Hiking Pfeifferhorn Peak, Utah: Your Complete Guide

The Pfeifferhorn, formerly known as Little Matterhorn might just be one of the most stunning peaks in all of the Wasatch Mountains. The 360 degree views feature massive peaks, alpine lakes, giant cliffs, and even the Salt Lake valley below. This is a difficult, but non technical hike that is a must do for anyone in the area.

Distance – 9.9 miles round trip (15.9 km)
Height – 11,362 feet (3463.1 m)
Elevation gain – 3,933 feet (1198.8 meters)
Duration –  6-8 hours
Difficulty – Difficult
Hike Class: Class 3 hiking (Mostly class two, but a short class 3 section)
Trailhead Locations – White Pine Lake Trailhead (Directions Below)

Quick Navigation:
Routes | Trail Map | Lodging Info | Weather | Directions | Pictures

Need To Know Information

• Dogs are not allowed on this hike.
• Best hiking season: Late June (after the snow melts) through first snowfalls, usually early to mid October.
• Swimming is not allowed in any of the lakes in this area.
• This is a popular hike, and you will encounter people. Parking fills up quite fast.
• There is overflow parking on the road (explained below).
• Camping is common, and there are no fees or permits required. Camping information and regulations below.
• This summit is high and exposed to the elements, if poor weather is coming in, avoid the summit.

The Pfeifferhorn Via White Pine Lake Trailhead

For this peak, there really is only one hiking route that is commonly taken, and that starts at the White Pine Lake Trailhead.

Round Trip Stats

9.9 miles round trip (15.9 km) – 3,933 feet (1198.8 meters)

Hikers begin on a well marked and well traveled trail just behind the bathrooms at the trailhead. Hikers descend a few feet before crossing Little Cottonwood Creek via a bridge. Hikers follow a very wide trail (more of a road) that gradually inclines for the first mile. At mile 1, there is a junction towards White Pine Lake, or towards Red Pine Lake. Hikers take the route to Red Pine Lake here where they will quickly cross a stream via another bridge.

This trail continues at a gradual incline. At 2.66 miles in, there is another junction where hikers simply stay straight rather than heading towards Maybird Lake. Hikers will be hiking along the Red Pine Fork stream.

Just about 3.5 miles in, hikers will reach Red Pine Lake where they can walk fully around it. The quickest way upwards is to stay to left of the lake while heading up (east).

Looking at a false summit from Red Pine Lake

After passing the lake, the hike starts to get a bit steeper, and more difficult terrain to walk along. The main trail misses Upper Red Pine Lake, but this can be a great stop on the way back down.

The trail heading up towards the ridge above Red Pine lake

The trail isn’t well maintained heading up to the saddle before the summit, so you’ll likely find various routes that are well traveled. We recommend staying as close the GPX track and map we provide within this article.

Once reaching the ridge, hikers continue upwards via the obvious path. Shortly before the final steepest portion to the summit, the ridge narrows, and features the “crux” of the hike where there is a short period of rock scrambling, in what we would consider class 3 hiking. Once passing this, the trail is easy to follow, but is steep and has a fair amount of loose dirt to the summit. Hikers head back down the same way they came up.

Pfeifferhorn class 3 hiking section

Hiking Pfeifferhorn In Winter

There is avalanche danger in winter, so it is important for hikers or skiers to have the proper gear and knowledge before attempting this peak. In winter, this peak should only be attempted by those with substantial winter experience and knowledge.

Trail Map

We have created an online map: Download The Route Here

Camping Info

This is a common camping area. Due to the wilderness area and watershed regulations, no campfires or dogs are allowed. Any campers must camp at least 200 feet away from trails, lakes, or streams. Campers will find established sites all around both lakes pretty easily.

There are also several campground options in Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Fishing Red Pine Lake

Upper Red Pine Lake has a healthy population of trout. Anglers tend to have better luck at the upper lake, and the main lake, Red Pine Lake, tends to not fish as well. This is a catch and release fishery. Fish will take dry flies on most summer days, but using a dry dropper rig is highly recommended.

Current Weather Conditions:

Here is the detailed weather forecast for the next few days. We highly recommend you check out local weather the morning of your hike.

Granite, UT

This Afternoon
Sunny. High near 37, with temperatures falling to around 32 in the afternoon. North northwest wind around 3 mph.

Tonight
Partly cloudy. Low around 24, with temperatures rising to around 26 overnight. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Monday
Mostly sunny. High near 39, with temperatures falling to around 33 in the afternoon. North wind 1 to 5 mph.

Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 22. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 30. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 20.

Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 28.

Directions & Parking

The White Pine Trailhead is a medium sized parking lot, but parking is located along the road as long as cars stay off the road, and not over the white lines. This is a very popular destination, so parking is often limited on weekends, holidays, or nice weather days. You’ll frequently see cars lining the road as this trailhead is a popular spot for several hiking destinations.

Additional Pictures

Pfeifferhorn panoramic summit views

Summit views

Pfeifferhorn summit at sunset

Views of Box Elder Peak and Mount Timpanogos in the far back

View of Red Pine Lake from the ridge towards Pfeifferhorn