First drive to the town of Roosevelt, which is along US Highway 40. From Roosevelt, turn north on State Highway 121. Follow State Highway 121 north to the small town of Neola. From Neola follow the road due north and eventually it curves into the Uinta River Canyon at a power plant. Continue along the main road while following the river all the way past the U-Bar Ranch and to the trailhead at the end of the road.

Route Description

From 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 Gear

A good pair of boots and all the other usual gear.

Miscellaneous Info

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