Summit the Pfeifferhorn
Sandy, Utah
Details
Distance
9 miles
Elevation Gain
3700 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Conor Barry
Beat the heat and start early for an excellent opportunity to summit The Pfeifferhorn in solitude and avoid the crowds at Lower Red Pines Lake.
Starting at the White Pine Trailhead in Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT, hike southwest until reaching the junction to Red Pine Canyon. Take the trail that crosses the stream and continues west around the ridge. The trail will quickly turn south and begin to gain elevation. Continue west as you pass the junction to Maybird Gulch. The trail gains elevation as you reach Lower Red Pine Lake. Continue around to the south side of the lake and follow the faint trail up the steep slope to the upper lakes. Set up your base camp here. Multiple summits can be reached from this high camp.
The Pfeifferhorn — Follow the steep ridge to the southwest of the lakes (It doesn't show up on a topo map but it's pretty east to spot from the ground) up the headwall that gains access to the alpine ridge. It looks steep but it's very doable. Once you reach the ridge continue west towards the Pfeifferhorn. Trust me, you can't miss it. Prepare for some class 3 scrambling as you make your way to the summit. To time the hike just right, so you can watch the sun come up from the top, leave about 1.5 hours to get to the summit.
White Baldy can also be reached from this camp too. I have not attempted it, but the route looks pretty straightforward. Find a guide book and look up the exact details before you head out for this impressive peak.
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Reviews
The hike is long and strenuous...but I have old man knees, so take that lightly. We hiked up to White Pine Lake by midnight, camped for a few hours, then woke up early to make the last couple miles of the hike and catch the sunrise just in time. The sun peaking over the mountain range at first light is absolutely stunning. Pfiefferhorn itself lights up like a Christmas tree. Everything about this hike was amazing. Trekking poles recommended!!
5.0
There aren't many other places in the Wasatch with a better view.
5.0
The hike up to the red pine lakes itself was pretty steep. Then when you look up at the crazy steep ridges in front of you, its easy to wonder if it is even possible to hike all the way up. But once you get going, the climbs aren't as bad as you might think they are and the views from the top are incredible. The whole hike is worth every one of your steps!
5.0
The Pfeifferhorn has to be one of the coolest summits in the Wasatch! It's a classic "horn" and provides incredible views of the Timpanogos, Box Elder Peak, across the Cottonwoods, and even Salt Lake City. I like to camp near the lake and head up in the morning to enjoy the first light of the day on the East ridge.
5.0
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Nearby
Camp at the Cottonwood Ridgeline
Ski or Snowboard Pink Pine Ridge
Winter Hike the Pfeifferhorn
Backcountry Ski White Pine Fork
Hike to Maybird Lakes (Maybird Gulch)
White Pine Lake
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