Atwood Basin via Uinta River Trail
~3 days · 16 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Atwood Basin via Uinta River Trail is known for
A long, strenuous out-and-back of roughly 16-17 miles one way from the Uinta Canyon Trailhead, following the Uinta River north for about 4 miles to Sheep Bridge and then climbing the Chain Lakes-Atwood Trail past a series of alpine lakes into Atwood Basin. Lake Atwood sits in a high cirque on the east approach to Kings Peak, Utah highest summit, and most parties spend two nights in the basin.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 25,489 ft to 36,230 ft over 16 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 12.6 mi · 80%
- Downhill 1.5 mi · 10%
- Flat 1.5 mi · 10%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Atwood Basin via Uinta River Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Atwood Basin via Uinta River Trail in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 16 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Atwood Basin via Uinta River Trail?
The Atwood Basin via Uinta River Trail climbs roughly 4,111 ft total — about 257 ft per mile, topping out near 11,148 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.