Escape to the rural charm of Kamas, Utah, where summer lends itself to a plethora of outdoor adventures, specialty shops, and hearty meals on the way in or out of town. Kamas offers a perfect blend of small-town charm while also serving as a hub for outdoor recreation in most directions. Take a drive with us as we explore the best places to play, shop, and eat in Kamas this summer, and discover the eclectic offerings of this gateway adventure town.
High Star Ranch
High Star Ranch is your destination for adventure and entertainment for the whole family. Whether you’re seeking exhilarating activities or toe-tapping concerts, High Star Ranch offers the ultimate summer escape amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Wasatch Back.
Saddle up and explore the rugged terrain on horseback as you traverse scenic trails via guided tours for the seasoned equestrian or novice rider. Satisfy your craving for excitement with a thrilling mountain biking excursion through a 20-mile network of professionally built trails from gentle cruisers to heart-pounding downhill descents.
Experience the thrill of live music at the DeJoria Center that hosts concerts and events throughout the year, featuring a diverse lineup of artists from country and rock to blues and folk. This state-of-the-art entertainment destination offers both indoor and outdoor venues with its stunning mountain backdrop.
218 Buck Rail Dr. | Kamas, UT 84036
www.highstarranch.com | 435-783-3515
Samak Smoke House
Take the leisurely drive up Mirror Lake Highway and plan to linger at Samak Smoke House, a must-stop roadside country store featuring house-smoked jerky and trout, dry goods, provisions, and local sundries for the trip into the Uintas.
Samak Smoke House’s claim to fame is the meticulously crafted house-smoked trout, wild salmon, cheese, and award-winning beef and turkey jerkies, sold in various packages for easy transporting or even gifts for those back home. Prepared in a USDA-inspected smokehouse on property, you’ll be impressed with the quality and craftsmanship in every bite. Every item is hand-cut, marinated with the highest-quality ingredients, and smoked using fresh cherry wood chips from Wisconsin.
This rustic store is also the last stop out of town so you’ll find it stuffed full of fishing and camping essentials, maps, firewood, to-go lunches and trail snacks plus locally made goods that will add a little something special to your trip.
Aside from provisions, you’ll get genuine mountain hospitality and a sense of community when you visit Samak Smoke House—a spot where you really can slow down, savor the moment, and experience the timeless charm of rural Utah.
1937 Mirror Lake Highway | Kamas, UT 84036
www.samaksmokehouse.com | 435-783-4880
Mirror Lake Diner
Chef Gabe and Betty Morin opened Mirror Lake Diner in May 2013 and have been serving “simple food done right” as they welcome travelers and locals for breakfast and lunch daily and dinner Thursday through Saturday.
This quaint diner delivers on character as much as the hearty breakfast classics and mouthwatering burgers and sandwiches. Boasting a robust diner’s menu catering to all tastes and appetites, Mirror Lake Diner hits the spot whether you’re in the mood for a stack of fluffy Mirror Lake Cakes (3 buttermilk pancakes with bacon) dripping with real maple syrup or a juicy bacon cheeseburger paired with hand-cut fries.
You might also want to bring a map as you sit down for your meal since most of the items on the menu are named for local destinations or geography. Fancy a Soapstone cheesesteak sandwich or the Crystal Lake fish and chips? How about the Trial Lake biscuits and gravy or the Kings Peak chicken fried steak? If you don’t know the names now, you will once you’ve traversed Mirror Lake Highway.
The diner’s commitment to friendly service and attention to detail creates an unforgettable dining experience that leaves guests feeling like members of the family. So, if you’re passing through Kamas and seeking a taste of homegrown charm, pull up a chair at Mirror Lake Diner for hearty eats and small-town hospitality at its finest.
35 S. Main St. | Kamas, UT 84036
www.mirrorlakediner.com | 435-783-0110