Uinta Highline Trail: Your Guide to the Vernal Gateway Adventure

Ready for a high-altitude adventure? The Uinta Highline Trail offers one of Utah's most breathtaking backpacking experiences. While the trail's official western terminus is near Salt Lake City, the eastern end, accessible from the Vernal Gateway, provides a rugged and remote starting point perfect for experienced hikers. Vernal, often called "Dinosaurland," is your ideal basecamp for this epic journey.

The Uinta Highline Trail is more than a hike; it's a world-class journey through Utah's high-altitude wilderness. This trail carves a path through the Uinta Mountains, stretching over 100 miles and climbing as much as 18,000 feet elevation gain. It weaves through multiple national forest districts, revealing a constantly changing landscape with hundreds of unique plant and animal species. It is also a popular route for equestrians, and you may encounter horse riders and pack animals, especially during the summer and fall. This is a trail unlike any other, offering a unique blend of challenge and reward.

The primary test of the Highline Trail is its relentless, undulating terrain. Hikers face a continuous series of ascents and descents, with the trail maintaining an average elevation of around 10,000 feet. This high-alpine environment makes for unpredictable conditions. The drastic temperature swings from day to night require careful preparation. While the trek is physically demanding, every step is rewarded with a view of spectacular mountain scenery that will remain etched in your memory long after the journey is over.

When to Go: The Best Time to Hike

The most popular time to hike the Uinta Highline Trail is from mid-July through mid-September. This is the prime season for several reasons:

 Snow Melt: The trail's high elevation, including passes like Dead Horse Pass and Porcupine Pass, often remains snowbound until at least mid-July. Attempting the trail earlier can be dangerous and requires proper snow gear.
 

Weather and Bugs: While July brings out beautiful wildflowers, it also comes with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and a high number of mosquitoes. August generally offers drier trails and fewer bugs, though you should still be prepared for rain. September brings spectacular fall colors and much less thunderstorm activity, but it also increases the risk of early-season snow and colder temperatures.
 

Balancing Act: Many experienced hikers consider late August to be the ideal time, as it strikes a perfect balance between the bug and thunderstorm season and the arrival of winter weather.

It's crucial to remember that conditions can vary significantly each year depending on the winter snowpack. Always check the current trail conditions before you plan your trip by visiting the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Ashley National Forest.

Essential Logistics for Your Vernal-Based Thru-Hike

Starting your Uinta Highline Trail adventure from Vernal means a focus on the eastern terminus. While this section is more remote, with careful planning, it provides a fantastic entry into the high country. Here’s everything you need to know about preparing for your trek from this side of the Uintas.

Trailhead Options & Getting There

All the eastern trailheads are accessible from Vernal. Your choice depends on your desired hike length and how much of the initial "forest walk" you want to skip.

Highway 191 (McKee Draw): This is the official eastern terminus. It's the longest option (approx. 105 miles) and the easiest to access via paved roads from Vernal. The first 15-20 miles of this section are less scenic, so many experienced hikers prefer to skip it.

Leidy Peak/Hacking Lake: At approximately 80 miles, this trailhead is considered the "true" start of the high-alpine route. Access is via a rough dirt road from Vernal.

Chipeta Dam: This is the shortest option at around 70 miles, providing the fastest entry to the stunning high-altitude scenery. The access road is very rough, often requiring a high-clearance vehicle.

The Shuttle: A Key to Success

For a thru-hike, the most significant logistical challenge is your shuttle. Since the Vernal-area trailheads are over 100 miles from the trail's western terminus near Salt Lake City, a car-drop is often impractical. Your best option is to hire a commercial shuttle service that operates out of Vernal. These services specialize in dropping you off at your chosen eastern trailhead, allowing you to hike west to your vehicle (if you park at the western terminus) or simply completing your hike with a pre-arranged pickup at the other end. Research and book your shuttle well in advance, as availability can be limited.

What to Expect on the Eastern Trail

This part of the UHT is known for its rugged and remote character. Be prepared for:

High Altitude: Most of the trail stays above 10,000 feet. Give yourself a day or two in Vernal or at a lower-elevation campsite to acclimatize before you begin.

Navigation Challenges: The trail can be faint in places, especially through open meadows and rocky sections. In addition to a physical map and compass, carry a GPS device with offline maps downloaded, as there is virtually no cell service on the trail.

Water Availability: Water is scarce for the first 20 miles from the Highway 191 trailhead. Always carry enough water to get to your next planned source, and use a reliable filter or purification system on all water you collect.

Camping and Where to Stay

The Uinta Highline Trail is in a designated wilderness area, meaning you can camp almost anywhere. Look for established sites with a fire ring and a flat spot to set up. Popular camping areas on the eastern end include the Kidney Lakes and in the numerous basins and meadows throughout the high country.

In Vernal, you'll find plenty of lodging options, from hotels and motels to charming B&Bs. The town is a perfect place to gear up and get a good night's rest before your trek. You can also camp in the surrounding Ashley National Forest, Dinosaur National Monument, or at nearby state parks like Red Fleet and Steinaker.

FAQ: Uinta Highline Trail

Q: How difficult is the Uinta Highline Trail?
A: It is a challenging, multi-day backpacking trip that requires a high level of physical fitness and preparation. The high altitude and variable weather are significant factors.

Q: Is a permit required to hike the Uinta Highline Trail?
A: No permit is required to hike the trail, but standard wilderness rules apply for Leave No Trace principles.

Q: What should I pack for the Uinta Highline Trail?
A: Due to the unpredictable weather, you should pack for all seasons. Essentials include a sturdy tent, a warm sleeping bag, a rain shell, layers of clothing, a water filter, and all your food.

Q: Can I hike the Uinta Highline Trail in sections?
A: Yes, many hikers choose to hike only a portion of the trail. The eastern sections from Vernal offer a great standalone trip for those wanting a challenging, remote experience.

Q: Are dogs allowed on the Uinta Highline Trail?
A: Yes, dogs are allowed in the High Uintas Wilderness, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. The trail is often a busy thoroughfare for both hikers and horses, so keeping your dog leashed is a crucial safety measure for both your pet and other trail users.

Exploring Beyond the Trail

Vernal isn't just a gateway to the Uintas; it's a Dinosaurland adventure hub. While in town (perhaps, acclimating?), be sure to check out these must-see attractions:

Dinosaur National Monument: See over 1,500 dinosaur bones embedded in the famous "Wall of Bones" at the Quarry Exhibit Hall. It's a fossil lover's dream!

Red Fleet State Park: Known as "Little Lake Powell," this park is home to a beautiful reservoir, hiking trails, and ancient dinosaur tracks along the shoreline.

Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum: Learn about the region's prehistoric past through interactive exhibits and full-size dinosaur models.

Whether you're looking for an extreme backpacking challenge or a family-friendly dinosaur adventure, Vernal is your perfect destination. Now that you know how to conquer Utah's iconic high-altitude trail, what's stopping you from planning your next epic journey?