Winter Hike the Pfeifferhorn
Sandy, Utah
Details
Distance
9 miles
Elevation Gain
3600 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Jacob Moon
Summit one of Utah's most iconic peaks for stunning views of the Wasatch Mountain and Salt Lake Valley. There's also excellent camping near Red Pine Lake.
Rising to a height of 11,326 feet, the Pfeifferhorn is one of the most majestic and iconic peaks in the Wasatch Mountains, and also one of the most popular mountains to hike. During the summer and fall, there is a well beaten trail all the way to the summit, but during the winter and spring, this trail is covered up by snow, thus making a map of the area in indispensable.
This hike begins at the White Pine trailhead and follows up to Red Pine Lake (approx. 3 miles). This section of the trail receives a high volume of snowshoes and skiers, and will likely have a beaten out trail to follow (depending on when the last snow storm came through).
From Lower Red Pine Lake, continue on to Upper Red Pine Lake, and then ascend the mini ridge on the upper head wall to the west. Once reaching the top of the head wall, the Pfeifferhorn will appear in all of her glory, along with numerous peaks in all directions. Follow the ridge to the summit!
Warning: The slopes leading to the summit pass Upper Red Pine Lake are prone to avalanche. A knowledge of avalanche hazards and safety is critical especially during the winter and early spring. Visit here for condition reports.
Summiting in the summer months, check out this adventure: https://www.theoutbound.com/ut...
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Reviews
Incredible mountaineering adventure right in our backyard. I love climbing this mountain, and summitting in the winter is something special.
5.0
I actually just wrote a story about the time I ski mountaineered the summit of the Pfeifferhorn. Check out my profile if you want to read it. I was able to ski mountaineer the Pfeifferhorn last winter with my mountaineering class at the UofU. It was the greatest trip of my life. We toured to Maybird Gulch, built snow shelters and spent the night there. The next morning we woke up at 5am and toured up the main face. When it got too steep, we stuck our skis in the side of the mountain and put on our crampons and whipped out our mountaineers ice axe and went for the summit. The view at the peak is unbelievable and the skiing on the main face is amazing.
5.0
I love hiking the Pfeifferhorn, especially in the winter. The route to the summit involves a great deal of avalanche terrain and I would highly advise that folks are also wearing transceivers (know how to use them) and bring a shovel and probe. It's important to check on the conditions with the Utah Avalanche Center and be prepared to rescue your partner in the case of an avalanche.
5.0
I just did this yesterday on a perfect blue sky day! We had some of the best views I've seen in the Wasatch from the summit. I would add that crampons were really nice for the ridge going up to the S/SE face, as well as on said face. The snow was like concrete, so we elected to not ski that face down due to the exposure below. One more thing I would mention is do not forget sun screen and sun glasses. I did, as we started out at 4AM, and I tend to forget these items when it's dark out. Oops!
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Camp at the Cottonwood Ridgeline
Summit the Pfeifferhorn
Ski or Snowboard Pink Pine Ridge
Backcountry Ski White Pine Fork
Hike to Maybird Lakes (Maybird Gulch)
White Pine Lake
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