Summer Backpacking Trip to Lake Blanche / Summiting Sundial Peak

Starting at the South Fork Mill B Trailhead, get your packs ready to climb 2,700 vertical feet in about 3-3.5 miles. My friends and I decided to leave late on Friday night around 6:30pm and start the hike up to Lake Blanche. It was great to start later in the day because it wasn't too hot and there weren't too many people on the trail. 

It will take you about 2 - 2.5 hours to reach Lake Blanche with packs on. We arrived at Lake Blanche just as the sun was setting so we were able to get some great pictures of the sunset. 

There are a lot of areas where you can set up camp. I would suggest camping on the left hand side of Lake Blanche because then you will have great sunrise and sunset views of the lake and Sundial Peak. However, there are some more camping spots down by Lake Lillian and Lake Florence, which are only a couple-hundred yards to the right-hand side of Lake Blanche if you are looking at Sundial Peak.

After you set up camp, make sure to explore! There are two big waterfalls in the area and lots of trails to hike on that offer stunning views of the area, including views of Salt Lake City and the Great Salt Lake.

Wake up early to summit Sundial Peak. Sundial Peak is the pointy mountain that is behind Lake Blanche. To get to the summit hike around to the right hand side of Sundial Peak. You will be able to follow a trail briefly, but a lot of this hike is "choose your own adventure". Be prepared to scramble and  climb and be very careful of loose rocks. Once you get to the ridge-line you will be able to hike over to the summit of Sundial Peak and you will have unreal views of the three lakes and the Salt Lake Valley. The hike up to the peak from Lake Blanche is about 1.5 miles each way and is considered a class 3 or 4  climb. 

*Campfires are not permitted in this area so make sure you bring a strong lantern to sit around and tell camp stories.

*Dogs and swimming are not permitted because Lake Blanche is in a watershed.