Hike to Kings Peak in mid July 2024 solo. Beautiful country. Older, eroded mountains makes for rocky trails, which slowed my average speed. Camp at Dollar Lake the first night and summitted the next day. Summit day took just under nine hours, 12 miles and about 3100 feet gained. I choose to traverse the boulder field from Gunsight to Anderson to save a mile and eliminate some uphill. I took the low route on the way back, my legs couldn’t take the pounding from rock to rock anymore. My main recommendation is not underestimate the rocky terrain. This 13’r is tougher than others, like Wheeler or Humphrey, that have straighter shots and smoother trails to the summit. Saw plenty of moose and deer, no bears. Had a bull moose chase a cow right through the middle of our camp at Dollar Lake. Definitely bring good insect repellent!
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So beautiful, had a moose come through our campsite! The lake was a little smaller than we had anticipated, but the scenery was beautiful, and the trail was well maintained and relatively flat except when we took a detour to lake hessie. That had a good amount of uphill, but the lake there was sooo gorgeous too! Definitely recommend hitting both if you’re going for a couple days.
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989 miles of off-road smiles. 4 plated off-road capable motorcycles and a Taco chase truck. Southern California, Utah Motorcycle Bike-packing Adventure Guides (SCUMBAGs).
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Lots of water crossings and lots of mud. Afternoon thunderstorms. Spent an hour at the lake.
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There are prettier, more shaded trails in the High Uintahs, but this one is extremely memorable! A very challenging route for a single day trail run, but the route is easy to follow and there is plenty of water along the way to filter, so you can go pretty light. Very busy trail, but the payoff at Kings is worth every step.
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The hike from the trailhead gains slight elevation and is beautiful and is quite level until you reach the fork to either head straight ahead to Broadbent meadow or fork left to head up towards the lake. The elevation from there is intense for most of the rest of the hike. Once at the lake though it absolutely takes your breath away and is worth every hard earned step. Trout in the lake of a good size. Fresh water source into the major lake on the south side. Stunning. Lodge pole pines primarily.
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Great views from the top. Scramble is very manageable. The flat miles feel pretty annoying and long on the way out. I enjoyed the loop part into the basin, recommend if you have the time. The shorter way is a bit steep and loose in the incline section, then going over the rock field is a bit of a pain. But it definitely cuts time and distance if you need that.
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Absolutely beautiful backpacking trip. Still a bit wet, and you can lose the trail pretty easily at the top. Amazing view of Amethyst Basin and the lake is absolutely gorgeous. Highly recommend this route for any moderate to experienced backpacker.
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Area was burned in 2018 and Scudder Lake may not be a great destination for a few years.
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