Red Pine Lake - Little Cottonwood Canyon

This hike was a beautiful mistake. We planned to hike Gloria Falls which is an easy 2 mile RT hike to a beautiful waterfall. We missed the turn and ended up on the trail to Red Pine. A few hikers we passed said it was worth it so we continued on up the trail, we had no idea how far it was but they were right, it was worth it!

It's about a 7 mile hike, we walked around the lake so that added an extra mile. I would say it's a moderate hike, fairly easy if you can handle the length. This is a great hike for kids, again, if they can handle walking 3.5 miles to reach it, the hike down is almost totally down hill and super easy.

The wildflowers in summer and so beautiful and plentiful. The views of the valley were breathtaking. There are several bridges, starting with this one just after the parking lot.

 

After about a mile, you will reach this bridge at the river crossing. Cross the bridge and head directly left for Gloria Falls. There are no signs.

Otherwise, continue on for Red Pine. There are signs along the way and the trail is clearly marked.









 


I want to come back and do White Pine.

Snow in July!


We made it! The water was clear and COLD! No swimming, this is a watershed.





 











 









It was just so beautiful! I'm so used to Adams Canyon and the scrub oak. But this canyon is full of Pines and Aspens. So green, so many flowers. I felt like I was exploring in Idaho!

Helpful Tips

Red Pine Lake Trail is a 7 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Mounthaven, Utah that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until November.

No dogs

Bathrooms at trailhead

Parking lot feels fast, but you can park on the road

 

Length: 7.0 mi

Elevation gain:  2,073 ft

Route: Out & back

We hiked around the back of the lake so we added another mile on.

If you are hiking Red Pine Lake, take the 5 min detour and hit Gloria Falls while you're there.

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