This is the trail that made me fall in love with Utah.

At just over 6.5 miles round trip, the Lake Blanche Trail gets right down to business in its 2,700+ foot elevation gain – all of this occurring one way. The trail is steep, rugged, and offers beautiful views of the surrounding Wasatch mountains throughout.

The trailhead is about 4 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon at the Mill B South Fork Picnic Ground. There is a parking lot but you will also likely see cars parked on the side of the road. You can find more detailed directions on the AllTrails app.

We started the trail early and watched as the sunlight crept over the eastern ridge top, spilling light onto the opposite mountainside. The red-orange rock and dirt intermingled with rich green pine and brush, with patches of snow still clinging to life in the thick of summer.

The trail hugs the hillside for most of its ascent and out of nowhere, briefly meanders through an aspen grove whose white bark feels starkly out of place.

The trail eventually emerges from the trees and onto large slabs of red rock. The views becoming more dramatic with each step. Finishing the ascent gives you a breathtaking view of the valley and mountains beyond.

Farther along is Lake Blanche, surrounded by stunning rock and hillside, peppered with pine. This place was so serene, I could have stayed for a week and forgotten the existence of anything else outside it. We set up a hammock, sipped our coffee and enjoyed the sunshine. After our break, we hiked down a short trail to explore the area where we came across a gorgeous field of wildflowers and a waterfall. Swimming is discouraged at the lake as it is part of a protected watershed.

Summary:

Distance: ~6.5 Miles (round trip). Ours was closer to 7.5 with additional exploring at Lake Blanche.

Difficulty: Strenuous. Not terribly long, but steep.

Time: ~3.5 Hours (not including breaks/relaxing)

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Happy Hiking!

— Kris