Upper Rock Creek Basin via Rock Creek Trail
~2 days · 13.4 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Upper Rock Creek Basin via Rock Creek Trail is known for
A long out-and-back of about 13.5 miles one way from the Rock Creek Trailhead near Upper Stillwater Reservoir, following Rock Creek gradually upstream through the High Uintas Wilderness to the lake-dotted head of the drainage near Black and Ouray lakes, below Rocky Sea Pass and the Uinta Highline Trail. The gentle grade and big mileage make it a classic 3-4 day trip with many side-basin options along the way.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 26,640 ft to 34,380 ft over 13.4 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 10.5 mi · 78%
- Downhill 1.4 mi · 10%
- Flat 1.6 mi · 12%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Upper Rock Creek Basin via Rock Creek Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Upper Rock Creek Basin via Rock Creek Trail scores 20/100, a relative rating across the 569 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 Upper Rock Creek Basin via Rock Creek Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Upper Rock Creek Basin via Rock Creek Trail in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 13.4 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Upper Rock Creek Basin via Rock Creek Trail?
The Upper Rock Creek Basin via Rock Creek Trail climbs roughly 2,717 ft total — about 203 ft per mile, topping out near 10,492 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.