Sunday, August 4, 2013

Red Pine Trail - Red Pine Lake Utah

Today I went on a hike with a friend of mine from Pearson.  We were both stumped with what trail to do next so I hit the Internet and discovered the Red Pine Trail.  This trail is located about 5.5 miles up the Little Cottonwood Canyon -- all in all, about a 20 minute drive from Cottonwood Heights.

There are three trails there one leading to White Pine Lake, another to Red Pine and yet another that didn't take you to a lake.  The Red Pine is about 3.25 miles to the lake, which I measured from the parking lot to the edge of the lake as I took my Garmin.  It is a hilly hike but is mostly shaded and the trail is wide and well maintained.  It was in the lower 80's and we really didn't feel it -- thanks to an early start.  There were a section or two where we weren't sure which way to go, however but luckily it was easy enough to figure out which way to go.

It took nearly 2 hours to reach there.  While the air temperature wasn't bad, there was some significant climbs.  It wasn't as bad -- or as tough as the trail to Lake Blanche and you were treated to some views of a babbling creek and even some stunning views of the canyon road.  I also found myself not slipping around much up there --- either I am getting better at hiking or this trail was less rocky... take your pick.

The lake was very tranquil -- and the temperature was a bit cooler up there.  While the mountains surrounding the lake weren't as impressive as Lake Blanche's, the lake's water was definitely more beautiful and it looked deep.  There was a decent trail around most of the lake, but in some parts it required a bit of finesse in getting around the lake.

The trail up there also wasn't super crowded either.  We did see a number of people walking it but all in all, you could go for quite a bit of time without seeing anyone. It was also safe enough that I would feel confident doing it myself.

Hopefully next time I'll venture up to White Pine Lake, which I understand is a longer, but easier hike.


Red Pine Trail Alta Utah

Red Pine Trail Alta Utah

Red Pine Trail Alta Utah


Red Pine Trail Alta Utah

Red Pine Trail Alta Utah

Red Pine Trail Alta Utah


Red Pine Trail Alta Utah


Red Pine Trail Alta Utah



Red Pine Trail Alta Utah




Red Pine Trail Alta Utah




Red Pine Trail Alta Utah




Red Pine Lake Alta Utah

Red Pine Lake Alta Utah

Red Pine Lake Alta Utah



Red Pine Lake Alta Utah


Red Pine Lake Alta Utah











Red Pine Lake Alta Utah


Red Pine Lake Alta Utah


Red Pine Lake Alta Utah











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