Kings Peak

Kings Peak is Utah's highest point and the signature summit of the Uinta Mountains, the only major east-west oriented range in the contiguous United States. Standing at 13,528 feet with 6,348 feet of prominence, it ranks as the nineteenth most prominent peak in the lower 48 states and one of only 57 ultra-prominent peaks in the contiguous United States. The lower approach slopes support aspen and conifer forests, while alpine tundra covers the exposed high-country terrain above treeline. Most parties approach Kings Peak as a three to four-day backpacking expedition, with the majority spending a night at Dollar Lake before attempting the summit.

Henry's Fork Trail

The standard route to Kings Peak begins at Henry's Fork Trailhead in the High Uintas Wilderness and follows the well-established Henry's Fork Trail, a 27-mile round-trip journey gaining 4,480 vertical feet. The first 8 miles to Dollar Lake are relatively gentle, following a trail that stays between 10,000 and 11,000 feet through forest and meadow. The trail reaches Elkhorn Crossing at 5.5 miles, a junction where it forks toward Dollar Lake. From Dollar Lake at 7 to 8 miles and 11,000 feet, the route becomes significantly steeper. The final 8 miles to the summit gain roughly 2,700 feet, with most of the climbing concentrated in the upper basin and final ridge approach.

Above Dollar Lake, the trail climbs steeply through alpine terrain toward Gunsight Pass at 11,891 feet, located approximately 4 miles from Dollar Lake. Switchbacks characterize this section as the route gains elevation rapidly. From Gunsight Pass, the route continues east toward Anderson Pass at 12,700 to 12,800 feet, which serves as the final approach point before the summit push. The crux of the climb is the final ridge section from Anderson Pass to the summit, roughly 800 vertical feet of off-trail boulder hopping and scrambling. Once on the ridge, stay to the ridgeline and you will reach the summit cairn. This section is exposed to weather and wind, and parties navigate open talus and rock.

Key Landmarks

• Elkhorn Crossing (5.5 miles from trailhead)
• Dollar Lake (7–8 miles, 11,000 ft)
• Gunsight Pass (11,891 ft)
• Anderson Pass (12,700–12,800 ft)

Moose are regularly spotted around Henry's Fork Lake and Dollar Lake, particularly from June through August; maintain at least 75 feet (25 meters) distance if encountered. Elk are regularly spotted in the Upper Yellowstone Creek Basin. Alpine zones support marmots and pikas in the talus fields. Mosquitoes are heavy around lakes during mid-summer months.