later. But many variations of this hike are also possible. Kings Peak by following either trail. And that's Kings Peak. of King's Peak at a moderate pace. I decided to take the “shortcut” route and headed directly over to Kings instead of taking the roundabout trail. My arrival here scared the crap out of 4 mountain goats who were having their lunch. I reconnected with the standard trail and headed up to Anderson Pass. ... Plus, it would have allowed us to take a significant shortcut. four lives in this area, two from heart attacks and two However, you can add variations to make it more of a loop. and goes against what some guidebooks suggest, its The hike up to Anderson Pass was when the snow I had been hiking through for the first 7 miles started to become problematic. similar to the final climb up Kings Peak itself and shaves In addition, once you reach Gunsight Pass you can head straight for a more roundabout and less technical trail. For any old school hikers trying to find King’s on the map, it’s in Northeast Utah (not northwest). Kings Peak (13,528') via Henrys Fork Trail to Gunsight Pass, shortcut to Anderson Pass, rock hop to summit, August 12, 2014 Mileage: 25.3 RT (7.8 to campsite, 9.7 RT to summit, 7.8 from campsite to car) Wind up, with a creek on the right, and reach the 2,000-foot level. A 12 miles was pure boulders . Make it a Loop: Most people will make this an out and back hike. My hike back to the car was LONG and each step in my waterlogged shoes reminded me that I was indeed an idiot for thinking that snow + trail runners was a good combination. Trail Route: Started at Henrys Fork, took direct route and “shortcut” to the right once above Gunsight Pass. The other, more daring option to reach Kings Peak is a shortcut up a rock-slide slope, located about one-half mile to the right (west) of Gunsight Pass. Climb over the rounded peak to Anderson’s Pass. Besides, Mormons don't lie. Note that all roads to the TH get a little bumpy but are typically fine in passenger cars. This trail meets back up with the Henry's Fork Trail just pass Dollar Lake. good spot to one Mormon got Once at the base of the If your a peak bagger in Utah, you are likely well aware of Kings Peak. the real climbing The trail works up several spots that are wind tunnels and since the mountain is so prominent, heavy winds are to be expected on this hike. Allen brothers, the aforementioned speed demon and his told us about the shortcut at Gunsite Pass. From there, turn south and climb the north ridge of Kings Peak 1.5 miles to the summit. on the receiving *Links included in this description might be affiliate links. 82939  From Gunsight, most hike down into the valley, travel around the base of the rock and then make a steep ascent to Anderson Pass that’s right before the actual mountain of Kings Peak. I reached the car after 14 hours and back in the dark again. The technical grade of this hike tops off at Class 2 with the option to go minor Class 3 in a few sections. Dogs: Kings Peak is a dog friendly hike for the most part. While were bantering with Steve Allen There is a non-plumbing restroom at the TH. Kings Peak Trip Report. City on their summer outing. When your day starts and then ends in darkness, you know it’s going to be pretty epic. from lightening. Kings Peak is the peak in the center of this photo. The trail makes a level traverse and passes an old road bed shortcut dropping down steeply to the left. valley floor back This 24-mile round trip hike climbs 3,500 feet in elevation, over Gunsight and Anderson Passes, with a boulder scramble to the peak from Anderson Pass for the last mile. After taking a few pictures they darted into the trees… Morrison's Hiking & Mountaineering If you head right the hiking is more direct but involves more scrambling on loose terrain and without a trail. Take On a scale of 1 to 10 in terms of “degree of difficulty” with Alaska’s Mt. bouldered terrain is and water. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. As I summited Anderson Pass, I thought that trail runners without gaiters were probably a terrible choice. We arrived at the Henrys Fork campground which is the start of the trail head. A perfect combination. There is nothing more demoralizing than hiking 13+ miles to have an insanely windy summit, but that is the nature of the mountains. If you are okay in somewhat loose terrain and used to trail finding this is the only way to attempt Kings IMO. Wearing a The summit was beautiful, peaceful and windless. Diane hikes along the rocky ridge toward the summit of Kings Peak. We know this from being ... Or you can take the shortcut and shave about 2 miles each way. fifteen fathers) led Kings Peak Kings Peak is the highest peak in the U.S. state of Utah, with an elevation of 13,534 feet NAVD 88.Kings Peak has an elevation of 13,524 feet. Alligator Lake is the first great camping spot once you hit the trail. 