Barker Lakes Loop

Sections of the trail can be difficult to follow. Look for cairns and blazes marking the trail. Mosquitoes are prevalent in spring and early summer. Wear a long sleeve shirt and pants and use insect repellent. Weather can change quickly. Be prepared for cold weather year round. Ridges, saddles, view points and open meadows are dangerous during thunderstorms.

The Trailhead: From Escalante drive west on Hwy 12. Turn right on the gravel road between milepost 55 and 56, North Creek Road and cross the creek. After a short distance, make a right on the road signed “Barker CG.” This is forest road 149 (FR 149). Continue of FR 149 for 16.5 miles to the Upper Barker Reservoir parking area where the road dead ends. 

The Trail: The trail begins on the north side of the Barker Reservoir parking lot. Follow the trail around the east side of Barker Reservoir. At 0.3 miles you will come to a junction. At this point you will turn right and follow the Great Western Trail to the north for 1.3 miles to the Junction of the Gap trail. Along the way you will pass Flat Lake, Blue Lake (short side trail), and Yellow Lake. Each of these lakes has a backcountry campsite with a bear box and fire pit. When you reach the 4-way junction at 1.6 miles, turn right (south) towards Joe Lay Reservoir. At 2 miles you will reach Joe Lay Reservoir. Cross over the spillway and just as you enter the forest again there is a backcountry campsite on the left. At 2.3 miles there is a 4-way junction. Continue straight towards Upper Barker Reservoir. A short side trip to Lower Barker Reservoir can be made here by turning left. Just a short distance ahead on the left is another side trail that will also take you to Lower Barker Reservoir. To get back to the trailhead where you started, continue following signs to Upper Barker Reservoir