Red Pine Lakes

Unlike White Pine Lake, the Red Pine Lakes area is situated near the eastern border of the Lone Peak Wilderness Area.  Due to it being in a wilderness area means that there are restrictions on group size, camping, and fire building.  Of course it goes without saying that anything packed in should be packed out – whether or not the hiking area falls within a wilderness area.  Deemed as one of the prettiest lakes in the Wasatch Range, Lower Red Pine Lake sits at the base of a granite bowl that was carved out by glaciers many thousands of years ago.  Today it is a popular hike for day-hikers as well as those looking to spend a night or two.  I know of at least one instance where a couple chose to be married at this beautiful lake setting.  Upper Red Pine Lake sits approximately 400 feet higher than its lower neighbor in a less-forested, more boulder-strewn area of the bowl.  Since this area is a vital watershed for the Salt Lake Valley, no dogs are allowed.

The Red Pine Lakes area is reached from the White Pine trailhead in Little Cottonwood Canyon.  From the Salt Lake Valley take the 6200 South exit (Exit #6) off of I-215 and turn right (at the light) onto Wasatch Boulevard (SR 190).  Continue south on Wasatch Boulevard past Fort Union Boulevard (7200 South), which turns into SR 210.  Follow SR 210 to the White Pine parking area (about 9.3 miles from Fort Union Boulevard) to the right (south) of the highway.  This area can also be reached from I-15 by taking the 9000 South exit (Exit #295) and turning eastward along 9000 South (SR 209) towards Sandy.  The road will eventually curve southward and then eastward again as 9400 South – weaving a little more before terminating at approximately 7.3 miles from the I-15 exit.  Turn right (eastward) at the junction and follow SR 210 the remaining distance to the White Pine parking area (approximately 5.3 miles from the junction).  It may be necessary to park along the highway if the parking lot is full.

Sign at the trailhead

View looking southwest across
Lower Red Pine Lake

The trail begins near the restrooms along the south side of the parking lot.  It descends about 40 feet to cross Little Cottonwood Creek before ascending up the south side of the canyon towards White Pine Fork.  After hiking approximately one mile, the trail splits at the Red Pine Junction.  At this point take the right trail behind the sign to cross the footbridge.  Soon after crossing the bridge, the trail curves towards the north around a ridge to the Red Pine Fork drainage and Lone Peak Wilderness.  Spectacular views of the canyon below open up before you upon entering the drainage.  Approximately 2.5 miles from the trailhead, the fork to Maybird Gulch is reached where another footbridge crosses the stream.  Stay on the left trail and do not cross the bridge unless you are planning to hike to Maybird Gulch.  The left trail continues among the pine trees and a rock field will begin to appear along the left (east) side of the stream.  About 0.7 miles beyond the second fork and an elevation gain of just over 600 feet; Lower Red Pine Lake comes into view with White Baldy towering to the southeast.  To reach the 10,030-foot Upper Red Pine Lake, continue following the trail around the east shore of Lower Red Pine Lake and follow a less-obvious route near the east-side stream.  Large boulders will be encountered in this area.  Distance from the trailhead to Lower Red Pine Lake is approximately 3.2 miles (3.6 miles to Upper Red Pine Lake) one-way with an elevation gain of 2,020 feet to the lower lake and 2,420 feet to the upper lake.

Large boulder on the way
to Upper Red Pine Lake

Upper Red Pine Lake (largest lake)
and surrounding granite bowl