reservoir Loop

5 mi300 ft gain
April through November

Wide Hollow Reservoir Loop is an easy 5-mile circuit around a scenic high-desert reservoir in Dixie National Forest, offering fishing access, waterfowl viewing, and views of the surrounding canyon country.

3 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Posy Lake stocked with trout?
Yes. Posy Lake is stocked with rainbow trout by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (Utah). A Utah fishing license is required. Check Utah Division of Wildlife Resources for current regulations.
Can I camp at Posy Lake?
Posy Lake Campground provides developed camping adjacent to the lake. Sites are reservable through Recreation.gov. Dispersed camping in the surrounding forest is also available. Campground fee applies (as of 2026).
How many lakes are on Boulder Mountain?
Boulder Mountain has over 80 named lakes and ponds. Most are reachable by various trail and cross-country routes. Posy Lake is one of the more accessible by trail.
Is this trail accessible in standard vehicles?
The access road from UT-12 to the Posy Lake Campground area is generally accessible in standard vehicles when the road is dry. The road surface is gravel. Verify current conditions with the Teasdale Ranger District before your trip.
Are there other trails connecting from Posy Lake?
The Boulder Mountain trail network connects several lakes and viewpoints. The Teasdale Ranger District can provide a current trail map showing connections from Posy Lake to other routes on the mountain.