Uinta Highline Trail

The Uinta Highline Trail is a 167 km point-to-point trail in the Uinta Mountains of Utah, United States, gaining roughly 5,090 m of elevation over 6 to 9 days. Rated moderate to strenuous, it is a high-altitude alpine traverse that crosses eight passes above 3,414 m and stays near 3,261 m on average, far above the treeline for most of its length.

About the Uinta Highline Trail

The Uinta Highline Trail runs 104 miles (167 km) east to west along the crest of the Uinta Mountains, the only major range in the contiguous United States to run on an east–west axis. It is recognised as a significant regional walking route, and more than half of its distance lies within the protected High Uintas Wilderness. The trail is treeless for over half its length, threading alpine tundra, glacially carved basins and hundreds of high lakes.

Administratively the route is split between two national forests: 96 miles follow Trail 025 through Ashley National Forest and the final 8 miles follow Trail 083 through Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The eastern terminus sits at McKee Draw on U.S. Route 191 at 2,512 m, the trail's lowest point, while the western terminus lies at Hayden Pass on Utah Route 150 near Mirror Lake. Most hikers walk east to west, ending close to the resort corridor outside Kamas and Park City.

The signature feature is sustained altitude. The high point is Anderson Pass at 3,871 m (12,700 ft), only 0.7 miles north of Kings Peak (4,123 m), Utah's highest summit and a popular side scramble. Because the path rarely drops below 3,000 m, weather, exposure and thin air shape every decision more than raw mileage does.

Route Overview & Stages

The Highline has no fixed huts or stages, so the itinerary below divides the 167 km into six logical sections anchored on the established trailheads at Leidy Peak (mile 24) and Chepeta Lake (mile 38) and on the major passes. Distances are approximate and assume an east-to-west direction.

Across the whole route the trail climbs about 5,090 m and descends about 4,450 m, the imbalance reflecting the net drop from the high western basins down toward the eastern terminus. Eight named passes exceed 3,414 m, so the cumulative climbing is spread across many short, sharp ascents rather than one big push.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Kings Peak (4,123 m) — Utah's highest summit, reached by a 0.7-mile boulder scramble from Anderson Pass; the most common side trip on the route.
• Anderson Pass (3,871 m) — the trail's high point and gateway to Painter Basin, with sweeping views over the central Uintas.
• Dead Horse Pass (~3,560 m) — the most technical crossing, a steep switchbacked scree slope that can hold snow well into July.
• Rocky Sea Pass (~3,500 m) — a broad rocky saddle separating the upper Rock Creek and Naturalist basins.
• Naturalist Basin — a glacially sculpted bowl packed with named lakes and classic alpine camping near the western end.
• Painter Basin — a vast meadow basin below Kings Peak, a frequent base camp for the summit push.
• Chepeta Lake — the mile-38 road-accessible trailhead, useful for resupply, a shortened itinerary or an emergency exit.
• High Uintas Wilderness lakes — hundreds of glacial tarns line the route, offering reliable water and trout fishing throughout.

Best Time to Hike the Uinta Highline Trail

The viable window is short. Because the trail averages 3,261 m and crosses passes near 3,800 m, deep snow lingers on north-facing slopes and steep passes long after the valleys melt out. The reliable season runs from mid-July to mid-September, and August is the single best month: snow has cleared from Dead Horse and Anderson passes, lake levels are stable, and night temperatures, while cold, rarely fall as hard as in September.

July still carries snow risk on the high crossings, particularly after a heavy winter — in many years Dead Horse Pass holds steep, icy snowfields into the first half of the month. Early September brings the most settled, bug-free conditions and golden tundra, but the first hard freezes and even early snowstorms become likely by mid-month. As of 2026, the High Uintas remain prone to violent afternoon thunderstorms in July and August; the standard tactic is to be off exposed passes and ridgelines by early afternoon. Always check the latest Ashley National Forest conditions before committing, since snowpack varies sharply year to year.

Practical Information

Accommodation

This is a fully self-supported wilderness route with no huts, refuges or lodges along the way — all six stages are camped. Dispersed backcountry camping is free throughout both national forests; pitch on durable surfaces at least 60 m from lakes and streams to protect the fragile alpine soils. Before and after the hike, Vernal (near the eastern end) and Kamas or Park City (near the western end) offer motels and hostels typically costing €70–€130 per night. Developed Forest Service campgrounds along the Mirror Lake corridor near Hayden Pass charge roughly €20–€28 per night and make a convenient base for the first or last night.

