Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Uinta Highline Trail, Worldwide. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- Utah, USA
- Country
- Worldwide
- Biome
- Sub-alpine plateau (2,900–3,600 m)
- Best season
- July – September
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Climbing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Sub-alpine plateau (2,900–3,600 m)
- Best season: July – September
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Uinta Highline Trail
Topic summary
A 100-mile east-west traverse along Utah's only east-west range, crossing eight passes over 11,000 ft.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: July – September
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Sub-alpine plateau (2,900–3,600 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Uinta Highline Trail trip tools
How to get there
The High Uintas Wilderness is in northeastern Utah, within parts of Duchesne and Summit counties. Mirror Lake Highway is a regional access road with a winter closure, usually opening near Memorial Day. Confirm current road status and the specific trailhead approach with the U.S. Forest Service.
- Mirror Lake Highway
Regional road access with a winter closure and a usual opening near Memorial Day. Confirm the exact trailhead connection before using it for a Highline trip.
- Ashley National Forest
Contains part of the High Uintas Wilderness. This is a managing-forest area, not a specific trailhead; confirm the intended entry location with the forest office.
- Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
Contains part of the High Uintas Wilderness. Use the forest office to verify a specific access point rather than treating the forest name as an arrival location.
Sources: Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Uinta Highline Trail
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
Animals around Uinta Highline Trail
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Uinta Highline TrailAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Uinta Highline Trail
Planning to fish Uinta Highline Trail, Utah? Fishing licenses, open seasons and catch limits in Utah are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing license at Uinta Highline Trail?
- A Utah fishing license is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current Utah fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Hunting near Uinta Highline Trail
Thinking about hunting Uinta Highline Trail, Utah? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Utah are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Uinta Highline Trail?
- Confirm the land around Uinta Highline Trail is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in Utah?
- A Utah hunting license — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
The High Uintas setting
Planning a Uinta Highline Trail trip starts with understanding the High Uintas Wilderness in northeastern Utah. The wilderness encompasses Uinta Mountain country in Duchesne and Summit counties and lies within portions of Ashley National Forest and Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. This is high-elevation terrain: Kings Peak, Utah’s highest summit, lies inside the wilderness, along with other peaks exceeding 13,000 feet. That setting calls for conservative decisions about weather, clothing, and daily effort. A trail itinerary needs more detail than a regional overview can establish, particularly when choosing entry points and connecting travel days. Confirm the intended trail alignment and access with the U.S. Forest Service before arranging transportation or committing to a schedule.
Season and road access
Mirror Lake Highway has a winter closure and usually opens near Memorial Day. That is a general seasonal pattern, not a guaranteed opening date or an assurance that mountain travel conditions are suitable. Check the road’s current status separately from conditions along the intended trail. In a range containing some of Utah’s highest peaks, preparation should account for cold weather and the possibility that conditions at elevation differ from those at the road. Winter recreation in the area includes cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Snowmobiling is allowed for winter access outside the wilderness but is not allowed within the wilderness itself. Keep that boundary distinction central to any winter access plan.
Build the itinerary around verified details
The U.S. Forest Service manages the High Uintas Wilderness across portions of two national forests. Contact the relevant forest office to confirm the requirements and conditions for the exact trip being considered. Before departure, establish the actual entry and exit locations, the route between them, and whether the transportation plan works with seasonal road access. Do not treat a national forest name as a trailhead or assume that an open highway establishes a clear trail. For a high-mountain outing, carry weather protection and choose a schedule that leaves room to change plans. The winter travel options below describe activities available in the area rather than mapped Highline itineraries; they do not establish distances, difficulty ratings, or specific trail connections.
Route options
- Cross-country skiing
A winter travel option in the High Uintas area, not a defined Highline route here. Select an itinerary only after confirming access, terrain, and current winter conditions.
- Snowshoeing
A winter travel option in the area. No specific alignment or trailhead connection is established here; confirm a suitable itinerary and account for Mirror Lake Highway’s winter closure.
