Last summer I ran the Highline trail from Leidy Peak to Hayden pass. I've read that the Highline trail used to start at highway 191 when it was originally constructed. Does anyone have any old maps that show the original trail, or know anything about where it once was? I'd like to run the whole original trail this summer. If some of the sections from highway 191 to Leidy peak are ATV trails or logged out, I don't care, since I'll be running it, not hiking.

The National Geographic Trails Illustrated map for Flaming Gorge shows the Highline trail from Hwy 191 to Chepeta lake.

I am Public Lands Coordinator Uinta Chapter for Uinta Basin Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Utah.
Three years ago we adopted Uinta Highline Trail from Highway 191 to Leidy Peak Trailhead it took us the summer to clear, map, and mark this trail. Every summer since then we ride this trail to make sure it remains open.

Our chapter will be starting this summer's work on the Highline trail in mid July. We are also looking at adopting Don Hatch Trail from Highline Trailhead and Highway 191 to Leona Spring on the Manila Park Trail this will connect Highline Trail, Don Hatch Trail, Manila Park Trail.

I have Garmin GPS of the Highline trail and maps of Don Hatch and Manila Park trails for those that are interested and I can be reached at braveheartsavenger@gmail.com

I have hiked the Highline Trail from Highway 191 to the Highline Trailhead (formerly Hayden Peak trailhead) several times over the past 12 years. Until the east section from Highway 191 to Leidy Peak was cleared, thanks to the efforts of the Backcountry Horsemen of Utah, this section of trail was extremely difficult to navigate. As far as topo maps for this section of trail: DO NOT TRUST THEM! The logging that took place in this area in the 1970's obliterated the trail and replaced most sections with interconnecting logging roads. There are sections of the original trail that remain but the trail markers and cairns are hard to find and follow. The last time I hike this trail the trail marking, thanks again to the Backcountry Horsemen of Utah, was much better. That being said I still wouldn’t attempt to navigate this section of trail without a good GPS and route to follow. There are several connecting trails in the parks (aka meadows) if you need to bail to the south and pick up the Leidy Peak road.
The Uinta Highline Trail officially begins at Highway 191 McKee Draw. The trail heads west from there encountering several "parks" or meadows for 29 miles to the Leidy Peak Trailhead. The trail is marked with cairns (officially placed by the Forest Service as trail markers) a few signs and what is left of decades old tree markings. Having personally spent many hours disoriented and almost lost way-finding in this area I would highly recommend using GPS at least in this section if not on your entire hike.

Hi,

I'm looking for advice about completing the Highline in spring - as early as possible between April-June. Does anybody have experience with the area in that timeframe?

Thanks for any help!

john

I'm looking for advice about completing the Highline in spring - as early as possible between April-June.

I assume you are skiing it? If so, Highway 150 doesn't open until late May or June, so it would be a long ski in. The road to Chepeta Lake opens sometime in June and sometimes July, so I would go west to east.

If you are on skis, I'd still take an ice axe for Deadhorse Pass until at least July. An ice axe can be useful for the east side of Rocky Sea Pass unless you are a really good skier.

April and May will have complete snow cover, but depending on snowfall, June can have bare spots, especially late in the month.

June can be a tricky month since before the middle of the month, most areas will have complete snow cover, while some areas can only have partial snow cover with lots of mud.

Before mid June, bring lots of fuel since all lakes and streams will still be frozen over.

Although snow persist until at least early July in most years (last year was really dry and warm) you should find running water from mid June onwards; earlier at the lower elevations.

If we have another light snow year, then hiking it the end of June would be possible, but creek crossings could be painful. Short ski trips in April and May with adequate snow cover can be delightful because you can check the weather before you go and only go if conditions are favorable (i.e. cold with a good refreeze and a high of at most 40). However, on a long trip you are virtually guaranteed of having some/many warm days. On a warm day, you will be sinking in to your knees or worse with either skis or snowshoes and that's with only a day pack. Snow in the High Uintas does not consolidate like the snow in the Wasatch does.

^^^^ Zee deserves an award for all the miles she did on skis, snowshoes, and surviving winters that would
make the average Joe run for the fireplace with a latte in his hands.