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Backpacking - King's Peak, Uintahs 7/31/26-8/2/26


Sample Itinerary:

Day 1:

Trailhead (Henrys Fk) - 11 am

Hike up to camp (Dollar Lake area) - 4 pm

Set up camp - 5 pm

Dinner - 6 pm


Day 2:

Breakfast

Hike to summit - 4-5 hours

Hike back to camp - 3-4 hours

Rest at camp/dinner


Day 3 -

Hike out - 4 hours


Directions: Henry's Fk Trailhead, Uintahs


Activity:

Backpack Kings Peak: 25-mile total out-and-back trail in the high Uintas. The HIGHEST peak in Utah! Hike about 8 miles into the Dollar Lake area. Next morning hike around 10 miles round trip to the summit - terrain is very rocky after getting to the top of gunsight pass and ending will be mostly boulder scrambling. Last day hike the 8 miles out and drive home. Very intense hike! Taking the Highline route is very difficult on knees and ankles but 2+ miles shorter, this is the plan for getting to the summit. Going through Painter’s basin is less intense but significantly longer (4 miles round trip). 3 false peaks at the top can be demoralizing, be sure hikers are prepared for these.


Day 1

8-8.5 miles up to Dollar lake. Took us 6 hours with lots of breaks and stopping for a nap. Not steep, beautiful and plenty of water.


Day 2

10-13 miles depending on route chosen. Bring weather clothing, plenty of snacks and water. If you take the Highline trail there it is harder to find water. Recommend carrying at least 2-3L. No snow patches crossed this year. 10 hour day.


Day 3

Packed up by 8, got to cars around noon.



Tips:

  • Mosquitos are out, be prepared for bugs

  • Nights are still cold, want warm bag and good pad

  • Weather is unpredictable, bring rain gear, warm clothes and hats. Rain usually comes in consistently around 1-2 pm in the mid-late summer

  • Lots of places to filter water

  • Elevation on this trip is no joke. Stay well hydrated.

  • We camped about 0.5 mile past dollar lake next to another smaller lake.

  • Make sure you hydrate and fuel on Day 1 in prep for Day 2.

  • Get an early start on Day 2 to avoid afternoon thunderstorms

  • Lots of flowers and beautiful views.


Gear:  Backpack (big enough to hold all gear with waist belt), sleeping bag (rated to 20 degrees), sleeping pad, tent, cooking stove and fuel, camping mess kit, knife, Hiking pants, thin synthetic pants (night), synthetic T-shirt, long sleeve synthetic top, long sleeve fleece, light waterproof jacket, medium down coat, thin gloves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, 3-4 Liters water, 6-10 snacks, backpacking 2 dinners/2 breakfasts/2 lunches, first aid kit, hiking boots/running shoes, trekking poles (optional), water purifier, bear hang bag, wag bags, headlamp, camp chair (optional), camp shoes (optional). We can coordinate to share some gear as a group.


Rentals:

Tent (2 person) - $9 BYU Outdoor, $9 UVU Adventure Center

Sleeping bag (rated 0-20 degrees) $14 BYU Outdoors, $9 UVU Adventure Center

Sleeping pad $5-6 BYU Outdoors, $6-7 UVU Adventure Center

Cooking stove $5 BYU Outdoors, $6 UVU Adventure Center

Mess kit $5 BYU Outdoors, $4 UVU Adventure Center

Backpack (40-50L) $11 BYU Outdoor, $9 UVU Adventure Center

Water Purifier $5-6 UVU Adventure Center



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