The Uinta Highline Trail is one of the most stunning and remote long-distance hikes in the western United States. Stretching over 100 miles across the Uinta Mountains in northeastern Utah, this trail is famous for its high elevation, dramatic alpine scenery, and solitude. While the beauty of the trail is undeniable, one of the most important aspects of planning a successful thru-hike is understanding how to manage your resupply. With few access points and limited services along the route, organizing a resupply strategy on the Uinta Highline Trail requires careful planning and preparation.
Understanding the Uinta Highline Trail
The Uinta Highline Trail runs east to west (or west to east) through the High Uintas Wilderness. Most hikers begin at the Leidy Peak trailhead near the Utah-Colorado border and finish at Hayden Pass near Mirror Lake Highway. Along the way, hikers traverse rugged terrain, including multiple mountain passes over 11,000 feet in elevation, alpine meadows, and remote basins. Due to the remoteness and altitude, the trail offers little to no access to towns, stores, or food stops, making resupply planning a crucial part of the experience.
Key Trail Characteristics That Affect Resupply
- Length: Approximately 100-104 miles, depending on route variation
- Duration: Most hikers complete the trail in 7-10 days
- Remote terrain: No towns or services directly on the trail
- High elevation: Consistent elevations above 10,000 feet
Typical Resupply Strategies
Unlike other long-distance trails with regular town access, the Uinta Highline Trail presents limited options for resupply. Most hikers choose between carrying all their food for the entire journey or arranging a mid-point resupply via a support team, cache drop, or exit trail. Each option has pros and cons depending on the hiker’s preferences, experience level, and logistical capabilities.
1. Carrying All Food from the Start
Many thru-hikers opt to carry all the food they will need for the full duration. For a 7-10 day hike, this means packing 10-15 pounds of food, depending on caloric needs and food choices. This is the simplest approach from a logistics perspective, but it adds significant weight at the start.
- Pros: No need to exit trail or coordinate drop-off
- Cons: Heavier pack, reduced flexibility in food choices
2. Mid-Trail Exit for Resupply
Some hikers choose to exit the trail at a midway point to pick up resupply. Possible exit points include Uinta River Trail, Rock Creek Trail, or Swift Creek Trail. These trails lead to trailheads where a vehicle can be staged or where someone can bring supplies.
- Pros: Reduces weight, allows for fresh supplies
- Cons: Time-consuming detour, difficult navigation, limited transportation access
3. Cache Drop or Support Team Resupply
Another method involves caching food in advance or arranging for a friend or family member to deliver supplies at a meeting point. Some hikers leave sealed buckets at a trail junction or coordinate a hand-off at Uinta River Trailhead or Yellowstone Trail junction.
- Pros: Efficient and time-saving if well-coordinated
- Cons: Requires extra planning and a reliable support person
Popular Resupply Points and Exit Trails
Here are a few key locations along the trail where hikers may consider exiting for resupply or where support teams can access:
- Uinta River Trailhead– Located about halfway through the trail, this spot is the most common resupply point. Accessible by forest road, but requires a steep descent.
- Rock Creek Trailhead– Slightly west of Uinta River Trail, this trail also offers access to forest roads.
- Swift Creek Trail– Can be used as an exit point, but it is longer and more remote.
These trails are not short detours expect to hike several miles off the main route, often through challenging terrain. Anyone planning to use these for resupply should have detailed maps or GPS guidance.
Food Planning Tips for the Uinta Highline Trail
Proper food planning is key to a successful Uinta Highline Trail hike. High-calorie, lightweight, and non-perishable food is essential due to the trail’s elevation and energy demands. Most hikers aim for 3,000-5,000 calories per day.
Recommended Foods
- Dehydrated or freeze-dried meals
- Instant oatmeal and powdered milk
- Energy bars and trail mix
- Peanut butter packets or nut butters
- Instant rice, pasta, couscous
- Jerky and dried fruits
Don’t forget to pack electrolytes, drink mixes, and coffee or tea for morale. Because campfires are often restricted, plan meals that can be prepared using a lightweight backpacking stove.
Bear Safety and Food Storage
The Uinta Mountains are home to black bears and other wildlife. Even though bear encounters are rare on the Highline Trail, proper food storage is essential. Use bear canisters or Ursacks and hang them when necessary. Avoid storing food in tents or near sleeping areas. Leave-no-trace practices are crucial for preserving the wilderness.
Water Access and Treatment
While not directly part of food resupply, water planning is closely tied to overall trail logistics. Fortunately, the Uinta Highline Trail offers relatively frequent water sources such as streams, lakes, and rivers. However, all water should be treated due to the presence of livestock and potential contaminants.
Water Treatment Options
- Lightweight filter systems (e.g., Sawyer Squeeze)
- Chemical drops or tablets (e.g., Aquamira)
- Ultraviolet sterilizers (e.g., SteriPEN)
Always carry enough water capacity (at least 2-3 liters) and know the distance between upcoming sources based on current conditions and season.
Mail Drops and Logistics
Mail drops are generally not a practical option on the Uinta Highline Trail due to the lack of postal access near trailheads. If a mail drop is necessary, it may be possible to send supplies to a town like Roosevelt or Duchesne and have a support person retrieve it. However, this method is rarely used and often logistically complicated.
Uinta Highline Trail Resupply
The Uinta Highline Trail is a remote and beautiful experience, but it requires a self-sufficient mindset. Resupply planning is one of the most important steps in preparing for this trek. Whether you choose to carry all your food, arrange a mid-hike resupply, or cache provisions ahead of time, make sure your plan is tailored to your hiking speed, appetite, and support availability.
With thoughtful preparation, the challenge of resupply can be managed smoothly, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of Utah’s alpine wilderness. As with all wilderness adventures, preparation is key and on the Uinta Highline Trail, that begins with what you carry and where you’ll restock along the way.