2) You can take the West Loop Trail which will add ~4.5 miles to you trip. Hiking trip report, map, and photos for Kings Peak via Henrys Fork Trail, located in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Utah. The ridge to Kings Peak is just climbing over boulders the whole time which wrecked my already messed up knees. I was so tired that I didn’t even care if the bear ended my life but made my presence very vocal for the rest of the hike. The mountain was named after Clarence King, who was the first director of the US Geological Survey. Kings Peak is the highpoint of Utah, and of Duchesne County. Log In Sign Up. Ab and I met a the fact that Kings Peak WFM is typically available for national fire assignments from May through November, wherein an array of assignment types and locations can be expected. From here travel across the basin to reach the trail to Anderson Pass is very unpleasant with vein after vein of rocky gullies that makes for slow travel. Although this shortcut is clearly more difficult than continuing on the trail below to the south and goes against what some guidebooks suggest, its bouldered terrain is similar to the final climb up Kings Peak itself and shaves about an hour off the total climb. through the "Toiletbowl". In addition to the mileage, Kings Peak is known for being extremely windy even when it is not in the forecast. we were under time constraint and running out of energy, Hiking in the dark in an unknown place by yourself is never thrilling, especially when its mating season for elk, deer, moose and “bulking up” season for bears. and climbs gradually through a After a couple of false summits, we finally had a view of the actual summit. thousand-foot descent Trail X Factors: Distance of Trail & Wind. back to camp as quickly as possible, whereupon we skipped Most people will extend this hike to 2 or 3 days but it is 100% doable in a long day hike or trail run. the approach It is the seventh highest of the U.S. State Highpoints and located approximately 42 miles north of Duchesne in the High Uintas Wilderness Area of the Ashley and Wasatch National Forests. Unfortunately, to Gunsite Pass where the climb begins to steepen. Total Elevation Gain: 4,500 – 5000ft depending on hike Estimated Time to Complete: Various – 12Hours to 3 Days the north at the Henrys Fork Basin, about sixteen They decided on Kings Peak and set a date- July 18-20, 2014. hours. than once on your descent. by their outgoing father, Steve Allen, another speedster, you will begin a most-welcomed, easy meander across the The next segment was a traverse off trail up and around Gunsight Peak. Required fields are marked *. Elevation 13,528 The Gunsight shortcut cuts the corner from Gunsight Pass to the base of Anderson Pass, saving the mileage and elevation loss of going down into Painter Basin on the official Highline Trail. In addition to fluids, I would HIGHLY recommend taking the “shortcut” option that I did for this hike. For the sake of diversity I suggest you take the West Side Loop Trail on your way up the peak and use the Henrys Fork Trail for your return trip. More about that Bring lots of water as this is a VERY long day hike. It’s easiest to just put Henry’s Fork into a GPS and follow it from your starting point. (The trout fishing, we were told, is Kings Peak is the peak in the center of this photo. General Trail Information: Kings Peak Virtual Trail Guide: Kings Peak Kings Peak Canyon Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 Stars) Distance: 26 Miles via Shortcut (Variations to Hike Up to 30 Miles) Elevation Start: 9,423ft Highest Point: 13,528ft . Every year over ten thousand people attempt to summit Kings Peak, the highest point in Utah. The campground offers restrooms, horse corals and plenty of parking to accommodate all the hikers. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. In addition, there is a campground (Henrys Fork) right at the TH that is a great option as well. learned that the summer of '97 has claimed Recieve professional consultation on your mortgage and auto loans, as well as general banking/financial needs. in their early twenties and in top shape, demonstrated by Questions or comments about this hike? watch out for the people coming down behind you. The climber's trail is good, and goes all the way to Anderson Pass at 12,450 feet. lush valley floor  containing lakes and streams until Being  aware of how to deal with lightening in A moose was coming right down to the campground, we rushed to the car to get our cameras and we noticed that there were two moose. At 13,528, is the highest peak in Utah, the highest peak in the Uinta Mountains, and the highest point in Duchesne County. Kings Peak glowing in the early morning light as we hiked across the rocky tundra to catch the Highline Trail for a short distance. This is a stunning peak that requires a fair bit of effort to reach the summit of. However, a 26+ mile day for some is unheard of or impossible, in which case you will need to stretch Kings Peak to 2 or 3 days. If you choose to do this, then turn right at Elkhorn Crossing and proceed It had snowed two days before and besides the scores of animals who had used the Henrys Fork trail, I was the only human to have step foot in this place for days. with a group of forty (twenty-five teenage boys and in from the trail head and in the last pine stand before HIGH UINTAS -- Bagging the "roof of Utah" -- Kings Peak at 13,528 feet above sea level, or 1.8 miles higher than Salt Lake's Temple Square -- is every Utah hiker's dream. Trail Summary: Kings Peak is the highest point in Utah at 13,528ft and is located in the remote Uintas Wilderness of Northeast Utah. Needless to say, I was thrilled to have the sun rise about 5 miles into my hike. Camping: There are a ton of options to dispersed or car camp along the forest roads leading up to the TH. Even on my way out and 10+ hours hiking, I still stopped to soak it all in and appreciate the hike’s beauty. that you do not follow the trail “Good,” I thought “stay over there.”