PFEIFFERHORN (9.96 miles, 4,137 elevation gain)
Started my day at Wasatch Running with a new pair of Brooks minimalist(ish) shoe Pure Grit II. For the last week or so I've been running with my roadies, Brooks Launch on the trail and have loved the lighter feel. Tried a few pair before settling with Pure Grit. A bit about the shoe first. Love the feel and light weight BUT not a great shoe on the rock/snow. Not the shoe's fault, I'm assuming that's not what their made for. Great summer trail shoe but I'll have to go back to the Cascadia's for a more solid, grippy, snow, mud, rock shoe. I really didn't know what I was in for today but hiking in the snow was somewhat challenged by this shoe.
I asked the boys at Wasatch about the Pfeiffer and if they knew anyone who'd been up this season. I received a unanimous "don't do it-too much snow." So of course I did it anyway.
Been anxious to get up there--love this hike/run. Started at Red Pine trailhead. smooth sailing for first couple of miles, surprisingly hitting first snow at only the 7,700 ft level. At 8,000+ (2.5 mi) after bridge to Maybird the snow got deeper and after 1/2 mile it was all snow.
Heading up to Red Pine Lake
Red Pine Lake, still partially frozen.
Still not sure what to expect heading up to the ridge and whether I'd be able to get up on Pfeifferhorn. In some respects it was easier going up the snow rather than the usual rock hopping. Lots of run-off and water everywhere.
Heading up the ridge.
Once to the ridge and on to the other side, the snow wasn't as deep. The knife ridge leading to the Pfeiffer wasn't too bad at all and mostly exposed rock.
Traveling up to the Pfeiffer was able to stay off snow and on dirt all the way to the top. Perfect day--warm, peaceful and nobody around. 2:15 to the top. Stayed for half an hour and headed back down (1:35 down).
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