Latest Rave: A Canyoneering Journal: March 24 & 25th, 2001

 

Kings Peak - an Incredible Ski Tour

Kings Peak. Famous, popular, incredible? Kings is located in the Uintas, near the Wyoming border, and at 13,528 feet is the highest peak in Utah. As such, it draws incredible attention. The long tour and/or hike up King's Peak is a Utah classic - though I know not why. Let's see - in summer, it is 14.5 miles to the summit, gaining 4500 feet. In winter, road closure makes the route 17-1/2 miles. Did I mention 14.5 or 17.5 miles EACH WAY? The Uintas are a high plateau with picturesque limestone peaks rising above. Very dramatic. But, personally, I like ski tours with a little slope on them. The approach to Kings up the Henry Fork River gains 2600 feet in 13 miles, or a precipitous 200 feet per mile. The final climb of the peak gains 2000 feet in 4-1/2 miles.

But, getting out with good friends is the point. Training for the upcoming trip to Europe would probably be a good idea too, though perhaps a week ahead of time is a bit too late. James' wife had twins last year, so he's been enjoying life as dad, rather than getting out. So why does he still aerobically kick my butt? Here we are packing up at the car - constant companion Wiley Coyote being very excited.

BD Skis - the old and the new. By driving up from Salt Lake in the morning, we hit the trail at the crack of 10 am. A good way to start an 35 mile tour.

Great looking ski tour eh? Lots of nice, challenging terrain. We were a little unnerved by the difficulties we forsee skating, er, skiing down such percipitous terrain would present the next day.

This was my usual view of Jim and Wiley for this trip. Doesn't this look like fun? Next