Pfeifferhorn is a great summer summit hike that takes you past the shores of two beautiful alpine lakes that then culminates in an exciting hike across a short knife-edged ridge followed by a steep scramble to the formidable peak’s summit. While this hike may be challenging to those timid of heights, it can be conquered by safely by following this trip report.
Pfeifferhorn Hike Details
Distance – 11 miles roundtrip
Approximate hiking time – 8-11 hours
Elevation at trailhead – 7650 feet
Elevation at summit – 11,326 feet
Elevation gain – 3676 feet
Difficulty – Strenuous
Trail – Dirt and rock, scrambling required, there is a short section of exposure
Amount of water recommended – 3 liters
Bathrooms – At the trailhead
Season to hike – Late June to late September
Permits – None needed
Pets – Not permitted
What to Bring:
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How to get there:
From Salt Lake City or from Provo, take I-15 to the 9000 South exit (Exit 295). Turn east onto 9000 South (UT-209) and follow it for 7.2 miles to the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon. Even though you stay on the same road, 9000 South changes to 9400 South and then to 9600 South as it heads east and goes into Little Cottonwood Canyon. Arriving at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, you come to a junction with Wasatch Blvd from the north. Turn right at this junction which will continue up Little Cottonwood Canyon. Continue up Little Cottonwood Canyon Road for 5.2 miles, where you will pull off into the White Pine Trailhead parking lot on the right side of the road.
Hitting the Trail!
From the parking lot of White Pine Trailhead you’ll head south and cross a wooden footbridge that spans the Little Cottonwood Creek. You’ll notice that the trail after the footbridge is wide by most trail standards. It used to be an old jeep/mining road. This wide trail begins to narrow as it makes its way up White Pine Canyon for just under a little less than a mile. (0.8 miles) Next is an important trail junction. A trail breaks left and heads up to White Pine Lake, but you’ll want to continue on the main trail and within a minute or two of the passing the trail up to White Pine Lake, you’ll cross another footbridge which spans White Pine Fork.
As you cross the footbridge, the trail will turn and head north and then west as it winds around a ridge and then back to the up into the Red Pine drainage. As the trail moves up the canyon, keep your eyes open for wildlife, especially during the early morning hours. I would highly recommend starting this hike early, not only to improve your chances of seeing deer and moose, but to escape the mid-afternoon temperatures on the return trip from climbing Pfeifferhorn.
When you’ve hiked about two miles, you’ll pass through a steep section through the remnants of an old avalanche. Shortly thereafter, Red Pine Creek will run along the trail for a while. About 2.5 miles into the hike you’ll come to where the trail to Maybird Gulch breaks off to the right and over a footbridge. Continue straight. Just after passing that point, the small stream may run over the trail depending on how wet or dry the summer has been. Another steep section leads you to the shores of Lower Red Pine Lake. This is a great place to take a short break and enjoy the serenity and the views around Lower Red Pine Lake.
View of Broad Forks Twin Peaks from the shores of Lower Red Pine Lake
Follow the trail to the south of Lower Red Pine Lake, cross the stream that comes from Upper Red Pine Lakes. The steep trail will then lead you through spruce trees between Lower and Upper Red Pine Lakes. Make sure to turn around from time to time and enjoy the views to the north. From both sets of lakes you see what you think is Pfeifferhorn, but it’s more of a false summit. Pfeifferhorn is hidden behind that ridge mountain.
This is the ridge that is the saddle between Pfeifferhorn and White Baldy. Pfeifferhorn is the triangular summit that is mostly hidden in the top right corner of the picture behind the ridge
You’ll see a ridge that leads up the saddle between White Baldy and Pfeifferhorn. There may be a faint trail that you can follow up the ridge, or you can just pick your way up the very steep and rocky slope to the saddle. Once up on the saddle, head west and enjoy a relatively flat part for a little bit, as you make you way west along the ridge and peak that appeared to be summit of Pfeifferhorn. This peak was actually recently named Little Pfeifferhorn, and on it is on way to Pfeifferhorn. From this vantage point, you have great views of all the Red Pine Lakes and your approach route, which makes for great pictures.
View of Lower and Upper Red Pine Lakes from the saddle between Pfeifferhorn and White Baldy
As you hike along the ridge, Pfeifferhorn will loom from the west. From this vantage point, it will look very imposing and nearly impossible to reach the summit. Next comes the fun part! While this knife-edge section isn’t hairy like other hikes I’ve been on, it still requires that hikers use care and common sense while navigating around the large slabs of quartz monzonite across the 100 yard long boulder hop. A knife-edge ridge means that there are precipitous drops on both sides a narrow spine upon which you’re crossing. Needless to say, great care is required when navigating a knife-edge ridge. I find it quite exciting and exhilarating. This is strictly my opinion, but I found this part of the hike a complete non-issue.
Pfeifferhorn summit as seen from the knife-edge ridge. The summit doesn’t look that impressive from this viewpoint, but believe me, you’ll be impressed!
Once across the knife-edge ridge, it may be a good time to take a breather, because the final scramble to the summit of Pfeifferhorn is going to take all of your energy. The summit is only 500 more feet of elevation, but it is steep, and it is up loose scree in some parts. Be ready to take some breaks on this last stretch. Even the most conditioned hiker will be huffing and puffing. Take your time and catch your breath. No need to try to dash up the chute to the top, Pfeifferhorn isn’t going anywhere.
After scrambling to the top you be rewarded with amazing views in all directions. White Baldy is to the east, Lone Peak and South Thunder Mountain to the east, Box Elder Peak to the south, and Broads Fork Twin Peaks and Dromendary Peak to the north. The cirque just below Pfeifferhorn is impressive. You’ll have a hard time putting your camera down, as the views are so spectacular. After enjoying the views and a snack, you’ll slowly make your way down from the summit, and just retrace your steps back to the trailhead.
Enjoy the hike!
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Great stuff