Current Plan - I'm an experienced backpacker both off trail and on - I've done two long off trail trips in Alaska, I've done the Wind River High Route twice, as well as the Southern Sierra High Route, and the JMT, but this will be my first trip back after a few health issues, so I plan on taking it slow and easy doing the ~83 miles from Leidy Peak to Hayden Pass in 7 days.

Shuttle Service/Starting Out - My current thought would be to fly out to SLC as early in the AM as possible, drive to Hayden Pass (~1.5hr) with perhaps a stop at REI for fuel and water bottles (I'll likely use HEET and a Caldera Cone, but I'm sure if someone comes with me, they will use isobutane and need an REI stop). I'll likely use MTT for the shuttle (~4.5hr) and if possible would go from Hayden Pass to Leidy Peak that afternoon and just camp near the trailhead somewhere - that looks possible on the map. If for some reason I can't get a shuttle on "Day 0" perhaps camp at Hayden Pass and shuttle the morning of "Day 1" .

Routes - It looks like most people recommend going north of Leidy Peak, even though the official route appears to go south. Any reason not to go north? And for the more important question.....what to do through the fire damage area. I'm currently thinking to add the 3.3 miles and do the "Head of Rock Creek" alternate that hopefully avoids the worst of the burn - it also keeps the whole trip above 10K feet of elevation. Has anyone done the "Head of Rock Creek" alternate since the fire and have any comments? Is that the right way to go?

Timeframe - Currently I'd be looking at the first week of August - which allows me to be back home before my high schooler starts fall sports. I can go later in August, which is normally what I prefer, but would hate to miss games when I didn't have to - as that will over before you know it. How will the bugs/storms be in early August compared to later in the month. Any reason to do one over the other?

Food Protection - I assume a bear canister isn't needed, but what about an UrSack? It looks like most of the camps will be in areas where a good hang is pretty much impossible so I'm thinking my best bet is an UrSack and just tie it around a small tree.

Weather Protection - Normally I have a GTX Packlite (7.5oz) shell I really like with a great hood, but it's ten years old and would not be my choice in all day rain. I also have a 3L GTX shell with pitzips that's pretty light (10.5oz) that I used in Alaska with good results, and I also have a Goretex Shakedry jacket (8oz) that I bought on clearance when they were discontinued. It doesn't have pit zips, and has a few weird features (cuffs) but should never wet out. I've never used it so I'm not sure how I like it compared to the others. What are your thoughts on the best jacket to bring? I'll also have some light 3L rain pants and probably some sort of waterproof mitt if it's really likely to have a cold rain all day.

Currently here is a draft of my gear list - feel free to tear it apart!

https://lighterpack.com/r/8w8dwv

I know this is probably a bit early to post, but I am planning on doing an "enhanced" throughike of the complete highline trail in 2026. I will be 69 years old that summer. I have much planning to do! I know that most through hikers will complete the highline trail in 7-10 days. This has never been my style in over 55 years of backpacking. I "meander." lol. I enjoy spending time in the camp sites I choose, and doing short day hikes from there to explore the area for a while. So 7-10 days will probably stretch out the 14-18 days. Maybe more, doubtfully less. So... resupply will most likely be a necessity at some point (like I said... I still have much planning ahead). From the looks of the route, that appears to be somewhat of an issue. Has anyone dealt with resupply on this trail? If so.... how did you proceed? Any incite would be helpful.

Thanks

The Winded Walker

I reached out to mountain trails transport, they no longer run after labor day weekend but they said the weather was pretty bad and people were bailing on their thru hikes. does anyone know how bad its been? i was planning to hike the 17th - the 23rd

Hey Folks,

I'm looking to do at least part of UHT in the week following labor day. Group of 5 that are experienced thru hikers and will be in the area with a week to kill.

Original thought was Leidy to Hayden. Obv very behind in planning but we're flexible enough. My research and posts here seem to say Mtn Trails is the best (only?) shuttle, but they are full for our dates, so switching gears a bit.

Any recommendations of 60-80mi loops if we have to be self sufficient? Any miles between Chepeta and Hayden that aren't spectacular if we had to pick a side for a loop? And any approach trails from the south that you really love/hate?

Or if anyone is miraculously going the other way that week and wants to car swap, DM me!

I’m getting a shuttle to Vernal 8/28 and will arrive around 9pm. I looked into an uber to the Eastern Terminus and it came out around $35.. I’m thinking there's no way it's that cheap. Has anybody used an uber to get to the trailhead from vernal and/or does anyone have knowledge or suggestions about other options?

