During a fly fishing trip to the Green River, my two friends and I found ourselves with two extra days to spend in Dutch John UT. As we searched for activities in the area, I stumbled upon King's Peak, the highest mountain in Utah, which was only a short 1.5-hour drive from our Vernal airport. We decided to embark on a 20-mile out-and-back 2-day backpacking trip to the peak.
Our adventure began in a hotel where we spent our first night in Utah. However, we woke up to a huge snowstorm that had swept through the Uinta Mountain range. We had come prepared for cool weather conditions, but we were ill-equipped to handle a snow-capped mountain. Despite this setback, we made our way to Henry's Fork Trailhead to begin our hike, hoping to make the final decision about whether to summit the following morning.
The hike proved to be a challenge, with our 50-pound packs and new hiking boots. Although my boots were worn-in, carrying such heavy loads was a struggle. Brian, who was the strongest of us, had the smallest backpack but made the mistake of breaking in new boots just a few days before. This resulted in painful blisters.
Henry's Fork Trail has some of the most diverse terrain, and incredible views I've experienced in my lifetime. Due to the shear challenge of entering the valley below King's Peak, very few people have laid eyes on this paradise. The hike is a grueling 10-mile journey, climbing thousands of feet in elevation, before leveling out into a valley surrounded by the Uinta's Mountain range, numerous lakes and ponds, and a raging "creek" that echoes throughout the valley. We watched the milky way in pure brilliance that night, and awoke to Elk singing across the range. Heading over to Dollar Lake to replenish our water supply (the most popular spot to set up base camp before a morning summit), we ran into bull moose just steps away, and incredible serenity as far as the eye could see.
Elevation does strange things to Texans, and while we didn't necessarily realize it while we were there, our decision-making and ability to speak clear sentences was impacted. Justin and I made a short journey across the valley to the entrance of Gunnarsson Pass the next morning, Brian remaining at base-camp with blisters, and what later would become plantar fasciitis. I was still hoping to consider a summit, but quickly realizing the physical condition I was in, my body would not permit another thousand foot climb that morning. Justin probably circled that valley 5 times taking in the sights, and though I believe he could have made the summit, probably didn't want to hurt our pride and opted for a descent. The snow on Kings was magnificent, and a great, dangerous excuse for us to stay in the valley and to begin making our way back to the trail head. We were humbled by our experience in this magical place, with a little sadness in our step wishing we had more time to stay, and wishing the car was a little closer.
I will return to this valley again, hopefully more than once, and linger much longer. While making summit would be an amazing feat and a lifetime achievement for most, my desire simply runs through the valley river and lakes that lay at its feet.
© 2026 sweetwater
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