Getting There & Back

The nearest major airport is Salt Lake City International (SLC), about 2.5 hours by road from the western Hayden Pass trailhead via Kamas and Utah Route 150, and roughly 3.5 hours from the eastern McKee Draw trailhead near Vernal. There is no public transport to either trailhead, so most hikers arrange a private shuttle, hire car or a two-vehicle car swap between the ends. Because the trailheads sit about 160 km apart by road, plan a vehicle shuttle carefully; some hikers base in Vernal, which has the closest regional services to the eastern terminus.

Permits & Fees

No permit is required to hike the Uinta Highline Trail or to camp in the High Uintas Wilderness, and there is no quota system. Group size is limited to 14 people and 15 head of stock within the wilderness. A recreation fee applies if you park within the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway corridor near Hayden Pass; a daily pass costs a few euros and longer passes are available from the U.S. Forest Service. Standard Leave No Trace and food-storage practices apply throughout to protect water sources and wildlife.

Gear & Packing List

Sustained altitude, exposed passes and unpredictable storms make gear choices decisive on the Highline. Carry a four-season-capable shelter or a robust three-season tent, a sleeping bag rated to at least -5 °C, and full rain and wind protection — hypothermia is a real risk even in August above the treeline. A bear-aware food storage method and a reliable water filter are essential given the constant lake water. Microspikes and an ice axe are worth carrying for early-season snow on Dead Horse Pass.

Because most stages are 22–39 km at altitude, a comfortable load-hauling pack matters. For a 6–9 day carry, consider the ultralight Arc Haul Ultra 60L or the durable 3400 Windrider; lighter, faster hikers running a tight kit may prefer the 2400 Windrider or the Arc Haul Ultra 50L. If you are still choosing, our best ultralight backpacks of 2026 roundup tests seven packs head to head. Plan your fuel and calories carefully too — high-altitude trekking burns more than most people expect, as explained in how many calories you need hiking a full day.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If the Uinta Highline's high-altitude, self-supported character appeals, several other North American long routes share its remote alpine flavour. The big national scenic trails offer the same wilderness immersion at far greater length, while a handful of shorter classics deliver concentrated high-mountain drama. For an overseas counterpart with hut-to-hut logistics, our guide to hiking the Theth to Valbona trail in Albania makes an interesting contrast.

• Pacific Crest Trail
• Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
• Mount Whitney Trail
• Half Dome Trail
• Angels Landing Trail--West Rim Trail

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike the Uinta Highline Trail?
The reliable season runs from mid-July to mid-September, and August is the best month. By then snow has cleared from the high passes, lake levels are stable and nights are cold but not freezing hard. July can still hold steep snow on Dead Horse Pass, while mid-September brings the first hard freezes and possible early storms.

How difficult is the Uinta Highline Trail?
It is rated moderate to strenuous. The mileage is manageable, but the trail averages 3,261 m elevation and crosses eight passes above 3,414 m, so thin air, exposure and steep scree on passes like Dead Horse are the real challenge. Afternoon thunderstorms and a short weather window add to the demand, making solid fitness and altitude acclimatisation important.

How many kilometres per day should I plan?
The 167 km route is usually done in 6 to 9 days, giving daily distances of roughly 18 to 28 km. At over 3,000 m most hikers cover less ground than they would at low elevation, so plan conservatively. Building in a shorter day around Anderson Pass leaves energy for the optional Kings Peak summit scramble.

Where do you sleep on the trail?
There are no huts or lodges; the entire route is camped using your own tent. Dispersed backcountry camping is free throughout Ashley and Wasatch-Cache national forests, with hundreds of glacial lakes providing scenic, water-rich sites. Pitch on durable surfaces at least 60 m from water. Motels in Vernal, Kamas or Park City cost around €70–€130 for the nights before and after.

Do I need a permit to hike the trail?
No permit is required to hike the Highline or camp in the High Uintas Wilderness, and there is no quota. Group size is capped at 14 people and 15 head of stock. A small daily recreation fee applies only if you park within the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway corridor near the western Hayden Pass trailhead. Standard Leave No Trace and food-storage rules apply throughout.

For official trail status, snowpack and closures, consult the Ashley National Forest and the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest before you set out.