Utah has so many incredible hiking trails that it would be impossible to hike them all in a lifetime. Of course, some trails are better than others. There’s one trail in Utah that’s been named by National Geographic as one of the world’s best hiking trails. Any guesses which trail the magazine chose? Take a look!
National Geographic named the Henry’s Fork trail to King’s Peak as one of the best trails in the world.
Gilderien/Wikipedia There are several approaches to King’s Peak, but Henry’s Fork Trail is the most popular, and generally the most accessible.
The trailhead starts at the Henry’s Fork Campground. The trail has a gradual slope for the first three miles, with an elevation change of just over 400 feet.
marcopolo111/TripAdvisor
After about 5.5 miles, you’ll reach Elkhorn Creek.
Vee Ponyo/AllTrails.com
There’s a log bridge to cross the creek.
Steve Oswald/AllTrails.com
After a few more miles, you’ll reach Dollar Lake, which is a popular (and gorgeous) spot to set up camp.
Strongbad_Reggie/TripAdvisor
Your sleeping accommodations - surrounded by fragrant pines.
Dave S./TripAdvisor
The view from the summit isn’t the only prize - all along the trail you’ll be enchanted by gorgeous scenery.
Strongbad_Reggie/TripAdvisor
You’ll go over gunsight pass, and at that point, you’ll be at an elevation of 11,891 feet.
marcopolo111/TripAdvisor
Descend into Upper Painter Basin and cross this pretty field.
Dave S./TripAdvisor
There’s a clear trail toward the summit of King’s Peak.
Brian Steele/AllTrails.com
As you get closer to the summit, there’s no marked trail - just a boulder field that you’ll navigate up toward the top.
Steve Oswald/AllTrails.com
At 13,528 feet, King’s Peak is the highest in Utah.
Heidi Holzem/AllTrails.com
The view up here is simply stunning. You’ll want to bring your camera or make sure your phone has a full charge when you reach the summit.
Michelle Kennington/AllTrails.com
King’s Peak is 27.1 miles round-trip.
Andrew Jones/AllTrails.com You can hike here year-round. You’ll need snowshoes and winter climbing gear to summit during snowy months, along with warmer winter camping gear, but you won’t find many others on the mountain and you’ll enjoy some real solitude to go along with those stunning views!
Have you hiked King’s Peak? Tell us all about it – what tips do you have for readers who want to attempt the hike this summer?
Gilderien/Wikipedia
There are several approaches to King’s Peak, but Henry’s Fork Trail is the most popular, and generally the most accessible.
marcopolo111/TripAdvisor
Vee Ponyo/AllTrails.com
Steve Oswald/AllTrails.com
Strongbad_Reggie/TripAdvisor
Dave S./TripAdvisor
Brian Steele/AllTrails.com
Heidi Holzem/AllTrails.com
Michelle Kennington/AllTrails.com
Andrew Jones/AllTrails.com
You can hike here year-round. You’ll need snowshoes and winter climbing gear to summit during snowy months, along with warmer winter camping gear, but you won’t find many others on the mountain and you’ll enjoy some real solitude to go along with those stunning views!
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