Main Event

Kings Peak — 13,528 feet.

Three days and two nights in the High Uintas. We hike into Dollar Lake, attempt the summit, then hike out. This is the trip the whole season has been pointing toward.

Jul 30-Aug 1Dates
25.5 miTotal Distance
4,200'Total Gain
9,400'Trailhead Base
Quick Facts

What to expect

All Aaronic Priesthood youth Fathers welcome Pack weight 20-30 lbs No youth electronics 35-70°F range
3 days2 nights
7.5 miDay 1: Hike in
10.5 miDay 2: Summit RT
7.5 miDay 3: Hike out
13,528'Summit elevation
Itinerary

Day by day

Day 1 — Thursday, July 30

7.5 mi · 1,400' gain · ~5.5 hrs hiking
6:00 AMMeet at church
Leave 6:15
7:00 AMDrive to Evanston
8:00 AMBreakfast at McDonald's
Evanston
9:30 AMArrive Henry's Fork Trailhead
10:00 AMBegin hike — ~5 miles in
12:30 PMLunch at Elkhorn Crossing
1:30 PMContinue hike — final ~2.5 miles
3:30 PMArrive base camp at Dollar Lake
Set up tents, filter water
5:00 PMDinner (freeze dried)

Day 2 — Friday, July 31 (Summit Day)

10.5 mi · 2,800' gain · ~7.5 hrs hiking
5:30 AMWake up
Quick breakfast
5:45 AMHike out from camp (~3 miles)
8:00 AMBreak at Gunsight Pass
8:30 AMPush to Anderson Pass (~1.25 mi)
9:30 AMFinal approach to summit (~1 mi)
11:00 AMSummit Kings Peak — 13,528 ft
Lunch and snacks
11:45 AMDescend (~5.25 miles back to camp)
3:00 PMReturn to base camp
5:00 PMDinner

Base Camp Option

Anyone not summiting stays at Dollar Lake with at least one adult. Fishing (with license), smaller hikes, reading, enjoying alpine lakes. Not every boy will be ready for the summit, and that is fine.

Day 3 — Saturday, August 1

7.5 mi · No gain · ~4 hrs hiking
6:30 AMWake up
7:00 AMPack up camp
7:30 AMBegin hike out (~2.5 miles)
9:30 AMBreak at Elkhorn Crossing
Fill water
10:00 AMFinal 5 miles to trailhead
12:00 PMArrive Henry's Fork Trailhead
Load cars
2:00 PMLunch at Jody's Diner
4:30 PMArrive back at church
5:00 PMHome
Safety

How we manage risk

Buddy System

Every youth pairs up and stays within sight and sound of their buddy at all times. Adults do the same to maintain two deep leadership.

Order on the Trail

Nobody goes in front of the lead adult. Nobody goes behind the rear adult. Youth must always be within sight and sound of an adult.

Emergency Communication

Leaders carry a phone with satellite emergency messaging. There is no cell service in the Uintas.

Weather Awareness

Weather changes fast at altitude. Plan for rain (poncho, pack cover, tent fly) and cold nights (sleeping bag rated 20-40°F).

Gear

Main packing list

For details on what to buy or borrow, see the Parent Shopping Guide. Items marked Share can be coordinated with a buddy.

Big items

Clothing

Food and water

Personal

Not Allowed in Camp

No personal electronics for the youth. This means no phones, no gaming devices, no movie players, no cameras. Leaders bring phones for photos and emergencies. No energy drinks. No eating in leader vehicles.

Before the trip

Required milestones

Boys participating in Kings Peak need to clear these checkpoints:

Attend the prep events

Mapleton, the 5k run, and Horsetail Falls all build conditioning, gear familiarity, and team cohesion. Missing one is fine, missing all three means you arrive unprepared.

Break in your boots

Blisters are the #1 reason boys do not summit. Wear your hiking boots on every prep event and on walks at home. They need to feel natural before you put 8 miles on them.

Submit your permission slip

Required for both overnight camps. See your YM leader. Contact Bentley if you need a copy.

Make the July 28 Pack Check

Combined YM activity from 7-8pm. We confirm headcount, verify packs, finalize buddies, and answer last questions.

Questions?

Contact Bentley Folkman, YM Camp Director, at 801.440.7162. For RSVPs, text Ryan Calder at 801.592.4486.