Stretching between Mirror Lake Highway near Kamas and the McKee/Draw Highway just north of Vernal, the Uinta Highline Trail has grown a reputation as one of Utah’s premier backpacking routes, offering access to quiet, sprawling high alpine views and mountain solitude. Backpackers typically complete the full 100-mile trail in five to ten days, but for those who don’t have that much time, the area’s beauty can be enjoyed in as little as a day.
We’ve handpicked these routes to be easily accessible from Park City, and they all begin at the Hayden Pass Trailhead 45 miles from Park City. Note that you will need to drive on Mirror Lake Highway, which is only open between May and November. Road status updates can be found on the Utah Department of Transportation’s website. When Mirror Lake Highway is open, it’s paved and accessible to standard vehicles. The Hayden Pass Trailhead has a large parking lot and restrooms; plus nearby campgrounds offer the opportunity to remain in the area and explore all it has to offer. Each of these trail sections are well-maintained and clearly signed. Exercise normal caution by keeping an eye out for protruding rocks, muddy sections, and other obstacles.
Bonnie Lake
- Distance Round Trip: 3.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 56 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
Hiking to Bonnie Lake is a fantastic introduction to the Uinta Highline Trail, and its short distance and minimal elevation gain make it an easy trail for families with young children or those looking for a quick escape. After hiking the initial 0.8 miles from Hayden Pass, turn left at the trail junction, where you’ll enter the Mirror Lake Trail. After 1.8 miles, you’ll arrive at Bonnie Lake where swimming is allowed, so consider packing a bathing suit and picnic lunch to enjoy a cool afternoon dip, but be prepared for cold water conditions.
Rocky Sea Pass
- Distance Round Trip: 17.42 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,675 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
For those looking to stretch their skills on a long, strenuous trail, the hike to Rocky Sea Pass offers plenty of distance to escape the bustle of modern life. After hiking 0.8 miles away from the Hayden Pass Trailhead, turn right at the junction, continuing onto the Highline. Follow the trail for another 7.8 rugged miles to reach Rocky Sea Pass, an exposed, windscoured saddle framed by sweeping views of the Uintas’ granite basins.
Arrive at the trailhead early to take advantage of cool temperatures and empty parking lots, particularly on this route, due to the larger mileage. Packing a headlamp is advised, in case of dark morning or evening conditions.
Naturalist Basin Overlook
- Distance Round Trip: 11.18 miles
- Elevation Gain: 630 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
Naturalist Basin offers big scenery with lower mileage than other sections of the Uinta Highline. From the Hayden Pass Trailhead, continue onto the Uinta Highline Trail, which wanders through meadows and spruce pockets for roughly 4.5 miles, ending in a dramatic perch overlooking Naturalist Basin. Consider packing a camera to capture the stunning, sweeping views of alpine lakes and the nearby Mount Agassiz-Spread Eagle ridge.
Scudder, Wilder, Wyman, and Packard Lakes
- Distance: 8.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 353 Feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
Hikers unfamiliar with the region the Uinta Highline Trail runs through are often surprised by just how many lakes dot this high-elevation plateau, and this mellow stretch showcases four of the most picturesque. From the Hayden Pass Trailhead, follow the Highline for 1.1 miles to a short, unmaintained spur that climbs gently for 1.2 miles to Scudder Lake, a quiet, high-alpine bowl ringed by spruce and granite slabs. It’s an inviting spot for a summer swim or a long shoreline break before retracing your steps to the main trail. Back on the Highline, continue southeast for another mile, where you’ll turn left onto the Packard Lake Trail. This 1.4-mile segment provides easy access to Wilder, Wyman, and Packard Lakes, each of which offers its own character. Swimming is permitted in all of them, but be prepared for cold water, even at the height of summer.
Blue Lake
- Distance: 12.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,030 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
Looking to enjoy the journey and an afternoon swim? Consider hiking to Blue Lake, one of the most scenic and rewarding side trips off the western Highline. The route begins similarly to the other trails on this list, but instead of turning onto the Packard Lake Trail, you’ll stay on the Uinta Highline for an additional 1.3 miles as it winds through airy meadows and low granite benches with intermittent views of the surrounding ridgelines. At the junction with the Naturalist Basin Trail, turn right and continue for roughly a mile as the forest opens and the terrain begins to feel more alpine. A second, well-marked junction leads you straight onto the Blue Lake Trail, which travels 0.8 miles past the East and West Morat Lakes—two small, jewel-toned ponds tucked beneath spruce and scattered boulders. From here, the trail climbs gently to the picturesque Blue Lake, a clear, high-elevation basin backed by rugged granite walls and broad talus slopes. It’s an ideal spot for a cold dip, a long lunch, or simply soaking in the quiet, high-country scenery.
When You Go
As with any hiking trip, monitoring the weather conditions before and during your journey is imperative for safety. Consult Accuweather before heading out and make sure you pack plenty of easily removed layers for comfort—at a minimum, wear a moisture-wicking base layer and closed-toed shoes, and pack a protective outer shell, which should be wind and waterproof. If the skies begin to darken, or you see lightning, turn back and find shelter. Streams and lakes are present in the area, but you will need to filter the water with a 0.3-micron or smaller filter or treat it with chlorine dioxide tablets. For ensured protection against waterborne illness, bring water from home.
Due to elevation, snow can be found in the area until mid-June, or later in big snow years. Step with caution, as muddy and snowy sections may be slippery. Trails in the area are well-signed but consider taking a paper map or downloading your chosen route(s) to your cell phone ahead of time—we’d recommend the Gaia GPS or on X Backcountry apps for usability and their wayfinding capabilities. Furthermore, switch your cell phone to airplane mode when you’ve reached the trailhead. This will prevent your device from searching for data coverage in the remote area, preserving battery life that could become valuable in an emergency. Carrying a satellite phone, like the Garmin inReach, is also recommended.
Finally, there’s some good news for dog owners—your fluffy companions are permitted in the area. Along with your own hiking supplies, ensure you pack ample water for your pup, as well as bags to pack out their waste. We’d recommend keeping them on a leash at all times, as rattlesnakes are present (although uncommon) in the area. Ensure your entire party remains on the trail to avoid disturbing wildlife and preserve the area for future generations of hikers.
