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Getting there • From Salt Lake City, take I-215 to the 6200 South "Canyons" exit. Continue east to the canyon on U-210, following signs for Snowbird and Alta. Drive 4.6 miles up Little Cottonwood Canyon and park at the White Pine Trailhead parking lot, or along the gravel at the side of the road. Past the restroom, the trail begins.

The hike • Water, both rushing and calm, is omnipresent throughout this hike. It begins with the crossing of a footbridge over Little Cottonwood Creek and the trickle of cool water running underneath.

Follow the trail as it slopes gently upward along the east side of White Pine Canyon. Walk for about a mile until the emerges from the aspens and rejoins the white rushing water. Here two trails split. Follow the signs to turn right onto the Red Pine Lake trail; the other will take you to White Pine Lake.

Continue through the thick of trees and watch with wonder as Little Cottonwood Canyon opens up to your right at about 1.5 miles. Keep going for another mile, listening as the sound of water running underfoot gets louder. At about 2.5 miles, you'll come across the Maybird Bridge and junction. Take in the view of the creek running beneath the bridge, but don't cross it. Stay to the left.

The incline gets steep here, and it doesn't let up until you reach the lake. In the summertime, wildflowers and conifers line the way as you keep climbing. In the winter, avalanche dangers increase around the jagged rocks and steep slopes.

Just before you reach the lake, at about 9,600 feet, the path will level off. Head to the left from the top of the canyon to find the lake.

The view as the aquamarine water beckons below is magnificent. This is the lower Red Pine Lake. Take a break atop the grey rocks or climb down and circle the lake on foot. The trail weaves through trees and over boulders, hugging the shoreline.

To reach the upper lake, head up a hiker-made trail that runs along the stream that flows into the lower lake for about half a mile.

There's no swimming in these waters, as it's a part of the watershed, but looking at the crystal clear depths below, you won't want to disturb its pristine beauty.

When you're ready, return the way you came.

Marissa Lang Destination Red Pine Lake — Little Cottonwood Canyon

Hiking time 5 to 6 hours

Round-trip distance 9.4 miles

Elevation gain 1,995 feet

Difficulty Strenuous

Trail head restrooms Yes

Dogs allowed No

Bikes allowed No

Fees None