Kings Peak (Utah)
Mountain Utah's highest peak, popular for backcountry hikes
Kings Peak tops Utah at 13,528 feet in the Uinta Mountains. Hikers tackle long, remote trails through alpine basins and lakes to reach the summit; it’s a classic objective for backpackers and peak-baggers.
Kings Peak is the highest point in Utah, rising to 13,528 ft (4,123 m) in the Uinta Mountains. It is a focal point for high-country backpacking in the state.
The summit sits above a series of alpine basins and ridgelines; hikers cross meadows, talus slopes and small glaciers or permanent snowfields depending on season. The climb is non-technical but long, and many parties make it a 2- to 3-day backpacking trip with backcountry camping near the higher basins.
The peak was named for the 19th-century geologist Clarence King. It has been a destination for mountaineers and backcountry hikers since routes were established in the early 20th century.
Kings Peak stands in the High Uintas region of northeastern Utah within the Uinta Mountains, close to the Utah-Wyoming border.
- Elevation: 13,528 ft (4,123 m) - the highest point in the state of Utah.
- Access: Common approaches start from established trailheads such as Henrys Fork; routes are non-technical but typically require multi-day hiking and backcountry camping.
Tips for Visiting Kings Peak (Utah) #
- Start very early (pre-dawn) from the Henrys Fork Trailhead - this is the standard access for Kings Peak and an early start helps you beat the long day-distance, the afternoon thunderstorm risk common in the Uintas, and most other hikers.
- Plan Kings Peak as an overnight/backpacking trip rather than a casual day hike: the standard route is very long (commonly ~28-30 miles round trip), so many parties break the approach into 2-3 days to arrive at the summit fresher and avoid rushing.
- If you want fewer people on the summit ridge, camp lower in the Henrys Fork basin and push for the summit at first light the following morning - most day-hikers arrive later in the morning/afternoon, so pre-dawn summit pushes are quieter.
Best Time to Visit Kings Peak (Utah) #
Best visited in midsummer (July-September) when trails to the high alpine summit are most accessible and snowpack is lowest.
Weather & Climate near Kings Peak (Utah) #
Kings Peak (Utah)'s climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from -17°C to 15°C. Moderate rainfall (619 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -16°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -17°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
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April
April is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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May
May is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
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July
July is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with 61 mm of rain.
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September
September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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October
October is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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December
December is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and breezy conditions.
