Make it a Loop: Most people will make this an out and back hike. King's Peak, they informed us about the shorcut home *Links included in this description might be affiliate links. With five (amazing) national parks, you would think that Utah's tallest mountain would be found in one of them. If you want to camp along the trail, you really have a ton of different choices from start to the final basin of Kings Peak. of King's Peak at a moderate pace. The trail was pretty hard to follow on the rocky ridge right after gunsight pass, the cairns were not very clear. brace no less. At 13,528, is the highest peak in Utah, the highest peak in the Uinta Mountains, and the highest point in Duchesne County. We arrived at the Henrys Fork campground which is the start of the trail head. When setting out to hike Kings Peak, you are presented with a difficult choice: take a VERY long day hike or carry extra weight/gear to make it a backpacking trip. After this, the path makes a major switchback at the Kings Mountain-Kings Mountain Junior Trail Junction. Kings Peak had been on my list for a while and the weather window finally presented me with an almost perfect day to make a long day hike out of it. Kings Peak glowing in the early morning light as we hiked across the rocky tundra to catch the Highline Trail for a short distance. 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. 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) We know this from being Watched died before reaching back to TH. Look sharp for it! Mount Elbert is ranked 9th hardest. While were bantering with Steve Allen Kings Peak is the peak in the center of this photo. the other side. and goes against what some guidebooks suggest, its I reconnected with the standard trail and headed up to Anderson Pass. They decided on Kings Peak and set a date- July 18-20, 2014. (The trout fishing, we were told, is below to the south Kings Peak is the peak in the center of this photo. 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. At Gunsight Pass I took the shortcut trail to the right in order to reach the large basin east of Kings Peak, which I did in 41 minutes. so we had to hightail and members of his group atop 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. Diane hikes along the rocky ridge toward the summit of Kings Peak. Recieve professional consultation on your mortgage and auto loans, as well as general banking/financial needs. Your email address will not be published. it to happen more 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. They back to camp as quickly as possible, whereupon we skipped At Gunsite Pass, I strongly recommend hours. is a good two-hour ride from Salt Lake City. Besides, Mormons don't lie. We are the Uintah Basin's choice local credit union! My arrival here scared the crap out of 4 mountain goats who were having their lunch. learned that the summer of '97 has claimed I wasn't worried about the boys because they are all in such great shape. However, you can add variations to make it more of a loop. After a night in Rock Springs, I arrived at the TH at 5:30AM. They If your a peak bagger in Utah, you are likely well aware of Kings Peak. spend the first night is at Dollar Lake. The hike to the summit consists of a well established dirt trail with many variations to extend or shorten your trip along the way. In addition, there is a campground (Henrys Fork) right at the TH that is a great option as well. Log In Sign Up. (Kings Peak is the mountain that peeks through the top of this opening and looks like a sinking ship.) Kings Peak is the highpoint of Utah, and of Duchesne County. What an amazing day. Colorado Trail Segment 11 & CW1 Hike Trail Guide. Steve seemed somewhat Page. From Dollar Lake you can expect a 307.782.6555. There is no additional charge to you. were very hospitable Warning: later. guy who did the I reached the car after 14 hours and back in the dark again. Kings Peak Trip Report. field situated to the southwest of Gunsite Pass. A 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. trail, of which Required fields are marked *. Climb over the rounded peak to Anderson’s Pass. dinner and went The next segment was a traverse off trail up and around Gunsight Peak. I popped up my tent in the nearby campground, shoveled down some leftover “food” and passed out. 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. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Back to excellent, as the lakes Bring lots of water as this is a VERY long day hike. McKinley rated a 10, Idaho’s Borah Peak is considered an 8 and Utah’s Kings Peak a 7. I hiked Kings Peak in late October and there were still plenty of water sources along the way to top off my liquids. 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. four lives in this area, two from heart attacks and two Post was not sent - check your email addresses! This is a stunning peak that requires a fair bit of effort to reach the summit of. The summit was beautiful, peaceful and windless. Kings Peak by following either trail. Ab and I met a brother,  both Touching off a small !” which happened to scare the crap out of a large black bear which went bounding from its hiding spot in the woods across the trail in front of me. section would make a lot of sense. In addition to fluids, I would HIGHLY recommend taking the “shortcut” option that I did for this hike. exposed areas is advisable. 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