Overview
The Uinta Highline Trail is one of the great long-distance routes in the American West, running 104 miles across the crest of the Uinta Mountains entirely within or adjacent to the High Uintas Wilderness in Ashley National Forest. This 10-mile out-and-back samples a section of the Highline from the West Fork Blacks Fork Trailhead, climbing above treeline onto the open tundra plateau that defines the Uinta crest and traversing terrain that sees a fraction of the traffic on the more famous Kings Peak approach.
At its highest point, this section reaches above 11,500 feet on an open ridgeline with unobstructed views in every direction. The Uinta high country has a different character than the more vertical Rocky Mountain terrain to the east: broad, gently rolling tundra above a sea of spruce and fir, punctuated by lakes and streams that drain in all directions from the continental divide running down the center of the range. It is big, open country that rewards hikers who take time to stop and look.
This trail is appropriate for fit hikers accustomed to altitude. The moderate-hard rating reflects the sustained above-treeline exposure and the elevation at the trailhead (approximately 9,800 feet) rather than any technical difficulty. For a more demanding summit experience, see the Kings Peak guide.
The Route
Miles 0 to 3: Trailhead to Treeline. The trail begins at the West Fork Blacks Fork Trailhead and follows the creek drainage upstream through lodgepole and spruce forest. The grade is gradual for the first two miles. The forest is dense in the lower section and transitions to open glades and willow meadows approaching the treeline. Multiple creek crossings are typically shallow but can be deeper in early July.
Miles 3 to 5: Treeline to Upper Tundra. The trees thin rapidly as the trail climbs above 10,500 feet. The Highline emerges onto open tundra with views of the main Uinta crest to the north. This section has the most dramatic change in landscape: from closed forest to 360-degree sky in the space of a half-mile. The tread is faint in places on the tundra; look for cairns and follow the established use trail to avoid damaging the fragile surface soils. The upper tundra section around mile 5 (approximately 11,500 feet) is the turnaround point for the day hike.
When to Visit
Mid-July through September is the standard window. The upper tundra sections can hold snow through early July. Afternoon thunderstorms are the primary hazard in this section: the exposed ridgeline offers no shelter once the weather builds. Plan to be below treeline by early afternoon. September is the least crowded and typically most stable weather month, though early autumn storms can bring snow any time after Labor Day.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry the following for this trail:
- Trekking poles (useful on the rocky tundra and creek crossings)
- Wind and rain protection (the ridgeline is exposed; weather changes fast)
- Water filter (multiple sources along the route; all must be treated)
- Extra food and insulation (this is a committing route once above treeline)
- Navigation: downloaded offline topo map (no cell service; trail markings are sparse on the tundra)
- Sunscreen and UV-protective eyewear (UV exposure is high above 11,000 feet)
For extended trips on the Highline, review the Leave No Trace principles and backcountry camping guidance.
Practical Details
No permit is required to enter the High Uintas Wilderness or hike the Highline section (as of 2026). Group size is limited to 12 people and stock in the wilderness. Campfires are not recommended above treeline and may be restricted during dry periods.
Cell service is nonexistent from the trailhead into the wilderness. Download maps in advance and notify someone of your route and expected return. The nearest services are in Mountain View, Wyoming, and Evanston, Wyoming.
Getting There
Access to the West Fork Blacks Fork Trailhead is from the north via Wyoming. From Mountain View, Wyoming, head south on Wyoming Highway 410 toward Lonetree, then follow forest road signs toward the Blacks Fork drainage. The final road to the trailhead is unpaved and can be rough; a high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended. Total drive from Mountain View is approximately 30-40 minutes on unpaved road.
From Evanston, Wyoming, allow approximately 90 minutes. From Salt Lake City, allow 3 to 3.5 hours total. Confirm road conditions with the Vernal Ranger District (Utah) or the Mountain View Ranger District (Wyoming) before departure, as this approach crosses administrative boundaries.