Hiking the Alps...Right in Utah

My friend and I hiked the peak known as the Pfeifferhorn as well as the Little Matterhorn. It is so called for its resemblance to the high and rocky peaks of the Matterhorn and other high peaks in the Alps. While not the highest peak in the local Lone Peak Wilderness range (that's Mt. Timpanogos), it is a much more grueling and, as such, a much more rewarding hike than the busy trails leading to Timp.

We took off early in the morning and made great time, reaching the mid way point at Red Pine Lake in only a couple hours (the Lake from my last posting, with Alice). The Lake is the midway point distance wise, although timewise and elevation wise it's not even a third of the challenge. There are no trails or markers past the lake that lead the way. It was quite a challenge but quite exhilirating. Much of it involved climbing up huge talus fields and large boulders, moving at a snail's pace to avoid tripping or twisting your foot and tumbling on some of the razor sharp rock edges. Once we reached the saddle, we could see the peak in the distance and we both thought it would be impossible to reach. It looked quite daunting and we both began having second doubts about completing what we set out to do, quickly justifying the hike as already rewarding enough. We pushed on nonetheless, admitting that we would turn around if we felt like it. Well, that never came and as we got closer it looked challenging, but we pushed on. Much of the climb is on slopes that are well over 50 degrees, you were nearly laying on the ground while vertically ascending. The view, however, was awesome. We even got cell phone reception from the top! We were also comforted by several large alpine valleys nearby suitable for a LifeFlight landing if the need arose.
After enjoying the view, we began our descent. This is where some poor decisions led to some sticky situations and a potential overnighter in the middle of the wilderness. More on that to come....