The Uinta Highline Trail provides a rugged, high-altitude traverse through the heart of Utah's Uinta Mountains, stretching between 96 and 104 miles across diverse landscapes including the High Uintas Wilderness. The trail moves from west to east, crossing rocky passes and glacial basins with elevations ranging from approximately 8,200 feet to a peak of 12,700 feet.
Varying routes and distances
The trail's route and length vary depending on the specific path taken. According to the USDA Forest Service, Trail #105 travels from the Highline Trailhead on Mirror Lake Highway (Highway 150) to the Highline Trailhead on Highway 191. This version of the trail spans 96 miles. When the route enters the Ashley National Forest, the designation changes to Trail #025. Between the Hayden Pass trailhead and East Park Reservoir in the Ashley National Forest, the distance reaches nearly 100 miles.
Trail endpoints and locations
Other records indicate the full length of the Uinta Highline Trail can reach 104 miles. The trail's eastern terminus is located at McKee Draw along U.S. Route 191, situated between the Vernal area and the Flaming Gorge Reservoir. On the western side, the trail ends at Hayden Pass near Mirror Lake on Utah Route 150.
Extreme elevation and terrain
The terrain is characterized by extreme elevation shifts and diverse ecosystems. The trail crosses eight named passes that exceed 11,200 feet in elevation. Its highest point is Anderson Pass, reaching 12,700 feet, which sits just 0.7 miles south of Utah's highest peak, Kings Peak, at 13,528 feet. The trail's lowest point is recorded at McKee Draw at 8,240 feet, resulting in a total elevation change of approximately 16,700 feet during an east-to-west trip.
Diverse ecosystems and landscapes
Users traverse a mosaic of environments, including subalpine forests, alpine tundra, and rocky snow fields. More than half of the trail consists of treeless terrain, offering expansive views across the Uinta Range. The landscape is defined by broad, glacially carved basins and hundreds of lakes, shaped by past glacial activity on metasedimentary rocks.
Permitted recreational activities
Recreation opportunities on the trail include hiking, backpacking, trail running, and horseback riding. The USDA Forest Service notes the trail is open to both hikers and horses. However, because much of the route lies within the High Uintas Wilderness, travel is restricted to those on foot or horseback.
Alternative starting points
For those looking to shorten their journey, there are alternative starting points. The trail includes the Leidy Peak trailhead at mile 24 and the Chepeta Lake trailhead at mile 38. Starting at Chepeta Lake can reduce the westward hike to Hayden Pass to 66 miles.
Navigating the trail requires significant preparation due to environmental hazards. The USDA Forest Service warns that stream crossings can become very hazardous during periods of high water or rain. Additionally, snowmelt and icy slopes can present dangers early in the season, alongside the risks of severe weather and high altitude.
Water availability is a critical consideration for travelers. While numerous lakes and streams serve as potential sources, the first 25 miles passing through forest and subalpine meadows may have limited water access, particularly late in the season. After crossing Little Brush Creek at mile 4.3, some stretches may lack a reliable water source for over 20 miles, until reaching near Leidy Peak, where Hacking Lake is accessible via a short hike.
Strict regulations are in place to protect the wilderness area. The USDA Forest Service prohibits all fires within Naturalist Basin, which includes Blue Lake, Morat Lake, Le Conte Lake, Shaler Lake, and Jordan Lake; consequently, gas stoves are necessary for cooking in these areas. Campers are instructed to camp at least 200 feet from the edges of all lakes and to stay out of sight and sound of trails, streams, and other campers.
Accessing the western trailhead involves driving 34.5 miles east from Kamas on Mirror Lake Highway (Highway 150). This trailhead is located within a federal fee area that requires either a day pass—available at various locations along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway—or an annual America the Beautiful Pass.
The Highline Trail maintains a remote and primitive character. In certain sections, it lacks a formal tread and relies on large cairns, posts, or signs to mark the path for those with necessary navigation skills. While some users previously shortened their trips due to unmaintained sections in the far eastern portion, efforts by volunteers from Vernal, Utah, have worked to improve the trail from US Highway 191 to Leidy Peak since 2013.
