Have summitted Kings multiple times. Climbed Kings Peak in a day. That was a riot. Got caught in a hail storm and had to spoon with my younger brother to keep warm. Never had been so cold in my life. One of my greatest natural highs when I first summitted Kings when I was a little Boy Scout. Great memories and stories. Still love going to Henrys Fork Basin even though it has become very popular.
Bassoon - Dec 16, 2007 9:53 pm Date Climbed: Sep 2, 2007
Crazy Storm
Climbed this with my uncle. We made it to the top before the big crowds and turned right around when we saw the storm heading our way- it amazed me how many idiots passed us heading up as we worked our way down the boulder field, even with our warning. The t-storm pounded us for 2 hours of the descent, but cleared up beautifully later. A great, great climb.
Lubos - Dec 8, 2007 7:22 pm Date Climbed: Mar 23, 2006
great fun in winter
I did the WMC cross country trip but did not summit. I need skins next time.
lcarreau - Dec 8, 2007 2:47 pm Date Climbed: Jul 30, 1981
Kings Peak in 1981
In 1981, I didn't know about any moose. I was camped
west of Dollar Lake with my brother, and we heard a
very strange noise in the middle of the night. It was
a constant grunting sound. There wasn't any other camps
or people around, so we concluded it was a bull moose.
Higher up around Gunsight Pass, we saw a coyote chasing
a deer. This is a very special place. I would recommend that
people experience this wonderful & primative area.
Hiked in from Henry's Fork, camped at Dollar Lake. Just about got trampled by stampeding moose through our campsight! Summit day avoided Painter Basin and Anderson Pass by going up and over talus field just past Gunsight. Traversed cirque to top of basin and then ascended King's from normal route. Descended down talus on face of King's ("toilet bowl")and back down the way we came. Wouldn't recommend the toilet bowl. Shaky rocks and much longer route than appearance would suggest make for a less-than-ideal descent. Fantastic trip!
We approached from the Red Castle area and camped under the SW face. Gorgeous area with plenty of solitute while we were there. Did it with my dad and brother. Good times, great company.
Climbed as part of The Everett Ruess Trail. Left Hwy 44 near Flaming Gorge Res and followed the Highline Trail to Mirror Lake Highway. Kings Peak was one summit along the way. The Uintas rock.
dandrew - Aug 24, 2007 11:15 pm Date Climbed: Aug 24, 2007
Great Luck with the Weather!
Not a cloud in the sky the whole day!!! We could see most of the Wasatch Range from the summit. Camped near Gunsight Pass, got an early start, and were back around noon. Went down the "toilet bowl"--don't think I'll do that again...
lasvegaswraith - Aug 17, 2007 7:08 pm Date Climbed: Sep 2, 2006
L-O-N-G
Dayhiked via the traditional Henry's Fork route. Made great time to the summit and kinda cheated by coming straight down the chute from Anderson pass to regain the trail. I didn't think the chute was nearly as bad as many climbers say - but I didn't have anyone bombing me either... As most people don't dayhike, it was pretty lonely from Dollar back to the trailhead, but very nice. Caught a quick view of some moose (moosen?!?) and succeeded in not getting trampled!
shmyers21 - Aug 16, 2007 7:00 pm Date Climbed: Aug 3, 2007
Kings Peak 2007
My wife and I were looking forward to climbing this peak all year long. It was a great 3 day backpacking trip. We took the trail the whole way to the top. We were lucky because we made it to the summit for about 15 minutes, then we were caught in a rain shower, with lightning and all. But we made it. Kings peak was Highpoint #2 for us!
mntmanmike - Aug 1, 2007 12:06 am Date Climbed: Jul 22, 2007
1st highpoint
This is my first state highpoint but will not be the last. Had beautiful weather the entire trip and saw three moose. Did the hike with my 55 year old dad and we had no problems making it to the top. Camped at Grass Lake and surprisingly didnt see another soul except when on the trail.
climbed from Sawmill Lake via Gunsight Pass (16th state HP)
I climbed this one with my brother Eric (with whom I had unsuccessfully attempted it 22 years earlier from the Timothy Lakes), my brother Guy, my bro-in-law Michael Eschenberg, and 3 of my nephews (Spencer and Matthew Foutz and Zachary Eschenberg). We descended via "the Chute".
