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.”
Plan your High Uintas Wilderness trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
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 alert on.
How to get a Henry's Fork permit
No permit needed.
No permit is required. Ashley National Forest: permits are not required for the High Uintas Wilderness
- Parking at Henrys Fork Trailhead needs a day-use pass displayed in the vehicle: $10 per vehicle for three days, $20 for seven days or $60 for the season. Interagency America the Beautiful and Uinta-Wasatch-Cache passes are honored
- Permit required
- No
- Type
- Overnight
- Location
- UT
How this permit is issued
Get this permit in person at the trailhead or ranger station, or by phone.
Official permit page →More on Henry's Fork: Live availability activity
How much a Henry's Fork permit costs
Henry's Fork permit fee: No permit or fee for the wilderness. Parking at Henrys Fork Trailhead: $10 per vehicle for three days, $20 for seven days, $60 for the season.
The Henry's Fork hike
- Route Type
- Out & Back
- Duration
- 2-3 days
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- High Point
- 13,528 ft
Henry's Fork landmarks
- 1Henrys Fork Trailhead
Primary access point. Parking; no restrooms or drinking water. A day-use pass is required to park.
- 2Alligator Lake Junction
Side trail to Alligator Lake.
- 3Dollar Lake
Primary camping area. Alpine lake.
- 4Grass Lake
Higher camping option for summit bid.
- 5Gunsight Pass
Saddle below Kings Peak. Begin final climb.
- 6Anderson Pass
Ridge junction near summit.
- 7Kings Peak
Utah's highest point.
Climb Utah's highest peak from a high alpine basin where glacial lakes mirror 13,000-foot ridgelines and the state's roof awaits.
About this permit
Henry's Fork Trail provides the most popular access to Kings Peak, Utah's highest point at 13,528 feet. The route passes through alpine lakes before a demanding summit day.
No permit is required: the Forest Service says permits are not required for the High Uintas Wilderness. You do need a day-use pass to park at the trailhead. The trail receives heavy use on summer weekends.
The route
From Henrys 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. The final approach is non-technical but exposed, requiring good weather and early starts.
Why it matters
Henry's Fork is the primary access to Kings Peak (13,528 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 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.
Henry's Fork hike highlights
- No permit, and a day-use pass to park at the trailhead
- Alpine camping at 10,800+ feet
- Non-technical but strenuous summit day
How hard the Henry's Fork hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required4/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills2/5
- Exposure RiskSteep dropoffs and fall potential3/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity2/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route4/5
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.
When to hike Henry's Fork
Best time to visit
July-September. Snow typically clears by mid-July. September brings fall colors and fewer people but colder nights.
Henry's Fork photography 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
Henry's Fork rules, gear and safety
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 gear
- Trekking poles
- Bear canister (bears are present)
- Warm layers for summit
- Camera for summit views
- Electrolytes for altitude
Rules & regulations
- 01No permit is required. Ashley National Forest: permits are not required for the High Uintas Wilderness
- 02Parking at Henrys Fork Trailhead needs a day-use pass displayed in the vehicle: $10 per vehicle for three days, $20 for seven days or $60 for the season. Interagency America the Beautiful and Uinta-Wasatch-Cache passes are honored
- 03Groups are limited to 14 people and 15 head of livestock under the High Uintas occupancy order, in effect May 5, 2026 to May 5, 2031
- 04Camp 200 feet from water and trails
- 05No fires above treeline
- 06Pack out all waste
Hazards & considerations
- Altitude. Summit is 13,528 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
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.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Henry's Fork · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Henry's Fork FAQ
How do I get a Henry's Fork permit?
Henry's Fork is issued directly by the agency. It is issued in person or by phone, so there is no reservation to book and no cancellation to catch. Bring backup dates and check their page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit Henry's Fork?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays 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?
The agency awards this permit directly. Bring backup dates and check the official page for the current process and any closures.
Henry's Fork trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions(1)
Questions
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Henry's Fork permit
- Similar ExperienceNo permit needed
Highline Trail
Traverse the High Uintas on a different route without the peak emphasis.
Tradeoffs
More miles, less vertical. Different experience than peak bagging.
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