The final push to Pfeifferhorn Peak
Trip Report: Pfeifferhorn Peak
Part 1: The Start
At 23 years old, I had my second ACL surgery. I was lost and wondering if I’d ever get to live my adventurous lifestyle again, or would I have to find new outlets for happiness? The future was so uncertain, but one thing I did know was I would never forgive myself if I didn’t push myself through the rehab process so I could get back to doing what I love.
I did just that, and it led to me hiking my 90th mile of the summer this past weekend at the summit of Pfeifferhorn Peak in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah.
My friends and I set foot on Red Pine Lake Trailhead at 5:30 A.M. and were en route to the peak. In front of us awaits 10 miles of trekking with 3,664 feet of elevation gain. Because the morning was brisk, I was bundled in my Ushood brand hoodie until the sun rose. We were quick to put our hiking poles to use and began to break a cool sweat with the wind blowing on us. The sun peeked through the clouds, but too shy to fully reveal itself. The rays beamed through the mountain peaks. We stumbled upon Red Pine Lake around 7:30 A.M. and I scurried through my Mountain Hardwear daypack to grab applesauce, dried cranberries, and a Clif Bar to refuel my body. I drank 1 of my 3.5 total liters of water to stay hydrated and to delete some of the weight off my back. We sprawled out over some rocks as we mentally prepared to make the push up the gully that leads to the ridge line between Pfeifferhorn and White Baldy. I stripped my hoodie, crammed it in my bag beside my Red Ledge rain jacket, and found myself comfortable in just my Smartwool t-shirt as we started marching. Having multiple layers is key.
Red Pine Lake at Sunrise
Hiking the gulley to the ridge with the sun creeping over White Baldy
Part 2: The Climb
Now it was time for the real action. The ridge is mostly all boulders, so now is time to ditch any hiking poles and transition to using hands and feet to climb. I chose my Black Diamond approach shoes to be my trusty steeds for this summit because the climbing shoe rubber makes me feel much more confident navigating through rocks. But, use what you feel best in.
I would recommend this hike to rock climbers or experienced hikers; however, superb route-finding abilities can minimize the exposure to cliffs and make this scramble do-able for the adventurous beginner. We challenged ourselves by choosing routes with slightly more exposure, but well within our climbing skills. All to say, this trek can cater a multitude of abilities with the right skills.
After about a half-mile of climbing, we finally reached the summit of Pfeifferhorn Peak at 9:30 A.M. Celebrating with Tuna Creations and more applesauce. Here, we scouted distant peaks and watched clouds roll by for about an hour. We used the same path back down to our car, and it ended our journey at about 2:30 P.M.
On top of the ridge. Staring at Twin Peaks, Twin Peaks, O’Sullivan Peak, and Dromedary Peak.
The experience at Pfeifferhorn Peak was loaded with breath-taking views, but it provided more value to me than just that. It was a benchmark in my road to recovery. I’ve hiked 90 miles with 24,871 feet of elevation this season alone now, and I plan to reach my goal of 100 miles next weekend by stomping 10 miles up Ben Lomond Peak in Ogden, Utah. I have no doubts in my mind that I can live the adventurous lifestyle I had before my second knee surgery, and I’m stoked to see where my legs will take me in the future.