Scenic climb once above tree line. Trail was relatively crowded for a wilderness area. Many animals present (humans, horses, llamas, sheep). Drizzled on us on occaision. Otherwise, a fun climb. State Highpoint #47.
vanman798 - Jul 16, 2007 4:27 pm Date Climbed: Aug 31, 2013
Wow Altitude
August 31, 2013 - Camped in the basin below the "toilet bowl" chute Aug 30, then summited next morning with my brother and nephew. Had hail at the camp spot, but a clear day on the peak.
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Sept 4, 2011 - Left Elk Horn crossing at 5:15 am, which allowed me to beat the Labor Day weekend infestation of Kings Peak hikers, as I was the first on Kings that day (arriving at 9:30 am). Sat on top for an hour, and still had it to myself, then I headed over to South Kings, Peak 13,306 (2nd Gemini), and Peak 13,387 (1st Gemini aka "Painter Peak"). Back tracked to the saddle between 2nd Gemini and S. King, and desended into Painters Basin and would never make that mistake again! After 15 hours I was back at Elk Horn Crossing.
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July 24 - 27, 2008 I did a solo trip to the Henry's Fork basin during which I climbed five peaks over 13,000 ft in 2 days. King's peak was the fifth of the five. I must admit to having summit fever as I climbed this peak during a classic High Uintas summer afternoon rain and lightening storm. I have never felt static in the air so strong, as it buzzed between my ski poles on my backpack. Near the peak the rain turned to grauple. When I lifted my camera to take a self-portrait the static nearly shocked me, and I thought for sure it had burned out my camera. Needless to say I was very much in fear!
What a beautiful area. I walked to the base of Gunsight pass, and camped next to a lake there. Was up early next day and on my way to the peak, and didn't see anyone else in the morning on the trail yet until I got over the pass and into the basin. I was on top before the crowds arrived. Read my trip report.
There are several nice camp sites along the trail between Dollar Lake and the turnoff to Henrys Fork Lake. We stay at one of them rather than among the plentiful sites around the lake -- a short hike to water from the upper reaches of Henrys Fork. Holed up in tent for nearly three hours due to thunderstorms, which were strong the previous day, too. So we started early from Dollar Lake on summit day, alas no rain this day! The scree slope return from Anderson Pass did not look that appealing, so we opted to return via the Gunsight Pass ascent route. I didn't find the scramble from Anderson to the summit nearly as entertaining as some evidently do -- just tedious. About 20 summited this day; we were unable to find a summit register.
Number 43 of my 49 state high points, about #10 for companion Dan L and about #30 for Richard. The approach (and departure) are an endless 6+ miles of barely 200 ft/mile, but the upper Henrys Fork valley is undeniably scenic and the main trail offers numerous nice vantage points well above the valley floor.
Dave K - Jun 20, 2007 3:53 am Date Climbed: Jun 17, 2007
Anderson Pass
Very fun and easy climb. We ditched our backpacks at the pass and 45 fun minutes later we were at the top.
LonePeakFreak - May 27, 2007 11:11 pm Date Climbed: May 25, 2007
Great Mountain
Really enjoyed this mountain. Lots of water, mud, and snow in the basin this time of year. Incredible views from the summit and a nice glissade down the chute from Anderson Pass. Long trail but well worth the effort.
boisedoc - Apr 7, 2007 2:31 am Date Climbed: Jul 2, 2004
crowded
Any thoughts of solitude were ruined by a huge group of boyscouts but still pretty nice. Overall, however, I was a bit disappointed with the Uintas in comparison to other western ranges
The edge - Mar 14, 2007 4:14 pm Date Climbed: Aug 13, 2003
HP #44
At the end of a solo raod trip with my Westfalia...
Just because I received a call from Montreal that encouraged me to continue onwards and finish my set goals...
Thank Tiger for the call... you don't even know how great that felt!!! Soloed it on a two days span... From Dollar Lake..to the top... very early just before lightening started coming...
It was a good thing I was off the summit just 20 minutes later... bad weather came in...!!
Six to go!!
smithdc27 - Dec 10, 2006 2:21 am Date Climbed: Aug 10, 2005
anderson/gunsight
fun times, camped at top of yellowstone drainage the night before
Garfimi - Dec 31, 2007 12:28 am
Henrys Fork BasinHave summitted Kings multiple times. Climbed Kings Peak in a day. That was a riot. Got caught in a hail storm and had to spoon with my younger brother to keep warm. Never had been so cold in my life. One of my greatest natural highs when I first summitted Kings when I was a little Boy Scout. Great memories and stories. Still love going to Henrys Fork Basin even though it has become very popular.
