Kings Peak Is Utah's Only Mountain Over 13,520 Feet, And It’s Worth A Stop
By Meghan Byers|Published March 09, 2022
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Meghan Byers
Author
A New Jersey native, Meghan is passionate about travel and enjoys finding off-the-beaten path destinations. You're most likely to find her at a coffee shop, or hitting the trails with her dogs. She graduated with a creative writing degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and has been writing professionally for over a decade.
Utah is full of natural wonders, from breathtaking waterfalls and gorgeous canyons to elegant arches and soaring peaks. Adventurous hikers have plenty of exciting terrain to explore, but if you’re looking for a true challenge, Kings Peak in Duchesne County absolutely delivers.
At an elevation of 13,528 feet, Kings Peak is the highest summit in the state and the seventh highest of the U.S. State Highpoints.
Kings Peak was named for Clarence King, the first director of the United States Geological Survey. Sometimes called the “Ceiling of Utah,” this towering summit beats out nearby South Kings Peak for the highest point in the state.
There are three prominent routes to choose from to reach the top of the mountain: Yellowstone Creek Trail, Henry’s Fork Trail, and Uinta River Trail. All three routes are exhilarating and challenging, and best for experienced hikers – elevation sickness can strike unexpectedly, and you should be prepared to do some rock scrambling during the last mile.
Henry’s Fork Trail, a 27.80-mile, out-and-back route, is the most popular choice for most hikers, approaching from the north side of the range. Yellowstone Creek Trail is a good choice to avoid Henry’s Fork crowds, and the Uinta River Trail provides an extra-long, extremely challenging hike for those who want a real test of their endurance. All three routes should take multiple days to complete, although it’s technically possible to do Henry’s Fork in one very long, strenuous day.
You’ll find beautiful scenery along the way no matter which trail you choose, with lakes and alpine meadows to admire. Don’t forget to pause and really take in the magnificent views of Utah’s wilderness as you go.
