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Hiking to Gloria Falls & Red Pine Lake

Red Pine Lake & Gloria Falls is a popular trail in Little Cottonwood Canyon (LCC) that leads you to a beautiful alpine lake that sits at 9,600 ft. 

About

The trail is very easy to follow, and can become very crowded on weekends, so mid-week is better for less people. Along the way be sure to stop at Gloria Falls, a 75 ft waterfall that flows down White Pine Fork. This trail is popular for runners, backpackers looking to spend a night at the lake, and hikers aiming for the Pfeifferhorn summit. This trail gradually gains 2,000 ft elevation in just 4 miles one way so your legs better be ready for a work out! Kids can do this trail if they have experience with this kind of mileage/gain, however, dogs are NOT allowed on this trail since they are not allowed in LCC at all.

Directions

Drive 5.4 miles up LCC and turn right into the parking lot for the Red Pine/White Pine TH. Here is a driving map.

Trail Info

Distance: 7.8 miles RT

Elevation gain: 2,000 ft

Time: 3-5 hours

Dog friendly? No, dogs are not allowed in LCC

Kid friendly? Yes, ages 10+

Fees/Permits? None

 

Hiking to Gloria Falls & Red Pine Lake

Begin by hiking behind the port-a-potty. The trail curves around to the left.

Hiking to Gloria Falls & Red Pine Lake

Cross the first bridge.

Hiking to Gloria Falls & Red Pine Lake

In 1 mile reach the first major trail split, staying right for Red Pine.

Hiking to Gloria Falls & Red Pine Lake

Cross the 2nd bridge.

Hiking to Gloria Falls & Red Pine Lake

Just after you cross the 2nd bridge, turn left up what looks like a game trail and follow the creek until you reach Gloria Falls. Wow, what a cool waterfall! From the TH to here is only 1.3 miles.

Hiking to Gloria Falls & Red Pine Lake

Back on the main trail continue following the trail as you pass the official Lone Peak Wilderness sign.

Hiking to Gloria Falls & Red Pine Lake

The views really open up here.

Hiking to Gloria Falls & Red Pine Lake

At 3.3 miles reach the next trail split. Stay straight for Red Pine. Only 1 mile to go!

Hiking to Gloria Falls & Red Pine Lake

July is a perfect time to see all the wildflowers!

Hiking to Gloria Falls & Red Pine Lake

Pretty meadow.

Hiking to Gloria Falls & Red Pine Lake

There is one section that is very steep and rocky. Jill leads the way.

Hiking to Gloria Falls & Red Pine Lake

And at 4.2 miles reach Red Pine Lake!

Hiking to Gloria Falls & Red Pine Lake

More wildflowers!

Hiking to Gloria Falls & Red Pine Lake

Loving my Lily Trotters! Get 20% off your order using Jill’s code: wilkins20

Hiking to Gloria Falls & Red Pine Lake

Gotta get the rock pose haha!

Hiking to Gloria Falls & Red Pine Lake

Jill also taught me how to capture the perfect running shot!

Hiking to Gloria Falls & Red Pine Lake

Pano of lake. What a great evening run!

Trail Map

My track via Gaia GPS – the best tracking app! Get your app here for a discount.

 

Recommended Gear

Nearby Hike

Hiking to Cecret Lake & Sugarloaf Peak

Hiking to Cecret Lake & Sugarloaf Peak

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