Bassoon - Dec 16, 2007 9:53 pm Date Climbed: Sep 2, 2007
Crazy StormClimbed this with my uncle. We made it to the top before the big crowds and turned right around when we saw the storm heading our way- it amazed me how many idiots passed us heading up as we worked our way down the boulder field, even with our warning. The t-storm pounded us for 2 hours of the descent, but cleared up beautifully later. A great, great climb.
Lubos - Dec 8, 2007 7:22 pm Date Climbed: Mar 23, 2006
great fun in winterI did the WMC cross country trip but did not summit. I need skins next time.
lcarreau - Dec 8, 2007 2:47 pm Date Climbed: Jul 30, 1981
Kings Peak in 1981In 1981, I didn't know about any moose. I was camped
west of Dollar Lake with my brother, and we heard a
very strange noise in the middle of the night. It was
a constant grunting sound. There wasn't any other camps
or people around, so we concluded it was a bull moose.
Higher up around Gunsight Pass, we saw a coyote chasing
a deer. This is a very special place. I would recommend that
people experience this wonderful & primative area.
garrisd - Sep 8, 2007 8:08 pm
August '04 Summit with My SonHiked in from Henry's Fork, camped at Dollar Lake. Just about got trampled by stampeding moose through our campsight! Summit day avoided Painter Basin and Anderson Pass by going up and over talus field just past Gunsight. Traversed cirque to top of basin and then ascended King's from normal route. Descended down talus on face of King's ("toilet bowl")and back down the way we came. Wouldn't recommend the toilet bowl. Shaky rocks and much longer route than appearance would suggest make for a less-than-ideal descent. Fantastic trip!
dr_gonz - Sep 4, 2007 3:50 pm
Kings PeakWe approached from the Red Castle area and camped under the SW face. Gorgeous area with plenty of solitute while we were there. Did it with my dad and brother. Good times, great company.
edevart - Aug 27, 2007 11:28 pm
From Flaming GorgeClimbed as part of The Everett Ruess Trail. Left Hwy 44 near Flaming Gorge Res and followed the Highline Trail to Mirror Lake Highway. Kings Peak was one summit along the way. The Uintas rock.
dandrew - Aug 24, 2007 11:15 pm Date Climbed: Aug 24, 2007
Great Luck with the Weather!Not a cloud in the sky the whole day!!! We could see most of the Wasatch Range from the summit. Camped near Gunsight Pass, got an early start, and were back around noon. Went down the "toilet bowl"--don't think I'll do that again...
lasvegaswraith - Aug 17, 2007 7:08 pm Date Climbed: Sep 2, 2006
L-O-N-GDayhiked via the traditional Henry's Fork route. Made great time to the summit and kinda cheated by coming straight down the chute from Anderson pass to regain the trail. I didn't think the chute was nearly as bad as many climbers say - but I didn't have anyone bombing me either... As most people don't dayhike, it was pretty lonely from Dollar back to the trailhead, but very nice. Caught a quick view of some moose (moosen?!?) and succeeded in not getting trampled!
shmyers21 - Aug 16, 2007 7:00 pm Date Climbed: Aug 3, 2007
Kings Peak 2007My wife and I were looking forward to climbing this peak all year long. It was a great 3 day backpacking trip. We took the trail the whole way to the top. We were lucky because we made it to the summit for about 15 minutes, then we were caught in a rain shower, with lightning and all. But we made it. Kings peak was Highpoint #2 for us!
mntmanmike - Aug 1, 2007 12:06 am Date Climbed: Jul 22, 2007
1st highpointThis is my first state highpoint but will not be the last. Had beautiful weather the entire trip and saw three moose. Did the hike with my 55 year old dad and we had no problems making it to the top. Camped at Grass Lake and surprisingly didnt see another soul except when on the trail.
