Uinta Highline Trail | Utah’s Longest Above-Treeline Wilderness Experience

The Uinta Highline Trail (UHT) traverses 104 miles through Utah’s Uinta Mountains, one of the few major east-west mountain ranges in North America. With 16,700 feet of elevation gain and an average elevation of 10,700 feet, this remote wilderness route offers expansive alpine landscapes, hundreds of glacial lakes, and genuine solitude. Expect 6-10 days to complete the full route.

Key Stats:

• Total Distance: 104 miles (167 km)
• Elevation Gain: 16,700 feet
• High Point: Anderson Pass at 12,700 feet (Kings Peak side trip: 13,528 feet)
• Average Elevation: 10,700 feet
• Major Passes: 8 named passes over 11,200 feet

Trailhead Options

Full Route (104 miles)

• Eastern Terminus: McKee Draw (US Highway 191)
• Western Terminus: Hayden Pass (Mirror Lake Highway/UT-150)
• Direction: Most hikers travel east to west for a gentler warm-up

Shortened Options

• Leidy Peak Trailhead (mile 24): 80 miles remaining – starts at the “true” high Uintas
• Chepeta Lake Trailhead (mile 38): 66 miles remaining – shortest option

Trail Sections

Section 1: McKee Draw to Leidy Peak (24 miles)

Character: Forested approach with intermittent meadows

The first section serves as a gradual warm-up through lodgepole pine forest with occasional open parks. Navigation can be challenging as the trail is less maintained here, with faint tread and sparse cairns.

Water: This is the most challenging section for water. Expect a 20-mile stretch with limited reliable sources. East Park Reservoir (mile 4.4) and Hacking Lake (mile 20) are the most dependable. Plan to carry extra capacity.

Considerations: Some hikers skip this section entirely and start at Leidy Peak, entering directly into the dramatic high country.

Section 2: Leidy Peak to Anderson Pass (20 miles)

Character: Entering the high alpine zone

After Leidy Peak, you remain above 10,000 feet for nearly the entire remainder of the trail. This section marks your entry into expansive glacial basins with countless alpine lakes and the first major passes.

Water: Abundant and reliable from this point forward. You’ll rarely need to carry more than 1-2 liters between sources.

Highlights: Transition from approach to true alpine wilderness. The landscape opens dramatically with sweeping tundra and rocky ridgelines.

Section 3: Anderson Pass to Kings Peak Area (Variable)

Character: Trail’s high point and optional summit

Anderson Pass (12,700 feet) is the highest point on the Highline Trail. From here, a 0.7-mile side trail leads to Kings Peak (13,528 feet), Utah’s highest summit. The scramble adds approximately 2-3 hours but rewards with unforgettable panoramic views.

Water: Reliable spring on the east side of Anderson Pass at approximately 12,400 feet, flowing directly across the trail.

Section 4: Anderson Pass to Rocky Sea Pass (25-30 miles)

Character: Rugged passes and dramatic terrain

West of Anderson Pass, the trail changes character from broad basins to rugged notches and arêtes. The trail crosses the divide multiple times, navigating through some of the most challenging and spectacular terrain on the route.

Major Features: Multiple high passes including Dead Horse Pass, with increasingly technical terrain and exposed ridgelines.

Navigation: Trail becomes more primitive in places, marked primarily by cairns. GPS or detailed maps are essential.

Section 5: Rocky Sea Pass to Rock Creek Basin (15-20 miles)

Character: Burn area with limited views

This section descends into Rock Creek Basin where the official trail becomes harder to follow through heavy forest, including burned areas from recent fires.

Alternative Route: Many experienced hikers recommend taking the Head of Rock Creek Trail instead of the official Highline through this section. It adds a few miles but offers superior views and better-maintained tread.

Section 6: Rock Creek Basin to Hayden Pass (15-20 miles)

Character: Final push to completion

The trail gradually descends from the high country, passing through mixed forest and subalpine meadows before reaching the Highline Trailhead at Hayden Pass on Mirror Lake Highway.

Trailhead Amenities: Vault toilets, parking area, nearby campgrounds. High traffic area on summer weekends.

Resupply & Town Access

Critical Information: There are no resupply opportunities along the Uinta Highline Trail. The route is completely self-supported.

Pre-Trail Supply Options

Salt Lake City (2.5 hours from western terminus)

• Full grocery options including Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s
• REI for last-minute gear
• Best place for comprehensive resupply

Kamas (en route to Hayden Pass)

• Small grocery store
• Restaurants and food trucks
• Last supply point before western trailhead

Vernal (near eastern terminus)

• Moderate town amenities
• Groceries and basic outdoor gear
• Quarry Steakhouse & Brewpub (post-trail recommendation)

Evanston, WY (if shuttling north route)

• Motels, restaurants, groceries
• Good post-trail meal option

Alternative Resupply Methods

Food Caches: Some hikers pre-arrange food drops at Leidy Peak or Chepeta Lake trailheads (requires shuttle access and post-hike cache retrieval)

Horse Packing Services: Drop camp services available through local outfitters for mid-route resupply (premium option, requires advance booking)

Essential Planning Notes

Permits: None required, but parking at Hayden Pass requires a Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Site Pass

Food Storage: Bear-bagging required; bear canisters not mandatory (black bears only, rarely seen above 10,000 feet)

Navigation: GPS device highly recommended. Trail disappears in places, marked only by cairns and occasional posts.

Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms common July-August. Plan to cross passes before noon. Early starts (6am) recommended.

Best Season: Mid-July through mid-September for snow-free conditions

Shuttle Services: Limited options available. Self-shuttle drive time: approximately 3 hours between trailheads (northern route through Wyoming is faster)

Cell Service: Virtually nonexistent. Satellite communication device recommended for emergencies.