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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 2 of 5 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by MA on 6/8/2009 This was a great hike! I disagree with Ned though. I am out of shape and although I had to stop quite a bit, I made it to the top and back. I saw pleanty of older people hiking as well. This hike just takes determination and a positive attitude. (which is not hard to have with the beautiful views) "its not about how fast you get there...its the climb" :P 
Reviewed by damage on 11/19/2008 would have been a wonderful hike if it was not ruined by the rock that local idiots have graffitied. trail is very icy in the mid section.I really enjoyed the partial destroyed dam's
Reviewed by rdb on 10/20/2008 The hike back is what makes this one hard as it is very rough on the joints as you descend. It is very breath taking with waterfalls and beautiful views of the valley below. My 9 year old autistic daughter made it without issue and I recommend it for anyone in relatively good shape 
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! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||