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Red Pine Lake Trail

Sandy, Utah

5.0/5
based on 8 reviews

Details

Distance

6.94 miles

Elevation Gain

1995 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Sam Watson

Red Pine Lake is to access with only a short, ~25 minute drive from Salt Lake City. The lake offers an incredible alpine setting and views with access to several classic Wasatch Peaks.

Red Pine Lake, located in Red Pine Fork of the Wasatch Mountains, is one of the premier hiking and backpacking destinations in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Red Pine Fork is sandwiched in between White Pine Fork and Maybird Gulch to the east and west, respectively. All three are accessed via the White Pine Trailhead, about 5.5 miles up Little Cottonwood Canyon on its south side. The trailhead features pit toilets and ample room to park. However, during weekends in the high season, (July through September) the trailhead can become quite crowded, so be sure to get there early to reserve a good parking spot.

From the parking lot, the trail immediately crosses Little Cottonwood creek via a sturdy footbridge, then begins climbing steeply up the south side of the canyon. Roughly a mile later, the trail splits to access either White Pine Fork or Red Pine Fork. Head right to access Red Pine Fork. The trail continues to gain elevation for about 2.5 miles through thick aspens and pines, breaking occasionally to offer breathtaking down-canyon views. Hikers will then reach Red Pine Lake, located at 9,640 feet.

There are many campsites surrounding the lake. Hikers can stop there, or continue roughly a mile further to Upper Red Pine Lake. The trail to Upper Red Pine Lake is not as well defined as the previous section of trail, but still fairly easy to follow. The campsites around Upper Red Pine Lake are not as nice as those located at Red Pine Lake. The area has much less human traffic however, so campers will be rewarded with a more solitary, peaceful camp. Campers and hikers with more time to spare can access White Baldy (11,321 ft.) or the Pfeifferhorn (11,326 ft.) from the top of Red Pine Fork. Little Cottonwood Canyon is a watershed area, so swimming in Red Pine Lake, or any Lake in the canyon, is not allowed. Water should be filtered from lakes and streams in the area before it is potable. Wildflowers are not to be missed during the summer months, and wildlife is abundant in the area. A camera is highly recommended for capturing the awesome flora and fauna.

Upon returning to Salt Lake, Lone Star Taqueria is my go-to spot for a post-adventure feast. Their fish tacos are the best in the Salt Lake Valley (in my humble opinion), and coupled with an ice cold Corona, make for the perfect way to cap off a trip to the mountains.

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Features

Camping
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Forest
Lake
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Red Pine Lake Trail Reviews

Lots of snow

Beautiful hike especially with the trees changing colors

This hike is one of the most picturesque in the state. It's diverse too and includes waterfalls and forested areas, as well as beautiful views of the canyon and city below. It's a steep one so know your fitness level but the rewards are great! Start early if you need to go slow because much of this trail is exposed at the beginning. The lake is secluded and beautiful and makes a perfect spot to camp for the night. Please remember the principals of Leave No Trace and make sure that your campsite is at least 200 feet from the lake. There is absolutely no swimming allowed here since this is a watershed and fires are also not permitted.

The views are gorgeous all along this hike and the fall colors are everywhere during that time of year!

This is hike is beautiful and fun. The lake is gorgeous in the early morning sun and the cool temps were nice to hike in as well as being the only people up the canyon. This hike is nothing to be worried about

I give the beauty of Red Pine a 10/10. The trail is pretty much super rocky and technical the whole time, but definitely worth it.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

White Pine Lake

Hike to Maybird Lakes (Maybird Gulch)

Summit the Pfeifferhorn

Winter Hike the Pfeifferhorn

Camp at the Cottonwood Ridgeline

Backcountry Ski White Pine Fork