For years, I’d dreamed about tackling Utah’s legendary Uinta Highline Trail—a remote, rugged, and breathtaking 105‑mile route across one of the highest mountain ranges in the Lower 48. This past summer, my son and I finally made it happen. I captured the entire experience on video, but I also wanted to share a deeper look at what the trail gave us: challenge, connection, and memories I’ll carry forever.

Getting Started in Vernal, Utah

Our adventure began in Vernal, Utah, a quirky town full of dinosaur-themed shops, fun local character, and—unexpectedly—a Clint Eastwood‑themed hotel suite. After stocking up and getting our gear dialed in, we headed toward the trailhead.

Day Zero: Acclimating to Altitude

Before stepping foot on the trail, we spent a full day at the trailhead to acclimate to the elevation. Even with the extra time, we ran into a few early gear issues—nothing like a small malfunction to remind you who’s really in charge out there.

Into the Wilderness

Once we officially started hiking, everything clicked. We moved through open meadows sprinkled with wildflowers, climbed rocky passes, and crossed huge alpine basins. The scenery was unreal: sweeping views, endless ridgelines, and moments where it felt like the entire range belonged to us.

Weather on the Highline: Expect Everything

The Uinta Highline Trail is known for unpredictable weather—and we got the full sampler.

Sleet. Rain. Wind. Freezing mornings.

You name it, we walked through it. At over 12,000 feet, weather changes fast, and staying warm and dry became a daily art form.

Fishing and Quiet Moments

One of my favorite memories is stopping beside a small alpine lake and catching a brook trout. It was a simple moment, but out there, those moments hit different. Spending uninterrupted time with my son—just walking, talking, and taking it all in—made this trip more meaningful than any miles we logged.

The Passes: Beauty and Brutality

The Highline Trail includes a handful of passes that push you physically and mentally.

We crossed North Pole Pass, Tungsten Pass, Porcupine Pass, and then tackled the big monsters:

Red Knob Pass and Dead Horse Pass—both steep, exposed, and unforgettable.

Every pass rewarded us with sweeping views that made the grind worth it.

Finishing 105 Miles in 8 Days

On the eighth morning, we hiked our final miles and stepped off the trail before noon. My son and I just looked at each other—tired, proud, and grateful for the experience. After waiting for our shuttle back to Vernal, we celebrated with real food (and a real shower) before catching our flight home.

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Why Watch the Full Video

If you want to experience the Highline Trail from the inside—its highs, lows, challenges, and triumphs—this video captures it all. You’ll see the places we camped, the peaks we crossed, the storms we faced, and the small joys that only come from time in the backcountry.