Four Lakes Basin via Highline Trail landscape

Photo: Photo by SoloTravelGoals on Unsplash

Four Lakes Basin via Highline Trail

~2 days · 7.7 mi · easy · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance7.7 mi
Days out2
Elevation gain1,447 ft
Gain / mile188 ft
High point10,945 ft

What the Four Lakes Basin via Highline Trail is known for

An out-and-back of about 8 miles one way, following the rocky, undulating Uinta Highline Trail east from Hayden Pass before dropping south into Four Lakes Basin, home to Jean, Dean, Dale, and Daynes lakes. A moderate trip with good fishing lakes clustered close together, best from July through early fall.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Four Lakes Basin via Highline Trail on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 32,638 ft to 35,673 ft over 7.7 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 4.0 mi · 53%
  • Downhill 2.6 mi · 34%
  • Flat 0.9 mi · 12%

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 Four Lakes Basin via Highline Trail take?

Most backpackers hike the Four Lakes Basin via Highline Trail in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 7.7 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Four Lakes Basin via Highline Trail?

The Four Lakes Basin via Highline Trail climbs roughly 1,447 ft total — about 188 ft per mile, topping out near 10,945 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.

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