Sample itineraries
- Short Highline Out-and-Back · 2 days
Use this as a planning outline, not a verified route description. Choose an access point and manageable turnaround with the managing forest, then plan one overnight and a return along the same route. Confirm elevation, water availability, and current trail conditions before committing.
- Extended Highline Backpack · 3 days
Plan a longer out-and-back only after confirming access, trail conditions, and suitable overnight locations with the managing forest. Keep the middle day flexible for mountain weather and altitude adjustment. This outline does not establish a complete trail itinerary or a through-hike duration.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring thaw
Treat high-elevation travel as potentially snowy rather than assuming hiking conditions. Mirror Lake Highway usually opens near Memorial Day; confirm current road status before relying on it for access.
Summer
Summer mountain travel
The High Uintas contain some of Utah's highest terrain. Prepare for cool conditions and changing mountain weather, and confirm snow conditions before selecting a Highline itinerary. Summer alone does not establish that a route is clear.
Fall
Autumn transition
Plan conservatively for colder weather and possible snow at elevation. Shorter daylight leaves less margin for slow travel. Check road and trail conditions rather than assuming summer access continues.
Winter
Winter snow season
Mirror Lake Highway is closed in winter. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are winter access options in the area, but that does not establish the Highline Trail as a suitable winter route. Snowmobiling is not allowed within the wilderness.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring thaw | Treat high-elevation travel as potentially snowy rather than assuming hiking conditions. Mirror Lake Highway usually opens near Memorial Day; confirm current road status before relying on it for access. |
| Summer | Summer mountain travel | The High Uintas contain some of Utah's highest terrain. Prepare for cool conditions and changing mountain weather, and confirm snow conditions before selecting a Highline itinerary. Summer alone does not establish that a route is clear. |
| Fall | Autumn transition | Plan conservatively for colder weather and possible snow at elevation. Shorter daylight leaves less margin for slow travel. Check road and trail conditions rather than assuming summer access continues. |
| Winter | Winter snow season | Mirror Lake Highway is closed in winter. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are winter access options in the area, but that does not establish the Highline Trail as a suitable winter route. Snowmobiling is not allowed within the wilderness. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements, overnight rules, and any applicable charges with the U.S. Forest Service offices managing Ashley National Forest and Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- High elevation: the surrounding wilderness includes peaks above 13,000 feet. Allow time to adjust and descend if altitude-related symptoms develop.
- Cold and changing mountain weather can make an overnight trip more demanding. Carry insulating layers and weather protection.
- Snow can complicate travel in this high mountain setting. Confirm conditions and turn back when terrain exceeds available skills or equipment.
- Seasonal road access can disrupt trip plans. Mirror Lake Highway's winter closure requires particular attention when arranging access.
What to pack for Uinta Highline Trail
- Detailed trail map and offline navigation
- Backup navigation method
- Confirmed access and turnaround plan
- Insulating layers
- Waterproof outer layers
- Warm hat and gloves
- Shelter and sleep system appropriate to expected temperatures
- Water treatment and carrying capacity
- Food with a contingency allowance
- First-aid kit
- Headlamp and spare power
- Sun protection
Uinta Highline Trail FAQ
- What mountain region should planning focus on?
- The Uinta Mountains in northeastern Utah. The High Uintas Wilderness encompasses parts of Duchesne and Summit counties and includes Kings Peak, Utah's highest peak.
- Who manages the High Uintas Wilderness?
- The U.S. Forest Service manages it within Ashley National Forest and Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Contact the appropriate forest office for access and trip-planning information.
- Can Mirror Lake Highway be used year-round?
- No. It is closed in winter and usually opens near Memorial Day. Verify current status before building an access plan around it.
- Are the suggested itineraries complete trail descriptions?
- No. They are planning outlines. Confirm trail access, route length, elevation changes, overnight locations, and water availability before choosing daily objectives.
- Is snowmobiling allowed in the wilderness?
- No. Although snowmobiling is a winter access activity outside the wilderness, it is not allowed within the High Uintas Wilderness. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are other winter access options.