Secret Falls Snowshoe

This little-known location is not far up the trail for White and Red Pine Lakes, just below Snowbird Ski Resort in beautiful Little Cottonwood Canyon. Just about a mile into the hike, the trails for Red and White Pine lakes split off from each other; that is when you know you are close to the falls. Continue on the Red Pine Trail for just a few dozen yards and you will see a small bridge; head to the left up the gully rather than heading right and crossing the bridge.

Work your way back through the gully and follow the creek to the waterfall heading southeast for a few hundred yards. The walls get pretty steep right here by the way. This is much easier in the winter than in summer; crossing the snow-covered creek is a breeze compared to creek crossings during heavy summer flow. There may only be a few parts of the waterfall that are uncovered in deep winter, but by late winter and early spring you can get to the top with little effort.

This is a short and fun hike that has stunning views along the way across the canyon. The canyon walls really light up well in the dusky hours. This is a great place to surprise Wasatch veterans with a place they might not have ever heard of. Keep an eye out for moose and porcupine that frequent the area. Always check in with the Utah Avalanche Center and avoid this area on high avalanche danger days; this terrain is dangerous considering the high elevation and aspect.