Tracy - Jul 27, 2007 1:08 pm Date Climbed: Jul 23, 2007
climbed from Sawmill Lake via Gunsight Pass (16th state HP)I climbed this one with my brother Eric (with whom I had unsuccessfully attempted it 22 years earlier from the Timothy Lakes), my brother Guy, my bro-in-law Michael Eschenberg, and 3 of my nephews (Spencer and Matthew Foutz and Zachary Eschenberg). We descended via "the Chute".
paclimber - Jul 19, 2007 6:24 pm Date Climbed: Jul 17, 2007
Gunsight / Painter's Basin / AndersonScenic climb once above tree line. Trail was relatively crowded for a wilderness area. Many animals present (humans, horses, llamas, sheep). Drizzled on us on occaision. Otherwise, a fun climb. State Highpoint #47.
vanman798 - Jul 16, 2007 4:27 pm Date Climbed: Aug 31, 2013
Wow AltitudeAugust 31, 2013 - Camped in the basin below the "toilet bowl" chute Aug 30, then summited next morning with my brother and nephew. Had hail at the camp spot, but a clear day on the peak.
What a beautiful area. I walked to the base of Gunsight pass, and camped next to a lake there. Was up early next day and on my way to the peak, and didn't see anyone else in the morning on the trail yet until I got over the pass and into the basin. I was on top before the crowds arrived. Read my trip report.
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Sept 4, 2011 - Left Elk Horn crossing at 5:15 am, which allowed me to beat the Labor Day weekend infestation of Kings Peak hikers, as I was the first on Kings that day (arriving at 9:30 am). Sat on top for an hour, and still had it to myself, then I headed over to South Kings, Peak 13,306 (2nd Gemini), and Peak 13,387 (1st Gemini aka "Painter Peak"). Back tracked to the saddle between 2nd Gemini and S. King, and desended into Painters Basin and would never make that mistake again! After 15 hours I was back at Elk Horn Crossing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
July 24 - 27, 2008 I did a solo trip to the Henry's Fork basin during which I climbed five peaks over 13,000 ft in 2 days. King's peak was the fifth of the five. I must admit to having summit fever as I climbed this peak during a classic High Uintas summer afternoon rain and lightening storm. I have never felt static in the air so strong, as it buzzed between my ski poles on my backpack. Near the peak the rain turned to grauple. When I lifted my camera to take a self-portrait the static nearly shocked me, and I thought for sure it had burned out my camera. Needless to say I was very much in fear!
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First time was September 2, 2006.
osatrik - Jul 16, 2007 3:26 pm Date Climbed: Jul 7, 2007
Dollar Lake / GunsightThere are several nice camp sites along the trail between Dollar Lake and the turnoff to Henrys Fork Lake. We stay at one of them rather than among the plentiful sites around the lake -- a short hike to water from the upper reaches of Henrys Fork. Holed up in tent for nearly three hours due to thunderstorms, which were strong the previous day, too. So we started early from Dollar Lake on summit day, alas no rain this day! The scree slope return from Anderson Pass did not look that appealing, so we opted to return via the Gunsight Pass ascent route. I didn't find the scramble from Anderson to the summit nearly as entertaining as some evidently do -- just tedious. About 20 summited this day; we were unable to find a summit register.
Number 43 of my 49 state high points, about #10 for companion Dan L and about #30 for Richard. The approach (and departure) are an endless 6+ miles of barely 200 ft/mile, but the upper Henrys Fork valley is undeniably scenic and the main trail offers numerous nice vantage points well above the valley floor.
Dave K - Jun 20, 2007 3:53 am Date Climbed: Jun 17, 2007
Anderson PassVery fun and easy climb. We ditched our backpacks at the pass and 45 fun minutes later we were at the top.
LonePeakFreak - May 27, 2007 11:11 pm Date Climbed: May 25, 2007
Great MountainReally enjoyed this mountain. Lots of water, mud, and snow in the basin this time of year. Incredible views from the summit and a nice glissade down the chute from Anderson Pass. Long trail but well worth the effort.
boisedoc - Apr 7, 2007 2:31 am Date Climbed: Jul 2, 2004
crowdedAny thoughts of solitude were ruined by a huge group of boyscouts but still pretty nice. Overall, however, I was a bit disappointed with the Uintas in comparison to other western ranges
The edge - Mar 14, 2007 4:14 pm Date Climbed: Aug 13, 2003
HP #44At the end of a solo raod trip with my Westfalia...
Just because I received a call from Montreal that encouraged me to continue onwards and finish my set goals...
Thank Tiger for the call... you don't even know how great that felt!!! Soloed it on a two days span... From Dollar Lake..to the top... very early just before lightening started coming...
It was a good thing I was off the summit just 20 minutes later... bad weather came in...!!
Six to go!!
smithdc27 - Dec 10, 2006 2:21 am Date Climbed: Aug 10, 2005
anderson/gunsightfun times, camped at top of yellowstone drainage the night before