- Region
- UT, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Permits are not required for the High Uint…
- Managed by
- U.S. Forest Service — jointly managed by Ashley National Forest and Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, with Ashley serving as the lead forest.
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High Uintas Wilderness trip tools
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Photos of High Uintas Wilderness
How to get there
Select a trailhead before planning the drive. Gateway communities include Duchesne, Roosevelt, and Kamas in Utah, and Evanston and Mountain View in Wyoming. Developed trailheads surround the wilderness, so the appropriate approach depends on the chosen entry point. Confirm road conditions and detailed driving directions with the Forest Service before departure.
- Chepeta Lake Trailhead
A named High Uintas access point listed for hiking and horse riding. Confirm the onward trail and road approach when planning a trip.
- Grandview Trailhead
An access point listed for hiking, horse riding, fishing, and picnicking. Choose the specific destination and verify the route before setting out.
- Highline Trailhead
A named hiking access point serving the High Uintas. Use current Forest Service maps to establish the intended itinerary.
- Rock Creek Trailhead
An access point listed for hiking, horse riding, fishing, and picnicking. Confirm approach conditions and the intended trail connection before travel.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
UT, USA · United States
- Hunting
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Winter Camping
- Canoeing
A high-elevation wilderness of basins and ridges
The High Uintas Wilderness protects 453,900 acres in northeastern Utah, making it the state’s largest wilderness area. Its core is a broad expanse of glacial basins, flat-topped mountains, and high peaks, including 13,528-foot Kings Peak, Utah’s highest summit. The Uinta Mountains’ main crest runs west to east for more than 60 miles, with large secondary ridges extending north and south. That terrain matters when choosing a trip: neighboring basins may be separated by substantial high ground rather than connected by an easy walk. Hundreds of lakes, streams, and meadows occupy the basins, while rivers drop into deep canyons below. Trips here can focus on forest and lake country without making a summit the objective. For longer outings, the wilderness has the scale to support extended backpacking and horse-packing trips.
Choosing a trip through the trail network
A network of 545 miles of trails serves the High Uintas, with access from 16 developed trailheads around the wilderness. Foot travel and horse travel are central ways to explore, alongside fishing, wildlife watching, and mountain and rock climbing. Choose an entry point around the terrain and activity wanted, then establish the actual route using Forest Service maps and current information. Chepeta Lake, Grandview, Highline, Rock Creek, and West Fork are named trailheads serving the area, but their names alone do not establish a trip’s length or difficulty. A lake-focused outing and a high-country crossing call for different preparation. Avoid judging effort by mileage alone: the range rises from 7,500 feet to Kings Peak’s summit, and its ridges and basins can make elevation change an important part of the day.
Prepare for alpine conditions and limit your impact
Above treeline, tundra plants occupy a harsh alpine environment; below it, Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir, and lodgepole pine surround meadows and wetlands. Pack for exposed, cold conditions when heading into the high country, and treat stream and lake water before drinking. Elk, moose, mountain goats, black bears, and cougars are among the animals found in the range. Give wildlife space and secure food rather than allowing animals to approach camp. The wilderness is fragile, and growing visitation has increased resource impacts and made solitude harder to find. Keep travel and camping impacts low, particularly around wet ground and alpine vegetation. Permits are not required for the High Uintas Wilderness. Before departure, check the Forest Service’s current occupancy and use restrictions and campfire closure information; do not assume a campfire is allowed.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to High Uintas Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 40.7439, -110.4942
- Latitude (DMS)
- 40° 44′ 38.1″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 110° 29′ 39.2″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for High Uintas Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
Located in northeastern Utah, the Uinta Mountains were named for the Uintaat Indians, early relatives of the modern Ute Tribe. The High Uintas Wilderness envelops the wild core of this massive mountain...
Key takeaways
- Region: UT, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 40.744, -110.494
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at High Uintas Wilderness
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
Animals around High Uintas Wilderness
A high-elevation wilderness of basins and ridges
The High Uintas Wilderness protects 453,900 acres in northeastern Utah, making it the state’s largest wilderness area. Its core is a broad expanse of glacial basins, flat-topped mountains, and high peaks, including 13,528-foot Kings Peak, Utah’s highest summit. The Uinta Mountains’ main crest runs west to east for more than 60 miles, with large secondary ridges extending north and south. That terrain matters when choosing a trip: neighboring basins may be separated by substantial high ground rather than connected by an easy walk. Hundreds of lakes, streams, and meadows occupy the basins, while rivers drop into deep canyons below. Trips here can focus on forest and lake country without making a summit the objective. For longer outings, the wilderness has the scale to support extended backpacking and horse-packing trips.
Choosing a trip through the trail network
A network of 545 miles of trails serves the High Uintas, with access from 16 developed trailheads around the wilderness. Foot travel and horse travel are central ways to explore, alongside fishing, wildlife watching, and mountain and rock climbing. Choose an entry point around the terrain and activity wanted, then establish the actual route using Forest Service maps and current information. Chepeta Lake, Grandview, Highline, Rock Creek, and West Fork are named trailheads serving the area, but their names alone do not establish a trip’s length or difficulty. A lake-focused outing and a high-country crossing call for different preparation. Avoid judging effort by mileage alone: the range rises from 7,500 feet to Kings Peak’s summit, and its ridges and basins can make elevation change an important part of the day.
