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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a VERY strenuous hike! Plan to stop several times to catch your breath. If you want exercise, this is the hike for you! The hike is a lot of work, but it is well worth it. The views down into the canyon below are breathtaking. Just prior to arriving at the lake, parts of Salt Lake City are also visible from the trail. There is plenty of wildlife and an abundant variety of trees, flowers, and everything else Utah's great outdoors has to offer! This is a very difficult hike, but is very satisfying to complete. Everyone should do it at least once! ADVISORIES: Make sure to take plenty of water! Insect repellent is a good idea as mosquitos are plentiful. If you are planning this hike for later in the day, pack a flashlight (with fresh batteries) in case your journey takes longer than planned. Attempting to navigate the trail after dark would be a very dangerous endeavor. Trailhead: The Lake Blanche Trailhead is 4.4 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon in the Mill B South Fork Picnic Ground. Getting to Big Cottonwood Canyon: Take I-215 South (freeway will become I-215 East) until you reach the 6200 South exit. Turn right onto Wasatch Boulevard, then turn left at Big Cottonwood Canyon. The intersection is clearly signed. You will see a 7-11 store to your right. From the north or south ends of the valley, take I-15 to I-215 East and follow the directions above. Locating the trailhead: 4.4 miles up the canyon, you will reach an S-Curve (look for the Mill B South signs). There are two parking lots, one to the right of the lower bend (the trailhead begins at the east end of this lot), and one inside the upper bend of the "S". The trail is paved for the first .35 miles. The beginning of the mountain (unpaved) portion of the Lake Blanche Trail is clearly marked. (Lat:40.63319 Lon:-111.72321) Trail Guides for Lake Blanche Trail: Best Easy Day Hikes - Salt Lake City by Brian Brinkerhoff (Falcon Publishing) Best Seasons: Fall, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Wasatch-Cache National Forest (801) 466-6411 Tu-Sa 10:30a-7:00p MT Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Troy Slater, who has posted 9 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Ned Flanders on 1/21/2008 VERY nice-didly-dangdiddly nice hike! so easy to get to the diddly-top-oreno yep. but its a no no for the fatso and the old people! 
Reviewed by Mark H. on 11/10/2007 Nice upward walk to the lake. Beautiful view of Sundial with a nice inviting view of it's drop back. The meadows on the way up are quite a site. This is a hike that most will enjoy duplicating, year after year. On the way up, you could see some relics from years gone by. Just keep your eyes open before you hit the summit. Mark H.
Reviewed by Maciek on 10/14/2007 While it's not an easy hike, 4 hours gives you plenty of time to climb up to the lake and back, even if you're a smoker, heh. The hike can be a little monotonous since the trail leads through fairly dense vegetation but as you get closer to the lake it opens up and the scenery is breath-taking, as is the hike itself. Snow covered mountains are well worth seeing as the colors of autumn. Can't wait to do it again in the spring.
Reviewed by BT on 10/10/2007 I went on this hike today and it was a race against the sun as I didn't bring a light. It took me 1hr 15min to get to the lake and 50min back. The return was a fast walk, but not jogging. It could easily be done even faster if you're in good shape, but if you want to take your time, take breaks and look around give yourself a lot more time. It opens up even more up top and the view looking back down the canyon is spectacular, especially this time of year (fall). If you're up there in the late evening it does cool off and can get windy.
Reviewed by Cathy on 6/24/2007 I asked my husband to take me on a hike that would show me just how out of shape I was in. I needed a motivation. This hike did it! Going up was tough but the beauty out weighed the pain. I was so proud that I did it. Going down the trail wasn't as bad. It took us 4 hours to go up and 2 hours coming down. I'm motivated to get in shape and tackle this trail again!
Reviewed by CLP on 5/31/2007 This is a great trail to get into an alpine setting with spectacular scenery. I noticed alot of the reviews on this page stress that this is a difficult hike, I disagree. I by far think there are more strenuous hikes in Big Cottonwood Canyon. This is a worth while trip to see what a Glacier can do to a mountain. Sundial Peak is one of the most amazing mountains you will ever see. If you continue west from Blanch, you will eventually come to Lakes Lillian and Florence. Both are great too, and you can get away from the crowds on the weekends at Blanch by just a little exploration. If you want further images and trail descriptions link to my hike of this trail: http://www.utahoutdooractivities.com/lakeblanch.html Happy Hiking!
Reviewed by Jay on 5/20/2007 Sunday May 20, 2007. Hiked Hidden Falls earlier in the day then off to Blanche. Wow! This is one of the most difficult hikes in Big Cottonwood but well worth the journey! Besides the spectacular lake(s) and mountian waterfalls, awesome remains from a receding glacier. Kind of tough on the knees back down so be careful. This is not your average Sunday stroll so be prepared!.
Reviewed by blaze-n-hike on 5/15/2007 great hike. 3 beautiful lakes within a 3.5 mile hike. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Utah Hiking, Utah Trails, Utah Hikes, Salt Lake County Hiking, Salt Lake County Trails, Salt Lake County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||