Difficulty

Hard

Elevation

636 m

Distance

10.8 km

Duration

3.5-5h

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Red Pine Lake Trail

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The Red Pine Lake Trail is a gorgeous hike in the Lone Peak Wilderness Area, east of Salt Lake City. This route is a challenging trail for experienced hikers. A steep and rocky ascent up to Red Pine Lake will leave your legs burning and your lungs heaving but the views from the top are totally worth it.

Route Description for Red Pine Lake Trail

The Red Pine Lake Trail is a beautiful route for experienced hikers. This trail is steep, rocky, and challenging. Proper hiking footwear is absolutely essential, and we strongly recommend bringing along a set of hike poles to aid your ascent and manage your balance on the way back down. Be sure to bring lots of water and lots of snacks along with you to fuel your day. In fact, we recommend bringing along a picnic lunch to enjoy on the shores of Red Pine Lake as you soak in the incredible mountain views.
The Red Pine Lake Trail is one of the most popular and well-loved trails in the area, and for a very good reason: this trail is absolutely gorgeous. A steep ascent through the lush forest takes you to a pristine alpine lake at the base of Thunder Mountain. Though the best time to hike this trail is in the summer and early fall, this trail is equally beautiful in the winter when the Utah landscape is blanketed in a crystalline sheet of freshly fallen snow.

To hike to Red Pine Lake, begin your day at the White Pine Trailhead along Little Cottonwood Canyon Road. From the trailhead, cross over Little Cottonwood Creek then take a right and hike along the Red, White, and Maybird Trail for 1.4 km to a divide. At the divide, take a right and follow the Red Pine Lake Trail for approximately 2.6 km to another divide. Take a left at this divide and hike the last 1.3 km to Red Pine Lake.

At the top, take a rest on the shores of Red Pine Lake and admire the beauty of the Utah Wilderness. When you are ready to go you can either turn around and head back to the trailhead, or set up camp and enjoy a night spent lakeside underneath the Utah stars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you swim in Red Pine Lake, Utah?

No, swimming is not permitted in Red Pine Lake as this lake is part of a watershed.

Are dogs allowed on the Red Pine Lake Trail in Utah?

No, dogs are not permitted on the Red Pine Lake Trail, nor are they allowed anywhere in Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Insider Hints for Red Pine Lake Trail

If you are hiking this route in the winter, snowshoes or traction devices are essential.
Keep an eye out for moose along the trail.
If you are looking for a slightly longer, and equally beautiful hike in the area, check out the White Pine Lake Trail nearby.

Getting to the Red Pine Lake Trail Trailhead

This hike begins at the White Pine Trailhead on the south side of highway 210/Little Cottonwood Road approximately 10.6 km east of Sandy, Utah.

Route Information

Backcountry Campground:
Camping at Red Pine Lake
When to do:
April to November
Pets allowed:
No
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Out and back