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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 5 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Jen on 10/25/2009 We are a group of women that started hiking together about 2 months ago. We've done several hikes but Lake Blanche by far is our favorite! We hiked it late October and the colors were stunning. It took us about 4.5 hours (3 to get up and 1.5 to get down)It was a steady climb but definitely doable. Take plenty of water and some snacks. Having lunch on the rock looking at Lake Blanche and Sundial Peak is something you'll never forget. The entire way we just kept saying "GOOOORGEOUS!"
Reviewed by lkds on 10/1/2009 We are from Michigan and in our fifties.We enjoyed every step. Excellent views. Well worth the time and effort. Don't forget water,snack and a camera!
Reviewed by Jason on 9/14/2009 This hike is amazing but hard because of the elevation gain. When you do finally get to the lakes it makes it all worth it for the view. There is alot of wildlife in this area so I would advise being aware of your surroundings. If not you may do what I did and come close to walking into a giant bull moose! 
Reviewed by Carol on 9/4/2009 Did this hike in early Sep on a hot day. I recommend to start early in the morning to have shade. You hike on a west facing slope. Bring lots of water. Very pretty scenery. I agree that it is difficult. I'm in pretty good shape, run a lot, but on level grades. The elevation change over a relatively short (3 mi) distance in this hike, can be hard on your legs and knees. If you're okay going up and down a lot of stairs, then you'll be ok. Once you get up to Lake Blanche, you'll see an old dam off to your right. The other two lakes are just on the other side. Walk that direction and have your lunch on flat rocks overlooking all 3 lakes.
Reviewed by Daniel on 8/6/2009 Did this hike a few years back and with a backpack to spend the night at the bottom of the Sundial Peak. I am looking forward to doing it again this coming week. Should be easier without a pack. Water, water, water is deffinitely needed on this hike.....
Reviewed by John on 7/26/2009 Great Hike - definitely strenuous and please bring plenty of water - I would like to see the trail marked in 2-3 increments so that hikers have a better indication of how far they have left
Reviewed by JoeRex on 7/5/2009 One of the most beautiful hikes in the area. Well worth the effort. The trail was not too difficult, I would say moderate with a few more difficult spots. If you want to avoid crowds don't go on the weekends, the trail can get very busy. 
Reviewed by D. Skizzy on 6/27/2009 I am so incredibly and completely out of shape, and this hike killed me... but it was worth it (I wouldn't do it again, mind you, but it was definitely worth it). The trail is very steep, but for anyone that enjoys walking, you should be able to handle this just fine. Took me 3 hours up, and 1.5 hours down (yes I timed it, it was 2:50 up and 1:26 down). Going down was horrible on my knees, but I haven't walked longer than a block in over a year, so honestly, if I can do it than anyone that can walk a few miles can do it, it will just be hard, and for anyone in shape, it will just take a little time. Do it though, you'll say it is worth it (and you just might do it again, unlike poor, out-of-shape-me). 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||