Red Pine Trail to Bells Canyon Ridgeline Traverse

This is a highly challenging and strenuous hike. The full traverse, especially from Pfeifferhorn to Bells Canyon, can take around 12 hours car-to-car for experienced hikers. It requires significant time due to its length, elevation gain, and technical scrambling sections.

The terrain varies significantly. It starts on a well-graded old jeep trail, transitioning to a singletrack path. As you gain elevation, it becomes steeper, rocky, and can be loose in sections. Expect to navigate boulder fields and talus slopes, especially past Red Pine Lake. The ridgeline itself involves significant scrambling over large granite boulders, including exposed sections like the 'Knife Edge' and 'Lightning Ridge'.

No, dogs are generally not allowed on this specific traverse due to its location within the protected watershed areas of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, which supply drinking water. Always check current regulations for specific trail sections within the watershed.

The Red Pine Trailhead is a common starting point. Parking can be limited, especially on weekends. Arriving early is highly recommended to secure a spot. There are no specific shuttle services mentioned for this trailhead, so personal vehicle access is typical.

While there isn't a specific permit required for the Red Pine Trail to Bells Canyon Ridgeline Traverse itself, it is located within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. There are generally no entrance fees for accessing the forest, but some specific areas or amenities might have day-use fees. Always check the official Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest website for the most current regulations regarding fees and any potential restrictions.

The best time to undertake this traverse is typically from late spring to early fall, once the snow has melted from the higher elevations and ridgelines. Summer offers the warmest temperatures, but fall can provide stunning foliage. Winter hiking is extremely challenging and requires specialized gear and experience due to snow, ice, and avalanche risk.

This route offers consistently stunning views. Highlights include the beautiful alpine environment along Red Pine Fork, the 'true stunner' Bells Canyon Reservoir, and panoramic vistas of the Wasatch Range from the ridgeline. You'll see peaks like Pfeifferhorn, Thunder Mountain, White Baldy, Box Elder Peak, and Twin Peaks, with impressive views down into Little Cottonwood Canyon. The Bells Canyon Granite Trailhead marks a significant point.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Bells Canyon Trail, Little Cottonwood Creek Trail, and the Lower Bell Canyon Reservoir Loop.

No, this traverse is not suitable for beginners. It is rated as highly challenging and strenuous, involving significant elevation gain, long distances, and Class 2-3 (potentially Class 4) rock scrambling with exposure on the ridgeline. It requires advanced hiking experience, excellent physical fitness, and comfort with heights and technical terrain.

Given the length and difficulty, you should bring plenty of water (there is no reliable water source on the ridgeline), high-energy snacks, appropriate layers for changing weather conditions (including wind protection), a headlamp, a map and compass or GPS device, a first-aid kit, and sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support. Trekking poles can be helpful for the ascent and descent, but hands-free scrambling is often required on the ridgeline.

Yes, the ridgeline presents several hazards. The 'Knife Edge' is a narrow spine requiring careful navigation, and other sections involve significant exposure with steep drop-offs. The trail can be difficult to follow in places, especially above Red Pine Lake. High winds are common on the exposed ridgelines, and weather can change rapidly. Always be prepared for Class 2-3 scrambling, and potentially Class 4, with loose rock in some areas.