Walk-Up5/10
High Uintas Highline Trailhead permit
Access to the Highline Trail and interior....
Walk-UpOvernightModerate Demand
Henry's Fork Trailhead Permit
Primary access to Kings Peak.
“Climb Utah's highest peak from a high alpine basin where glacial lakes mirror 13,000-foot ridgelines and the state's roof awaits.”
How to get Henry's Fork
Henry's Fork is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we watch.
How to get Henry's Fork
Henry's Fork is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we watch.
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Henry's Fork Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodWalk-Up
Demand LevelModerate6/10
This permit is not bookable online
You get this permit in person at the trailhead or ranger station, or by phone. There is no online reservation to race for, so availability alerts do not apply. We still track key dates and season info for your trip.
Official permit page →Key Information
Permit Details
TypeOvernight
Booking MethodWalk-Up
Demand Level6/10
LocationUT
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
21 miles
Elevation Gain
4,134 ft
Route Type
Out & Back
Duration
2-3 days
Difficulty
StrenuousElevation Range
9,400 - 13,528 ft
Highlights
- •21 miles round trip to summit
- •4,100+ feet total elevation gain
- •Alpine camping at 10,800+ feet
- •Non-technical but strenuous summit day
- •Free self-registration permit
Best Time to Visit
July-September. Snow typically clears by mid-July. September brings fall colors and fewer people but colder nights.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Altitude. Summit is 13,534 feet. Acclimatize properly.
- !Afternoon thunderstorms. Plan for early summit start (leave camp by 5am).
- !Exposed ridgeline. No shelter above treeline.
- !Loose rock on summit approach
- !Snow can persist into July
How to Get This Permit
1
Check the agency page for the process
This permit is not sold online. Confirm where and when it is issued — and any fee — at U.S. Forest Service before your trip.
2
Arrive early
Walk-up permits are issued first-come, first-served, and quotas can fill early on weekends and holidays.
3
Have backup plans
Popular trailheads may be full. Know alternative routes or dates in case your first choice is unavailable.
Learn More
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand4/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill2/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk3/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation2/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment4/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Peak baggers seeking Utah's highest. Fit backpackers comfortable at altitude.
Recommended Experience
High-altitude hiking experience recommended. Multi-day backpacking skills.
Not Recommended For
Those who struggle at altitude. Anyone without cold-weather gear.
About This Permit
Henry's Fork Trail provides the most popular access to Kings Peak, Utah's highest point at 13,534 feet. The route passes through alpine lakes before a demanding summit day.
No permit quota exists, but free self-registration is required for overnight stays. The trail receives heavy use on summer weekends.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Henry's Fork is the primary access to Kings Peak (13,534 feet), the highest point in Utah. The approach through Dollar Lake basin provides classic alpine scenery while the peak itself offers straightforward but demanding summit ambitions.
The Route
From Henry's Fork Trailhead, the trail follows the creek through subalpine forest before climbing into the Dollar Lake basin. Most parties camp at Dollar Lake or the higher Grass Lake for a summit bid the following day.
The Kings Peak summit route follows the ridge from Gunsight Pass, gaining 2,500 feet from Dollar Lake in 5 miles. The final approach is non-technical but exposed, requiring good weather and early starts.
The Feeling
The trail rises through forest before breaking into alpine tundra. Dollar Lake appears first, then Grass Lake, each reflecting the peaks above. At camp, you're surrounded by raw mountain terrain. The next morning's summit push rewards with views that extend into Wyoming and beyond. You're standing on Utah's roof.
Rules & Regulations
- •Free wilderness permit required (self-registration at trailhead)
- •Camp 200 feet from water and trails
- •No fires above treeline
- •Pack out all waste
- •Group size limited to 14
Gear Checklist
Required
- Cold-weather camping gear (lows in 30s even in summer)
- Water filter
- Rain gear (afternoon storms common)
- Sturdy boots for rocky summit terrain
- Headlamp for predawn summit start
Recommended
- Trekking poles
- Bear canister (bears are present)
- Warm layers for summit
- Camera for summit views
- Electrolytes for altitude
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Henry's Fork
🚐
Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
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Guide Services
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Key Landmarks
↑
4,134ft
Gain↓
4,134ft
Loss⛰️
13,528ft
High📏
10.5mi
Distance📐
7.5%
Avg GradeClick on a marker to view details•8 landmarks
Landmarks (8)
Safety & Planning
🚨
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Henry's Fork.
🐻
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Henry's Fork FAQ
How do I get a Henry's Fork permit?
Henry's Fork is not sold online. It is issued in person or by phone, so there is no reservation to book and no cancellation to catch. PermitSnag does not send alerts for it — check the official permit page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit Henry's Fork?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Henry's Fork permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Henry's Fork permit?
On this permit there is no cancellation queue and no alert to set, because nothing is re-released onto a calendar we could watch. Bring backup dates, and check the official permit page for the current process and any closures.
👥Community
Trail Conditions(1)
Questions
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Trip Reports
Write ReportPhotography Guide
Golden Hour
Sunrise from the summit is legendary. Camp high for a predawn start.
Best Light
Early morning for alpine glow on peaks. Lake reflections best when winds are calm (dawn).
Beat the Crowds
Weekday trips and early summer before crowds arrive. September offers fall colors and fewer people.
Classic Shots
- 📍Dollar Lake reflection of peaks
- 📍Kings Peak summit views
- 📍Sunrise from the ridgeline
- 📍Alpine wildflowers with peak backdrop
- 📍Grass Lake panorama
Can't Get a Henry's Fork Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
🏕️
Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Henry's Fork trip
Very HardIn Demand26 sitesCanyonlands National Park Needles District Campground
Canyonlands National Park
Book campsite
Very HardIn Demand3 sitesCanyonlands National Park Needles District Group Campsites
Canyonlands National Park
Book campsite
Very HardIn Demand57 sitesDevils Garden Campground
Arches National Park
Book campsite
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