Utah Highpoint
Kings Peak
13,528 ft · High Uintas Wilderness · Uinta Mountains
Strenuous hikeLoading map…
The summit pin marks Kings Peak itself. The access pin marks Henrys Fork Trailhead on the north side of the High Uintas.
USGS-derived Kings Peak summit locationStandard route
Henrys Fork – Gunsight Pass – Anderson Pass
From Henrys Fork Trailhead, follow the Henrys Fork drainage past forest, meadows, and the Dollar Lake area toward Gunsight Pass. Continue through Painter Basin to Anderson Pass, then leave maintained trail for the rough Class 2 boulder ridge leading to Kings Peak.
Distance
About 28–29 mi
Elevation gain
About 4,000–5,200 ft
Route
Out & back
Difficulty
Strenuous
Trailhead
Henrys Fork Trailhead
Typical hazards: Long wilderness approach, high altitude, afternoon thunderstorms, lightning exposure above treeline, lingering snow, cold, wind, loose boulders, and slow travel on the summit ridge.
Published GPS tracks vary in mileage and cumulative gain depending on the Painter Basin line, summit-ridge track, and exact recording method. The route becomes an unmaintained boulder scramble above Anderson Pass.
Kings Peak via Henrys Fork route dataAccess
Henrys Fork Trailhead
The standard northern approach begins at Henrys Fork Trailhead, reached by forest roads south of the Utah-Wyoming border.
Remote forest-road access.
Henrys Fork Trailhead is reached by a long forest-road approach. Road conditions can vary with weather, snow, maintenance, and seasonal access. Confirm current road status before leaving.
Know before you go
High Uintas Wilderness rules
Groups are limited to 14 people and 15 head of stock.
Camp at least 200 feet from occupied campsites, designated trails, and water sources.
Pack out all garbage and dispose of human waste properly.
Motorized and mechanized travel is prohibited in designated wilderness.
Respect current fire restrictions and any lake-specific campfire closures.
Conditions
Check before leaving
High Uintas weather can change quickly. Check current forest alerts, road conditions, fire restrictions, snow coverage, and mountain weather before the trip. Afternoon thunderstorms and lightning are major concerns on the exposed upper route.