Hike Kings Peak via Henrys Fork Trail Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, UT

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We finally got a chance to head out for Kings Peak, the high point of Utah. This was my first visit to the Uinta Mountains, so I was looking forward to seeing some new scenery in an unfamiliar area. The Henrys Fork Trailhead is achieveable by any car, though the dirt road is long.

Matt, Josh, and I set out along the long and mostly boring approach, the majority of the first five miles being forested and flat. Fortunately, the water sounds from Henrys Fork made the hike a bit more pleasant. The trail was also rocky enough that jogging wouldn't be an efficient option. Eventually we emerged from the trees and were greeted by sweeping views of the peaks surrounding the massive basin-like formation that the trail would continue through to the south for miles. Kings Peak slowly grew larger, nestled visibly between Henrys Fork Peak and Dome Peak. The trail led up to Gunsight Pass, where a single set of switchbacks aided in ascending the rocky slope.

Gunsight Pass offered some amazing views to the south, the expansive lake-riddled region feeling unique and dauntingly massive. The official trail continues down from Gunsight Pass, but we would instead ascend via the well-known shortcut, which cuts out a few miles and vertical gain, instead sticking to the high road. A social trail led along the slopes, gaining some elevation rather than losing it. Locating the social trail may take a couple of minutes, but it should become clear once you start heading south toward it. Once on the social trail for a while, a short Class 2 section brought us above a minor cliff band. Cairns, unnecessary because the vast open space made it clear which way to go, guided us around the base of Dome Peak until Kings Peak came into view. The rocky terrain was slower-moving than the trail would have been, but this route option was definitely ultimately more efficient and we were happy to not have taken the longer route. Just below the base of Anderson Pass (the pass separating Henrys Fork Peak and Kings Peak), we rejoined the main trail and followed it along the north ridge of Kings Peak to the summit. The ridge included some Class 2 moves, and felt like an unrelenting boulder-hop. The last few hundred feet took longer than expected because of the boulders. We enjoyed the views from Kings Peak for a bit, but we knew the forest walk back would be long and boring and we were anxious to start moving.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Kings Peak

13528 ft

6348 rise

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Starting out along the Henrys Fork Trail.

The hike is not particularly exciting for 5 or so miles, mostly flat through forest and sometimes paralleling the creek.

Finally, we got some mountain views as the trees began to fade away.

A trail junction, head straight.

Very pretty basin, but it really felt like a slog to get out to Kings Peak. Just so much mostly flat trail with only slightly changing views.

Kings Peak the peak poking out in the center.

Kings Peak center. The route heads far left, around Dome Peak (the one on the left).

Continuing to Gunsight Pass, center.

Looking back as we continue to Gunsight Pass.

Gunsight Pass ahead, Dome Peak on the right.

View back as we ascend the trail to Gunsight Pass.

A single switchback leads to Gunsight Pass, avoiding the Class 2 talus.

Looking back along the switchback, just below Gunsight Pass.

Gunsight Pass ahead.

At Gunsight Pass, view south. The standard route continues on the trail, descending to the left. The shortcut route (the way we went) continues to the right, just below the snow patch on the right.

Looking back toward Gunsight Pass (Gunsight Peak above) as we ascend the shortcut route.

Class 2 section along the shortcut route. We passed an out of shape dad and his two little girls, none of which had a problem doing it.

Looking back from above the Class 2 toward Gunsight Pass.

Traversing some grassy slopes.

Kings Peak on the left. The route lead across seemingly endless talus to the saddle visible right of center, Anderson Pass.

Looking back, Matt visible on the left.

Class 2, the route heads to Anderson Pass (left of center).

Looking back again. It's expansive, but that means getting anywhere takes forever.

At Anderson Pass, view back the way we came. Dome Peak visible on the left, the shortcut route above Matt. At this point, we had rejoined the standard route and were on the trail leading to the summit.

Along the Class 2 ridge to Kings Peak.

Looking back toward Anderson Pass. Henrys Fork visible top left.

Class 2 forever.

Looking back, Anderson Pass on the left, Dome Peak on the right. Gilbert Peak and Gunsight Peak also seen poking out on the top right.

Kings Peak visible ahead. Wrap around the cliffs ahead on the left to keep the route Class 2.

View down at the final push to the summit. Dome Peak visible top left, Gunsight Pass obscured by Dome Peak's ridge.

Kings Peak!

Summit of Kings Peak, view south toward South Kings Peak.

Kings Peak summit, view north.

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Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!