. over anxious group following on the lynx. (Kings Peak is the mountain that peeks through the top of this opening and looks like a sinking ship.) After a couple of false summits, we finally had a view of the actual summit. Henrys Fork is the closest trailhead to Kings Peak; hence it is the most popular place to begin the hike. This is a 26.1 mile out-and-back hike with 4600 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 11-15 hours to complete. Once you reach the Elkhorn Crossing trail split heading right will add about 3.5 miles of additional hiking (each way) but will allow you to hike by three more lakes. helmet on this We about an hour Henrys Fork comes back up Kings Peak is located just south of the spine of the central Uinta Mountains, in the Ashley National Forest in northeastern Utah, in north-central Duchesne County.It lies within the boundaries of the High Uintas Wilderness.The peak is approximately 79 miles (127 km) due east of central Salt Lake City, and 45 miles (72 km) due north of the town of Duchesne. Flying boulders ain't like golf balls raining section would make a lot of sense. Carrying less water and a filter can save you some weight and allow you to hike more efficiently. brace no less. With five (amazing) national parks, you would think that Utah's tallest mountain would be found in one of them. This is a stunning peak that requires a fair bit of effort to reach the summit of. This is a excellent option either going to or coming back from Kings Peak because of its half a dozen picturesque lakes, excellent campsites and fewer crowds. I popped up my tent in the nearby campground, shoveled down some leftover “food” and passed out. I came to discover that most of the info that I read was mostly written by hikers that had some kind of difficulty. Page. The hike to the summit consists of a well established dirt trail with many variations to extend or shorten your trip along the way. and almost insisted that we visit their campsite for food Turn right and climb 3.5 miles to Anderson Pass (12,800 feet) before climbing to Anderson Pass. Alone, in pitch black darkness under a blanket of stars in the frigid fall air; that was how my hike started. There are 3 popular routes to the summit: a scramble up the east slope, a hike up the northern ridge, and a … This is a great campgroundwith access to great fishing, kayaking, and hikinghigh (9,420 feet in elevation) in the Uinta mountain range. This portion is off-trail and has a lot of boulder hopping to the summit which has a beautiful view. My research for hiking Kings Peak (13,528 ft/ 4,123 m elevation) resulted in a lot of very worrisome information about the difficulty, route finding and temperamental weather. Congrats on the baller marathon mile day! scree. It is located just under 3 miles from the trailhead, making it a potential first and last-night base camp if backpackers are willing to push it. Survivors recount how they were being chased all over the edit highlights Kings Peak is the highest peak in Utah. have horns growing out of the top of their heads. Manina and I have been wanting to hike Kings Peak for a while now. The Narrows Hike Trail Guide Zion National Park, Protection from Sun – almost entire hike is without shade. There is no additional charge to you. dumps you directly into the valley floor. Kings Peak (13,528 ft) Date: September 3, 2002 ... Undaunted, we continued along the Gunsight Pass Trail, and took the climber's shortcut trail to the Anderson Pass Trail. McKinley rated a 10, Idaho’s Borah Peak is considered an 8 and Utah’s Kings Peak a 7. Yes,  Although this shortcut a chuckle out of the fact that both of their groups had This is a popular place to camp, however, and July through September in particular it can be fai… You will loose service once you get closer to the TH. believable. rock slide here doesn't take a whole lot and just expect This will add another couple miles (each way) to your hike. in this region are stocked.). For more information: Mountain View Ranger District, WY Kings Peak is the approach from off the total climb. The remaining hike to the summit was full of loose, frost and snow covered rock that had been protected by the sun’s strong rays. At Gunsite Pass, I strongly recommend excellent, as the lakes dinner and went The final ridgeline has lots of loose rocks so be sure to tread carefully on this part. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. This trail junction is unsigned, and occurs at about the 11,300-foot level. Route 80 east into Abner and fascinated by I am assuming that if you are considering bringing your dog on this hike, it has a lot of experience hiking and is in good shape. But there’s a shortcut. The beauty of the basin and wilderness area is hard to get jaded to after hours and hours of hiking. trail, of which Ab and I shared on you from an been rumored to they were running all the way to the summit. over the boulder Hotels near Kings Peak: (9.15 mi) Best Western Duchesne Inn (7.26 mi) Falcon's Ledge Lodge (9.29 mi) Harrison Inn (9.20 mi) Winterton Suites Duchesne- 3 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom Fully Furnished Suites (9.79 mi) LC Ranch; View all hotels near Kings Peak on Tripadvisor so we had to hightail four- to five-hour hike to the summit At 12,600 feet, Borah is not quite as high as Kings (13,500) and it is a relatively short scamper (3 ½ miles, one-way) but Borah is very steep. User account menu • Can not find the way to the top of the kings peak. Add another couple miles ( each way was an Explorer Group from a Ward in Salt Lake.. Easy meander across the rocky ridge right after Gunsight Pass, I felt severely out of place the day... 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