Pfeifferhorn

The Pfeifferhorn is the 11,331 feet (3,454 m) triangularly-shaped peak located in the most isolated part of the Lone Peak Wilderness Area of the Wasatch Mountains in northern Utah, United States. This rugged Utah mountain, commonly referred to as the Little Matterhorn, is the fifth-highest peak in the Wasatch Range. The summit can be reached by hiking, though some scrambling is required. There are several technical rock climbing routes with the north ridge being the most popular. This summit also makes an excellent winter mountaineering adventure.[3]

Pfeifferhorn
Pfeifferhorn as seen from the ridge just below and east of the summit
Highest point
Elevation11,331 ft (3,454 m)  NAVD 88[1]
Prominence766 ft (233 m) [1]
Coordinates40°32′01″N 111°42′22″W [2]
Geography
Pfeifferhorn
Location in Utah
LocationSalt Lake / Utah counties, Utah, U.S.
Parent rangeWasatch Range
Topo mapUSGS Dromedary Peak

Routes
Pfeifferhorn (Via Red Pine Lake) Hiking/Backpacking Details
Summit: 11,331 feet (3,454 m)
Estimated Starting Elevation: 7,700 feet
Average Total Distance: 9.2 miles round-trip
Time Needed: 1–2 days
Rating: Difficult

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 until 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 three 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. A loop trip can be made starting at Maybird Gulch, climbing to the peak, then down by way of upper/lower Red Pine lakes or vice versa.[4]

  • Pfeifferhorn as seen from the south side of the Lone Peak Ridge above the Dry Creek trail
  • Pfeifferhorn from Maybird Gulch
  • Pfeifferhorn summit
  • Pfeifferhorn panorama
  • Pfeifferhorn in the distance from Mt. Superior
  • Little Cottonwood ridge line and Red Pine lake from ridge east of the Pfeifferhorn which is the easiest route to the summit.
  • North ridge of Pfeifferhorn

References
  1. "Pfeifferhorn, Utah". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2016-04-22.
  2. "Pfeifferhorn". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2016-04-22.
  3. "Pfeifferhorn 11,326' - Personal Account of Winter Accent". Climb-Utah.com. Retrieved 2016-04-18.
  4. "Pfeifferhorn". SummitPost.org. Retrieved 2016-04-18.

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