r/Highpointers • u/wrwilliams • 14d ago

King's Peak, Utah advice

Hi all, I'm hoping to get one more HP in before calling it a season, and was looking at King's Peak around the 18th of September.

Has anyone hiked it at this time of year? What kind of weather should I expect? I know snow is a possibility, will microspikes do it or will I need crampons and an ice ax?

Thanks!

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u/x_3mta3 ** 50 States Complete ** 14d ago

Just monitor the weather leading up to it. Hopefully none of that equipment would be necessary.

3

u/Aggressive-Assist828 14d ago

I did Kings around the same time of year in 2024. It was totally snow-free and dry. It was nothing more than a long hike and lots of boulder walking once you ascend the pass.

Good luck, it’s a beautiful area!

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u/Pequop9252 ** 50 States Complete ** 14d ago

If it is snowy, crampons and microspikes are not helpful for the fresh powder. Usually the first snowfall is sometime between mid-Sept and mid-Oct.

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u/dagofin 14d ago

Did it in 2021 I think in early October and it was perfect. Camped at Dollar Lake, watched a moose family saunter around the lake, got up bright and early to tag the summit, and hiked all the way back down the second day.

Ironically I ripped my Altra King MT shoes during the scrambling up to the summit. It's not too crazy if you're being careful but even with microspikes it'd be a little sketchy in snow

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u/redrivergorge 14d ago

I hiked this in September in 2023 and it was stunning. One of the most peaceful hikes I've ever done. Conditions were perfect, very little snow. I did not need spikes or an axe. I broke this one up to two days, camping just below Gunsight Pass and summiting the next morning.

Odds are low that you'd need the snow/ice gear, but weather being weather nothing is a sure bet. Just monitor conditions up until you go. It will be a game-time decision. If I recall, I may have had spikes in my pack, but no axe.

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u/gutsrunnr 13d ago

I did Kings in mid-September in 2018 and the weather was great, although smoky from fires in southern Utah. I also attempted it in mid-September 2013 but turned around at Gunslinger due to an incoming snow storm. I think it would be hard to find the route going up the summit if covered in snow, and difficult even with microspikes.

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u/procrasstinating 13d ago

Won’t need crampons or an ax. Unlikely to need microspikes. Fair chance that water will freeze overnight. Mid September is still in the window for active thunderstorms. Be prepared for cold rain, sleet and snow if the forecast looks active.

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u/krisitolindsay 13d ago

I did Kings in early Sept. It was warm. I doubt you will need any snow gear, but I would Google "Anderson Pass Weather" before you go.

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u/IBetMyLeftNose 12d ago

I hiked Kings Peak about a month ago (middle of July), and there was essentially no snow then. But consider the advice of other people on this thread.