American Fork Canyon is beautiful year round, but the Pine Hollow Trail in winter is especially magical! It is so pretty dusted in snow! In the winter always hike with traction so you don’t slip. If there is a lot of new powder, then you will need snow shoes, but most of the time micro-spikes will work great.
Begin at the Pine Hollow Trailhead just below where the Alpine Road closes for the winter. The trail crosses the street and heads up the hill on the opposite side. As you turn the corner you can look down on the Alpine Loop Road above the closure, which also makes a great hike!
The path curves left around the hill and heads further away from the road. This first view is looking up the trail and the second is looking down.
The pines look so pretty flocked in snow!
As we were hiking we passed a ruffed grouse in a tree.
There is something so magical about hiking in the winter. Everything is so peaceful!
Soon you will be hiking right through the pines.
Soon you come out into the first meadow. Someone had made a few snowmen!
If you step off the marked trail, be prepared to fall into deeper snow. If the trail is popular it will already be packed down, but off trail you will be post-holing, which means your legs are sinking in with every step.
This is such a pretty hike!
This post focused on the Pine Hollow Trail in winter, but it is gorgeous year round! For more details click on the Pine Hollow Loop click here.
Stats: Distance – 4.5 mile loop (you can turn around sooner. The first meadow and back is 2.4 miles)
Approximate hiking time – 3 to 4 hours (can be shortened)
Elevation gain – 1300 feet
Difficulty – Moderate
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks.
Bathrooms – At the trailhead
Seasons to hike – Year round (microspikes or snowshoes in winter)
Permits needed – $6 fee paid online or at ranger booth (or National Parks pass)
Pets allowed – Yes
Other winter hikes nearby are Alpine Loop Road and Tibble Fork Trail.
