Much of the exposed rock is a fascinating deep red. The main crest of the High Uintas runs generally east-west for more than 60 miles with few places at the base wider than one mile. Many secondary ridges, often higher than the main ridge, extend north and south from the main crest. Lovely alpine basins, dotted with picturesque lakes and meadows, open the mountains in frequent places. In the many lakes and streams the fishing can be excellent, but overfishing in some popular areas has reduced the finned population.
Rivers plunge out of the basins down U-shaped canyons carved by glacial activity.
Waterways raging with spring runoff from heavy snows can be difficult and dangerous to cross. Snow usually lingers through June. These spectacular mountains are summer home to elk, mule deer, moose and an occasional mountain sheep, and black bears are commonly seen by human visitors. Many trails crisscross the Wilderness from trailheads on all four sides. All the trails are easy to follow, and the lower pathways are excellent trails for horspackers.