Four Lakes Basin via Highline Trail
~2 days · 7.7 mi · easy · Point-to-point
Quick facts
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.
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.
How hard is the Four Lakes Basin via Highline Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Four Lakes Basin via Highline Trail scores 14/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
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 from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0. 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.