Overview
Kings Peak is the highest point in Utah at 13,534 feet, and the Henry's Fork route through Ashley National Forest is the most traveled path to the summit. This is not a casual day hike. The route covers 28 miles round trip with over 5,200 feet of elevation gain, passes through one of the most scenic alpine basins in the Intermountain West, and demands serious preparation. Most hikers treat this as a two-day or three-day backpacking trip rather than a single-day push.
The Henry's Fork Basin itself justifies the approach even without a summit attempt. Dozens of alpine lakes fill the glaciated bowl below the main Uinta crest, elk and moose graze the upper meadows in late summer, and the sense of genuine wilderness increases with every mile beyond the trailhead. The basin sits above 10,500 feet, putting wildflowers, cold-water fishing, and big-sky campsites well above the crowds that gather at lower-elevation destinations across the West.
This trail is not for first-time backpackers or those unaccustomed to altitude. The trailhead itself sits above 9,400 feet, and the final approach to the summit crosses exposed tundra and talus well above treeline. Consult the checking conditions before you go guide for current fire, weather, and trail conditions before departure.
The Route
Miles 0 to 5: Henry's Fork Trailhead to Lower Basin. The trail begins at the Henry's Fork Trailhead (9,440 ft) and follows Henry's Fork Creek upstream through lodgepole pine and spruce forest. The grade is gentle for the first two miles. At around mile 3, the trees begin to thin and the basin opens ahead. The trail crosses the creek twice on logs or stepping stones; in early season these crossings can be ankle-deep. Campsites appear along this section but most hikers push into the upper basin.
Miles 5 to 9: Lower Basin to Elkhorn Crossing. The trail enters the open alpine basin and the views expand dramatically. Henry's Fork Peak and Gunsight Pass become visible to the south. The trail passes a series of lakes surrounded by willow and sedge. Elk and moose are commonly spotted here, especially in early morning and evening. Elkhorn Crossing (10,700 ft) at mile 9 is the most popular overnight camp in the basin, with flat ground, water, and wind protection from the surrounding ridges.
Miles 9 to 12: Elkhorn Crossing to Gunsight Pass. The trail steepens significantly above Elkhorn Crossing as it climbs toward Gunsight Pass (12,240 ft). This section passes Dollar Lake and Faxon Lake, both excellent camp options for those wanting a higher starting point for the summit day. The approach to Gunsight Pass is rocky and exposed. Allow 2 to 2.5 hours from Elkhorn Crossing to the pass.
Miles 12 to 14: Gunsight Pass to Kings Peak Summit. From Gunsight Pass, the route follows the ridge south toward Anderson Pass (12,700 ft), then turns east on the final push to the summit. This section is entirely above treeline on tundra and large talus. There is no maintained trail from Anderson Pass to the summit; hikers follow cairns and use-trails across the ridge. The summit block requires a short Class 2 scramble over boulders. The views from the top encompass the entire Uinta Range and, on clear days, portions of Colorado and Wyoming.
When to Visit
Mid-July through late September is the reliable window for this route. Snow typically clears from Gunsight Pass by mid-July in average years, though early seasons can push that into August. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent throughout summer; plan to be off the exposed ridge and summit by noon. The Uintas are notorious for fast-moving storms that bring lightning to exposed terrain with little warning.
September offers the most stable weather, fewer people, and fall color in the aspens at lower elevations. Temperatures drop quickly once the sun is down; freezing nights are possible any time above treeline, even in August.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry the following for this route:
- Backpacking pack with layering system (temperatures swing dramatically)
- Water filter or chemical treatment (water is abundant but must be treated)
- Bear canister or hang system for food storage (see bear canister requirements)
- Trekking poles (useful on the steep talus above Gunsight Pass)
- Microspikes for early-season snow crossings on the upper ridge
- Sunscreen and UV-protective eyewear (intense UV at altitude)
- Rain shell and insulating mid-layer (storms can arrive fast)
- Navigation: downloaded offline topo maps (no cell service in the basin)
Individual gear needs vary. Consult the Leave No Trace principles for backcountry camping practices that protect the fragile alpine soils in the basin.
Practical Details
No permit is required to enter the High Uintas Wilderness or summit Kings Peak as of 2026. Group size is limited to 12 people (combined humans and stock) in the wilderness. Campfires are not recommended above treeline and may be restricted during dry periods; check current fire conditions before your trip.
The nearest services are in Mountain View, Wyoming (approximately 30 miles from the trailhead) and Evanston, Wyoming (approximately 70 miles). Cell service is nonexistent from the trailhead into the wilderness. File a trip plan with someone reliable before departing.
Fishing in Henry's Fork Creek and the basin lakes requires a valid Utah or Wyoming fishing license depending on your exact location within the drainage. The basin sits near the state line; check regulations carefully.
Getting There
From Salt Lake City, take I-80 east to Evanston, Wyoming, then US-189 south to Mountain View. From Mountain View, follow signs to Lonetree and continue south on Wyoming Highway 410 toward Henry's Fork. The road turns to dirt approximately 7 miles from the trailhead. The final section is rough and rocky; high-clearance is strongly recommended.
From Vernal, Utah, the approach takes longer: US-191 north to Manila, then east on UT-44 and north on forest roads. Confirm the specific route with the Vernal Ranger District, as road conditions on this approach vary seasonally.
Parking at the Henry's Fork Trailhead is limited to approximately 30 vehicles. On July and August weekends, arrive early or expect to park below and walk the additional half-mile to the main trailhead.