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- Kings Peak
13,528 ft · Uinta Mountains, Utah
Kings Peak
Kings Peak is a 13,528 ft peak in the Uinta Mountains, Utah. The standard route is the Hendry's Fork Trail: 25 mi, 4,215 ft of gain, Class 2.
Kings Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,528 ft4,123 m
- RouteHendry's Fork TrailClass 2
- Distance25 mi4,215 ft gain
- Time12 – 16 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeUinta MountainsUtah
Climbing the Hendry's Fork Trail
From Roosevelt or Vernal, Utah, take Highway 87 north to the Henry's Fork or Uinta River trailheads. This is a very long hike (26+ miles round trip) so most parties backpack with an overnight camp. Afternoon thunderstorms and mosquitoes are major problems in midsummer. High trail with limited water sources on the upper mountain. Snow can linger into July in many years. The route involves significant mileage through forest and alpine terrain. No technical climbing required but the length makes this a serious undertaking. Permits not required but check current trail conditions. Utah's most committing highpoint.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (40–55 L)
Water
First-Aid Kit
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Emergency Bivy
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hiking Boots
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Heavyweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
What to watch for
- High altitude
- Storms
- Loose rock
- Remote location
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Altitude sickness
- High winds
- Steep exposure
- Low visibility
- Rapid weather shifts
- Stream crossing
Kings Peak on Yak
Climbers have shared 6 climbs of Kings Peak on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Kings Peak
50 State Highpoints
Lower 48 UltrasFrequently asked questions
How tall is Kings Peak?
Kings Peak is 13,528 feet (4,123 m) tall. It is in the Uinta Mountains, Utah.
Is Kings Peak the highest point in Utah?
Yes. At 13,528 feet, Kings Peak is the highest point in Utah.
How hard is it to hike Kings Peak?
The Hendry's Fork Trail is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 25 miles with 4,215 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Kings Peak?
Most people take 12 – 16 hours round trip on the Hendry's Fork Trail, covering 25 miles with 4,215 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Kings Peak?
The Hendry's Fork Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 25 miles with 4,215 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on Kings Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Kings Peak reaches 13,528 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start hiking Kings Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 12 – 16 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike Kings Peak?
The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Kings Peak?
The Hendry's Fork Trail starts at about 9,420 feet, roughly 4,108 feet below the summit.
Climb Kings Peak with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list