The Beatout

Recently, I joined what seemed to me to be a sane group of people on a seemingly insane hike.  The appropriately named route, known as The Beatout, was my biggest hiking challenge to date.

The route starts with a short, easy hike to Red Pine Lake.  It quickly turns challenging as you make a steep ascent to the Pfeifferhorn - a perfectly shaped 11,326' triangular peak in the Wasatch Mountains.  This is followed by a scramble along the ridge t o the West.  In addition to the Pfeifferhorn, the route includes ascents of Chipman Peak (10,954') and South Thunder (11,154').  Each peak is ascended individually.   The hike ends with a very long descent down Bells Canyon.

The Stats: 
Hiking Distance: 12.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,849 ft.
Elevation Loss: -7,375 ft.

Red Pine Trailhead Elevation: 7,556 ft.
Pfeifferhorn Elevation: 11,326 ft.
Chipman Peak Elevation: 10,954 ft.
South Thunder Mountain Elevation: 11,154 ft.
Bells Canyon Trailhead Elevation: 5,120 ft.


This hike is not for the average hiker.  It requires a lot of bushwhacking, boulder-hoping, and both upper and lower body strength.  It also requires a positive mental attitude.  


The hike took us a total of 16 hours to complete.  We started in the dark and ended in the dark.  And, despite the rugged terrain and the challenges of mother nature (we had a hail storm hit us right in the middle), everyone had a great time.  We all made it out safely.  I would love to do this hike again some day. 


Please enjoy the photo montage of our adventure: