Red Pine Lake is a very popular destination for trail runners and experienced hikers alike. It is a beautiful trail and a lovely destination with a clear alpine lake.
This trail begins at the same starting point as the family-friendly Gloria Falls, which is a favorite! The longer and more challenging Maybird Gulch to Maybird Lakes and White Pine Lake also begin at this trailhead.
All of these trails follow the same trail for the first 0.9 mile to the river. This part is great in all seasons and a fun place to snowshoe.
It is stunning in the summer and fall with trees and wildflowers or fall color!
At the river the White Pine Trail diverts and shortly after Gloria Falls separates for it’s last 0.2 miles to the falls. The trail to Red Pine continues through aspen trees with periodic views of Little Cottonwood Canyon into the valley below. This photo shows off the sunrise.
The wildflowers in July and August are on full display.
For the first two and a half miles this trail is relatively easy. At this point there is a bridge that heads off to the right to continue to Maybird Gulch and Maybird Lakes. To go to Red Pine Lake, continue straight. The trail get much steeper and has more rocks. There is also a section of the trail that you practically have to walk in the water, although it is quite shallow. This photo was taken early August, so it’s more likely earlier in the season.
As you get closer to the lake you start to see more and more wildflowers.
The trees thin out and you have views of the mountains around.
Then you come up over the rise to the large and beautiful Red Pine Lake.
Red Pine Lake is a popular place to backpack due to it’s proximity of Pfeifferhorn. Many camp nearby so they can summit the peak early in the morning. Red Pine isn’t technically challenging, but it is longer than most casual hikers choose to go. It is a great reward for those who choose to hike it!
Stats: Distance – 7.5 miles roundtrip
Approximate hiking time – 3-5 hours
Elevation gain – 2221 feet
Difficulty – Difficult
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks
Bathrooms – At Trailhead
Seasons to hike – April – November
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – No
Other challenging trails nearby are Maybird Gulch to Maybird Lakes, Mount Superior and Monte Cristo, and Sugarloaf Peak. Easier hikes are Gloria Falls, Albion Meadows, Cecret Lake, and Lisa Falls.