Prepare for alpine conditions and limit your impact
Above treeline, tundra plants occupy a harsh alpine environment; below it, Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir, and lodgepole pine surround meadows and wetlands. Pack for exposed, cold conditions when heading into the high country, and treat stream and lake water before drinking. Elk, moose, mountain goats, black bears, and cougars are among the animals found in the range. Give wildlife space and secure food rather than allowing animals to approach camp. The wilderness is fragile, and growing visitation has increased resource impacts and made solitude harder to find. Keep travel and camping impacts low, particularly around wet ground and alpine vegetation. Permits are not required for the High Uintas Wilderness. Before departure, check the Forest Service’s current occupancy and use restrictions and campfire closure information; do not assume a campfire is allowed.
Route options
- Hiking from Highline Trailhead
Use this hiking entry point to plan a foot-travel itinerary. Establish the destination, turnaround point, and elevation profile with a trail map rather than assuming a fixed route from the trailhead name.
- Foot or horse travel from Chepeta Lake Trailhead
Consider this entry for a hiking or horse-riding trip. Match the onward route to the party’s experience and confirm trail suitability with the Forest Service.
- Hiking and fishing from Rock Creek Trailhead
Consider this access point when planning an outing combining walking and fishing. Verify the particular fishing destination and trail itinerary before committing to the trip.
Sample itineraries
- Grandview Trailhead day hike · 1 day
Start at Grandview Trailhead for a self-paced walking outing. Choose a turnaround using a current trail map, conditions, and the group's ability. This is a short introduction to the High Uintas rather than a summit objective.
- High Uintas backpacking sampler · 3 days
Plan a mapped out-and-back from Rock Creek Trailhead. Use the first day to reach a suitable camp, the second for exploration, and the third to return. Confirm trail connections and camping restrictions before choosing a lake or basin destination.
- Extended wilderness horse pack · 5 days
Build a horse-packing trip from Chepeta Lake Trailhead using current maps and agency guidance. Allow time for travel, basin exploration, and the return. The wilderness's extensive horse and foot trail network supports longer trips; confirm stock-use restrictions before setting the route.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
During the transition from winter
Treat high-elevation travel as condition-dependent. The range's harsh alpine climate calls for conservative plans and cold-weather equipment. Confirm road and trail conditions before selecting an access point.
Summer
When access and trail conditions permit
Plan walking, backpacking, or horse trips around actual conditions rather than the calendar. Above-treeline terrain remains exposed to mountain weather; carry insulating layers and weather protection even for day trips.
Fall
As colder mountain conditions return
Keep itineraries flexible and reassess exposed alpine objectives when weather deteriorates. Lower forests and high basins present different conditions; check the full elevation range of the intended route.
Winter
Winter conditions
The high country requires cold-weather preparation and careful access planning. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are winter options. Confirm road access before departure; snowmobiling is not allowed inside the wilderness.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | During the transition from winter | Treat high-elevation travel as condition-dependent. The range's harsh alpine climate calls for conservative plans and cold-weather equipment. Confirm road and trail conditions before selecting an access point. |
| Summer | When access and trail conditions permit | Plan walking, backpacking, or horse trips around actual conditions rather than the calendar. Above-treeline terrain remains exposed to mountain weather; carry insulating layers and weather protection even for day trips. |
| Fall | As colder mountain conditions return | Keep itineraries flexible and reassess exposed alpine objectives when weather deteriorates. Lower forests and high basins present different conditions; check the full elevation range of the intended route. |
| Winter | Winter conditions | The high country requires cold-weather preparation and careful access planning. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are winter options. Confirm road access before departure; snowmobiling is not allowed inside the wilderness. |
Permits, fees & closures
Permits are not required for the High Uintas Wilderness. Check current Forest Service occupancy, use, and campfire restrictions before departure.
Official source: Ashley National Forest | High Uintas Wilderness · Verified November 1, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- High elevation: Kings Peak reaches 13,528 feet. Allow time to adjust, moderate exertion, and descend if altitude-related symptoms develop.
- Harsh alpine climate: exposed terrain above treeline demands weather protection and a willingness to turn around.
- Cold, rushing streams and rivers: assess crossings carefully and avoid entering water that exceeds the group's ability.
- Large wildlife, including moose and black bears: keep your distance, secure food, and never approach or feed animals.
- Extended wilderness travel: carry navigation tools and enough supplies to handle delays rather than relying on a quick exit.
What to pack for High Uintas Wilderness
- Current trail map
- Compass and offline navigation
- Headlamp
- First-aid kit
- Emergency shelter
- Insulating layers
- Waterproof shell
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sun protection
- Season-appropriate sleeping system for overnight trips
- Water treatment
- Water containers
- Extra food for delays
- Wildlife-resistant food storage appropriate to current agency guidance
- Waste bags
High Uintas Wilderness FAQ
- Where is the High Uintas Wilderness?
- It occupies the core of the Uinta Mountains in northeastern Utah. Gateway communities include Duchesne, Roosevelt, and Kamas in Utah, plus Evanston and Mountain View in Wyoming.
- Who manages the wilderness?
- Ashley National Forest and Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest share management. Ashley is the lead forest and manages about 60 percent of the wilderness.
- Where can trips begin?
- There are 16 developed trailheads surrounding the wilderness. Named access points include Chepeta Lake, Grandview, Highline, Rock Creek, and West Fork trailheads. Match the access point to a mapped route and confirm current conditions.
- What activities are available?
- Options include hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, horse packing, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and mountain or rock climbing. The wilderness contains 545 miles of trails through forests, lake basins, and alpine terrain.
- Are bicycles or motorized vehicles allowed?
- Motorized travel and mechanical transport, including bicycles, are generally prohibited in wilderness. Plan to travel on foot or horseback; winter visitors can use skis or snowshoes.
- Can visitors have campfires?
- A High Uintas Wilderness campfire closure alert is listed by the Forest Service. Check its current scope before planning any fire, along with occupancy and use restrictions. Do not assume fires are allowed at a chosen campsite.