Overview
The Pfeifferhorn is a majestic peak, which is located east of Salt Lake City, Utah in the Wasatch mountain range. It's easy access, proximity to alpine lakes and short trail make it a popular hike year-round. The easiest route involves moderately steep hiking and a short 3rd class section. Since only a few mountains in the Wasatch are higher than Pfeifferhorn, the rewards are breathtaking views of the Salt Lake valley and surrounding mountains. Another plus is the fact that mountain goats can be frequently seen above upper Red Pine Lake.
Route Via East Ridge
From the White Pine Trailhead in Little Cottonwood Canyon Take the White Pine trail across the river, and follow the old dirt road/trail as it traverses west before arcing up into White Pine Canyon. At the first switchback (1 mile) there is a fainter but still well-used trail crossing White Pine Canyon stream. Take this trail to reach Red Pine Canyon. This trail climbs out of White Pine Canyon and continues traversing west before arcing up Red Pine Canyon. Continue heading up the Red Pine trail until you reach Red Pine Lake, which is 2.34 miles from the White Pine Trail. This is one of the most popular winter and spring destinations in the Wasatch so the route to the east ridge is well traveled to Red Pine Lake.
At Red Pine Lake the trail fades, but remains slightly visible for the remainder of the hike. Keep hiking up towards the higher lake. At that lake a small ridge should be visible projecting out from the southwest end of the canyon headwall (its more apparent closer to the lake). Scramble up this small ridge to gain the skyline (class 2, moderate snow). This moderate ridge is one of two points along the route prone to avalanche danger and is sometimes corniced at the top. From here it is a relatively flat hike along a more obvious trail towards the east side of the Pfeifferhorn along the divide between Maybird Gulch and Dry Creek Canyon.
Scramble along a mildly exposed ridgeline (class 2-3), following ledges on the north side of the ridge above Maybird Gulch to the base of the peak. Continue up along the ridge to the summit.
Essential Gear
Make sure to bring your 10 Essentials, as well as an ice axe, Skis / Snowshoes and possibly snowshoes and avy beacon depending on time of year. In the winter months, this area can be very avalanche prone so avalanche beacons and rescue gear are a must for ascending the East Ridge.
