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Jul 21, 2020 — We finally got a chance to head out for Kings Peak, the high point of Utah. This was my first visit to the Uinta Mountains, so I was looking forward to seeing some new scenery in an unfamiliar area. The Henrys Fork Trailhead is achieveable by any car, though the dirt road is long.
Matt, Josh, and I set out along the long and mostly boring approach, the majority of the first five miles being forested and flat. Fortunately, the water sounds from Henrys Fork made the hike a bit more pleasant. The trail was also rocky enough that jogging wouldn't be an efficient option. Eventually we emerged from the trees and were greeted by sweeping views of the peaks surrounding the massive basin-like formation that the trail would continue through to the south for miles. Kings Peak slowly grew larger, nestled visibly between Henrys Fork Peak and Dome Peak. The trail led up to Gunsight Pass, where a single set of switchbacks aided in ascending the rocky slope.
Gunsight Pass offered some amazing views to the south, the expansive lake-riddled region feeling unique and dauntingly massive. The official trail continues down from Gunsight Pass, but we would instead ascend via the well-known shortcut, which cuts out a few miles and vertical gain, instead sticking to the high road. A social trail led along the slopes, gaining some elevation rather than losing it. Locating the social trail may take a couple of minutes, but it should become clear once you start heading south toward it. Once on the social trail for a while, a short Class 2 section brought us above a minor cliff band. Cairns, unnecessary because the vast open space made it clear which way to go, guided us around the base of Dome Peak until Kings Peak came into view. The rocky terrain was slower-moving than the trail would have been, but this route option was definitely ultimately more efficient and we were happy to not have taken the longer route. Just below the base of Anderson Pass (the pass separating Henrys Fork Peak and Kings Peak), we rejoined the main trail and followed it along the north ridge of Kings Peak to the summit. The ridge included some Class 2 moves, and felt like an unrelenting boulder-hop. The last few hundred feet took longer than expected because of the boulders. We enjoyed the views from Kings Peak for a bit, but we knew the forest walk back would be long and boring and we were anxious to start moving.
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