ApproachNote: My driving directions (mileages) were updated from David Rose’s book Utah Thirteeners, published in 2004.
From the town of Roosevelt along Highway 40 in the Uinta Basin, drive north on 200 North (Highway 121). Most junctions are marked with signs. At mile 10.4 at the hamlet of Neola go straight towards Uintah Canyon. At mile 17.7 continue straight. At mile 19.1, turn right to Uintah Canyon. At mile 23.2 turn right. At mile 23.5 turn right just after the bridge. Park at the trailhead at mile 27.2 (or 27.8 for day users, but most do not climb this route in a day).
Route DescriptionFrom the trailhead (7800 feet elevation), follow the trail north along the Uinta River. After about 3 miles, you will reach a junction. You will turn left here, crossing Sheep Bridge and onto the Chain Lakes Trail. Follow the trail, steep in places to the Chain Lakes Basin. Lower Chain Lake is about 7.6 miles from the trailhead and at 10,580 feet elevation. 4th Chain Lake is two miles beyond and at 10,900 feet elevation. Any of these lakes make a fine campsite.
From 4th Chain Lake, take the trail over Roberts Pass to the Lake Atwood Basin, and then over Trailrider Pass to Painter Basin. You could follow the trail all the way to Anderson Pass, but the shortest way is to climb the SE face of Kings directly. There is much boulder-hopping, but no major problems.
This route usually takes 4-5 days, sometimes more.
 
Essential GearA good pair of boots and all the other usual gear.
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High Uintas Wilderness