Edit: I have resolved my transportation situation. I wish this community was a bit more robust, however I do appreciate the feedback I received. Oh yeah...

GO UTES

If I’m leaving a car at the Hayden Pass trailhead then catching a shuttle to McKee Draw, do I need to purchase a Mirror Lake Highway Recreation Corridor pass? And if so, would it need to be the annual pass if we’re planning on being out more than 7 days? It looks like these are the available options.

1-3 Day -- $10.00 7-Day -- $20.00 Annual -- $60.00

Just a heads up warning about moose out there. Be very careful! I didn't notice a mama moose with her baby by a lake. I accidentally got really close because they were kinda hidden but on trail. Mama came running at me. I turned around and booked it into the trees. My dog was with me and started to growl while we were up in the trees. Sounds of breaking tree limbs getting closer. We ran more and added about 3/4 mile to the trip to go around the north side of this lake to avoid it.

Saw another later on. Pretty much anytime you drop in from alpine into more marsh/meadow areas, pause and take a second to look. It could save your life. Moose attack more people than bears and mountain lions combined.

Anyone have an update on whether or not the burn section near the west end of the trail is passable? Wondering if I still need to route north via the Rock Creek Trail.

I completed the UHT (McKee Draw to Hayden Pass) yesterday (7/6/24) and will post a trip report in the near future. A few quick points for those doing the same in the near future:

• Took seven full days and seven nights. (June 29th to July 6th)

• The respect I had for a partially  snow-covered Dead Horse Pass was warranted. However, snow could be avoided by using some steep and loose “off trail” routes.

• Snow on Gabbro Pass caught me by surprise.  I started on the more traveled NE side but due to the steep snow cover, went down and around to the more manageable slope of the SW side.  (My microspikes were helpful but not required.)

• Mosquitos were horrible on east side and generally less bad going west.

• Numerous wet sections but didn’t get over my (leather) boots.

• Didn’t see any backpackers between first two miles and Red Knob Pass. Wow - solitude.  (Saw a dozen peak baggers near Anderson Pass.)

• Got shuttle from Hayden Pass to Park City (will post details later) to catch “Greyhound” to Vernal.  Took taxi to McKee Draw.

• Reliable water exists at Manilla Park (in the “dry” section).

Hey I'm doing the whole trail with a buddy. We are coming from AZ and have a little wiggle room with start date. We can't find a shuttle anywhere. If you have driving figured out and would let us come with you we will throw in $$$. Let me know!!! Thanks yall.

32m, not a murderer

Edit: We are trying to avoid driving two cars with two people out there but I think thats what we are going to have to do. We should have room for 2-3 people - $100 a seat for a ride from west terminal to mckee draw on july 12th. Let me know if you want to carpool.

I'm planning to hike the full Highline trail this August, going east to west. I know there is no water after East Park Reservoir for 20(?) miles or so.

My question is: Where is the first place to get water after this section? Basically just want to know exactly where/what I should be looking for so I don't miss it. Is it a lake? A stream? A puddle?

Shot in the dark as I know this sub isn’t very active. Does anyone know what shuttle services are going to be available this year?

When googled I found a plethora of options and links but all to dead websites or shuttles no longer running. TIA.

In very preliminary stages of planning. What are the resupply options like? Cache food, mail boxes, towns along the way?

Planning on doing the highline trail Labor Day weekend and am hoping someone else also wants to do it that weekend. If anyone wants to hike opposite directions and swap cars at the end it would save some shuttle time.

Because of time constraints I’ll be hiking Chapeta Lake to Mirror Lake Highway (or the reverse). If anyone is interested let me k ow and we can coordinate.

Also, if there are suggestions for other groups/ forums that would be great! 🤞

I will update here with current conditions and other information. If anyone knows anything relevant that I should know before I head out, comment below please! Starting at leidy peak trailhead.

Gonna bring sun hoodie bc lots of exposure. Leaving micro spikes at home. Bringing natrepel bug wipes & a head net. 20 degree bag + baselayers (capiline theral weight 1/4 zip and smartwool 200 weight tights) & puffy. Duplex. Heavy duty rain jacket. 5 days of food 4 nights. All other gear is just regular normal UL stuff

I think the baselayers are overkill bc I’ve got the 20 degree bag but still haven’t made up my mind.

All the logistics are set for a mid August Leidy to Hayden pass trek.

I'm trying to find a good source for trail conditions like lingering snow pack, weather, and bug pressure.

I usually use Mountain forecast for weather, Kings Peak is listed on there and gives multiple elevation forecasts. I'd really like to get some first hand bug pressure info from people.

Message me if you would like to be a mod and build this community resource up.