Mirror Lake, snuggled down in a basin, elevation about 8,960 feet, and surrounded by timber appears as an oasis protected from the elements by barren slopes, steep cliffs, rocky crags, high ridges and windswept plateaus.

A portion of Hellroaring Plateau can be seen well above the lake and just below the horizon. Beartooth Spire, “The Bear’s Tooth”, can be seen on the horizon directly above Mirror Lake and slightly left of center.

Photo was taken early in October from a switchback on the Beartooth National Scenic Byway, US 212, about 1/2 mile northeast of Beartooth Pass. GPS: N 44,58.5235; W 109,27.6621; Elevation: 10,652 f/ 3247 m.