This is a Broad trail in good condition (except for a few large mudholes). At the first trail junction, take the left-hand fork trail (it is well marked), which goes up Ostler Creek. The trail will be very steep from that junction, about 1.1 miles from the trailhead, but then it levels out in a meadow basin area. Amethyst Lake has no trail to it, so bring a good topographical map (available at the Bear River Ranger Station) and a compass. You should plan to camp in the area adjacent to the large meadow below Amethyst Lake since firewood is scarce higher up and there is more protection from the weather here.  In mid-July, because this meadow is marshy, the mosquitos were a problem.  August might be a better time to go.

From Highway U-150, 0.6 miles south of the Bear River Ranger Station, turn east on to the Christmas Meadows Road and follow this well-graded dirt road 4 miles to the trailhead. The trailhead is well marked and signed. Parking available, although the spaces may be filled on warm summer weekends. A horse ramp is also available. The Christmas Meadows Campground is located adjacent to the trailhead and provides developed site camping.

Trail goes near Ostler Creek then to Amethyst Lake.  After a steep climb out of Ostler Creek, the trail rises gently through meadows of grass and wildflowers as well as stands of Lodgepole Pine.