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Red Pine Lake Trail

Wasatch National Forest, Utah · 3 min read

Distance
6.6 mi
Elevation Gain
1,900 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
June through October
Est. Time
4-5 hours
Dog Friendly
No
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
6 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Flush Restroom
Parking
Fee Required
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
None
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Alpine lake at 9,646 feet beneath the rocky face of White Baldy
  • One of Little Cottonwood Canyon's most rewarding moderate hikes
  • Passes through old-growth cottonwood and aspen on the lower trail
  • Views of the entire Little Cottonwood drainage from upper switchbacks
  • Comparable to Lake Blanche but with less elevation gain and more shade
lakeviewswildflowerssummit

Overview

Red Pine Lake is the premier alpine lake hike in Little Cottonwood Canyon, offering comparable scenery to the more famous Lake Blanche Trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon with slightly less total elevation gain. The 6.6-mile out-and-back climbs 1,900 feet to a glacial lake at 9,646 feet beneath the dramatic white granite face of White Baldy (11,321 feet). The Wasatch National Forest and its portion of the Wasatch Range provide this remarkably accessible alpine experience just 25 miles from downtown Salt Lake City.

The trail shares its lower mile with the White Pine Lake Trail before diverging right toward Red Pine. Both lakes are worthy destinations; Red Pine is slightly lower and larger, White Pine sits in a more austere cirque higher up. Most hikers pick one; strong hikers sometimes do both in a single long day.

Watershed rules: Little Cottonwood Canyon is a protected drinking water watershed. No dogs. No swimming. No body contact with water sources.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1: Lower trail. The trail starts in a cottonwood grove and climbs steadily through mixed forest. The White Pine junction comes at about mile 1; stay right for Red Pine.

Miles 1 to 2.5: Mid-trail switchbacks. The grade steepens as the trail climbs through open terrain with views back down the canyon. The granite walls of the Wasatch become more prominent.

Miles 2.5 to 3.3: Lake basin. The trail levels as it enters the Red Pine Lake cirque. The lake reflects White Baldy on calm mornings. An upper bench holds a smaller seasonal tarn.

When to Visit

Late June through October. The canyon gets heavy weekend traffic in July and August; arrive before 8 AM for parking. Fall is quieter and the aspen groves turn gold in late September.

Practical Details

Fee parking at the trailhead (as of 2026). Flush toilet facilities at the lot. The Alta Ski Area and the town of Alta are nearby. For related Wasatch hiking, see the Cecret Lake Trail and the forest guide.

Leave No Trace

This trail receives enough use that following Leave No Trace principles is important for preserving the experience for future visitors. Stay on the marked trail to prevent erosion. Pack out all waste. Avoid camping within 200 feet of water sources or the trail. Use existing fire rings only where campfires are permitted, and check current fire restrictions at checking conditions before you go before any visit. The trail and surrounding terrain remain in good condition because previous visitors have respected these norms.

Trailhead Parking

Red Pine Trailhead at the White Pine/Red Pine Trailhead area, Little Cottonwood Canyon (SR-210), about 5 miles from the canyon mouth. Fee parking lot with roughly 80 spaces. Alta Ski Area is nearby.

← Back to Wasatch National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Red Pine Lake Trail?
Red Pine Lake is a 6.6-mile out-and-back with 1,900 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers take 4 to 5 hours round trip. The grade is sustained but less steep than nearby Lake Blanche in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Are dogs allowed at Red Pine Lake?
No. Little Cottonwood Canyon is a protected watershed for Salt Lake City. Dogs are prohibited on all trails in the canyon, including Red Pine Lake Trail. Violations carry fines (as of 2026).
Do you need a permit for Red Pine Lake?
No permit is required. Parking fees apply at the White Pine/Red Pine Trailhead lot (as of 2026). Check current fee amounts with the Salt Lake Ranger District.
Is Red Pine Lake easier than Lake Blanche?
Red Pine Lake (1,900 ft gain) is somewhat less steep than Lake Blanche (2,700 ft gain), though both are solid moderate-hard hikes. Red Pine's trail has more shade in the lower section. Both trails are popular Wasatch alpine lake hikes accessible from Salt Lake City within 30 minutes.