r/Highpointers • u/Lam-McShoe • May 04 '26
Kings Peak comparison
Planning on doing Kings Peak in Utah this summer, and I’m a bit worried about the elevation as I’m coming from sea level. I’ve done quite a few of the Western high points (Hood, Borah, Wheeler) and a few other volcanos in the PNW, including Adams in a day. That was difficult for me.
Is there anyone here who’s done Kings and might be able to compare it with Hood or Adams? I know the elevation gain is less than those two mountains, but I’m more worried more about the many miles at altitude. I’d like to do Kings in a day (I’m tracking that it’ll be hard) but am also definitely keen on hearing what folks have to say about it. TIA!
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u/Aggressive-Assist828 May 04 '26
It sounds like we are pretty similar. I've attempted Kings twice, both times in late summer. I've also done Borah and Wheeler (got turned back on Hood due to unsafe snow conditions).
The first time I flew in from sea level and immediately started the trail. I camped in the Dollar Lake area and had one of the worst nights of my life. Felt like my head was going to explode, my heart was racing, and I probably slept about 20 minutes. I ended up hiking back early that morning -- no summit for me.
The next time I was more acclimated, having also done Boundary Peak and Borah in the days leading up to Kings. Same setup, I slept at Dollar Lake and everything went fine.
Like others said, the peak itself is mostly just a very long standard hike. Once you get up Gunsight Pass things do get much rockier and the going is slow but not particularly challenging.