Pfeifferhorn
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. Please discuss this issue on the talk page or replace this tag with a more specific message. This article has been tagged since March 2007. |
Elevation (feet): 11326
Elevation (meters): 3452
Range: Rocky Mountains
SubRange: Wasatch Range
State: Utah
Country: United States
Continent: North America
Latitude: 40.5333
Longitude: -111.7
Difficulty: Scramble
Best months for climbing: April, May, June, July, August, September, October
Convenient Center: Snowbird
Nearest major airport: Salt Lake International
The Pfeifferhorn, is the perfectly shaped 11,326' triangular peak located in the most isolated part of the Lone Peak Wilderness Area of Utah's Wasatch Mountains. This extremely rugged Utah mountain is commonly referred to as the "Little Matterhorn". This summit offers a hiking route to the summit which requires some scrambling. There are several technical rock climbing routes with the north ridge being the most popular. This summit also makes an excellent winter mountaineering adventure. [1]
The easiest and most popular route is the East Ridge via Red Pine Lake trail up Little Cottonwood Canyon. The trail is approximately 3 miles to lower Red Pine lake and roughly 1/2 mile to the upper Red Pine Lake. From here proceed southwest up the steep talus slope to the top of the 'false summit'. A well-defined trail should be visible here in the absence of snow. Continue west along the ridge through a series of large boulders to a second steep slope. You can either wrap around this slope to the south and switch-back up to the summit (easier) or just continue west 'til you reach the summit (steep).
Another way to climb Pfeifferhorn is to hike in through Maybird Gulch. A small foot bridge breaks off to the right from the Red Pine Lake trail and will take you into Maybird. You will pass 3 small lakes nestled under the Hogum Divide with the Pfeifferhorn rising straight ahead. Once past the uppermost lake you will find yourself in a large boulder field (granite talus) which is difficult and slow to cross. At the other side, a steep scramble will take you to the summit base. You can make a loop trip starting at Maybird Gulch, climbing to the peak, then down by way of upper/lower Red Pine lakes or vise-visa. [2]
Hiking Info:
Winter & Spring
Length: 4 1/2 miles - One Way.
Time: 5 hours - One Way.
Trailhead: 7,650'
Summit: 11,326'
Skill Rating: Technical, Nothing is easy in winter.
Equipment: Snowshoes, Crampons & Ice Axe.
Water: 3 liters per person.
Difficulties: Navigation & Mountaineering Skills
Circle Trip: Yes, Descend Maybird Gulch.
Warnings: Avalanche Danger & Exposure.
Summer & Fall
Length: 4 1/2 miles - One Way.
Time: 4 1/2 hours - One Way.
Trailhead: 7,650'
Summit: 11,326'
Skill Rating: Difficult
Equipment: None
Water: 3 liters per person.
Difficulties: Navigation & Scrambling.
Circle Trip: No
Warning: Exposure
[3]
