July 22, 2011 – Lake Blanche is an incredibly beautiful hike in the Wasatch Mountains east of Salt Lake City. Growing up in Salt Lake I think I took for granted what amazing opportunities I had in my own back yard. In fact although I've done this hike before I'm not sure I've ever appreciated the beauty of this hike like I did this week.
Lake Blanche is a very popular day hike through in the Twin Peaks Wilderness area up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Despite it's popularity the 6+mile hike is somewhat challenging because of it's rugged ascent over uneven terrain.
The trail follows Mill B South Fork and the gushing mountain stream that cascades down from the high elevations.
It was a beautiful hike and by leaving at 7:30am I was able to have quite a bit of the trail to myself. Midway up the trail I hiked through an incredible clearing of mountain flowers greeting the sun.
After two hours I made it to Lake Blanche which is an emerald pool below the majesty of Sundial Peak.
Three mountain lakes are in the shadows of huge glacial cirques and jagged peaks and waterfalls frame every view.
After exploring Lake Blanche, Lake Florence and Lake Lillian it was time for me to head back home.
The decent taxed muscles I forget about as I made good time down the 2.8 mile trail. There were far more people coming up for the day which gave me a satisfaction that I had experienced the beauty long before they were actually awake. By the time I made it back to the trail head the parking lot was packed.
The Lake Blanche trail doesn't necessarily offer solitude but it is certainly one of the most beautiful and rewarding hikes in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Summary: 6+ miles (rt) to three high mountain lakes under granite monoliths and huge glacial cirques.
Time: 4-6 hrs
Difficulty: Strenuous
