East Fork Blacks Fork to Dead Horse Lake
~3 days · 14.3 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the East Fork Blacks Fork to Dead Horse Lake is known for
An out-and-back backpack of about 14 miles one way on the north slope of the Uintas, following the East Fork Blacks Fork upstream through broad river meadows and spruce-fir forest to Dead Horse Lake in the cirque below Dead Horse Pass at the head of the valley. The valley walk is gradual and straightforward, with a few unbridged crossings in early season; the classic itinerary spends two nights at the lake.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 30,463 ft to 39,718 ft over 14.3 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 11.2 mi · 79%
- Downhill 2.8 mi · 20%
- Flat 0.2 mi · 2%
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 East Fork Blacks Fork to Dead Horse Lake take?
Most backpackers hike the East Fork Blacks Fork to Dead Horse Lake in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 14.3 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the East Fork Blacks Fork to Dead Horse Lake?
The East Fork Blacks Fork to Dead Horse Lake climbs roughly 3,284 ft total — about 230 ft per mile, topping out near 12,149 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.