Day Hike to Lake Blanche

My Favorite Hike in the Wasatch

This glacial basin high in the Wasatch Mountains is a favorite of many locals, including me. It's tough, gaining significant elevation quickly, but there is no greater sight than seeing Sundial Peak and the red, glacial-scarred rock as you approach the top. The entire hike is beautiful, with dramatic views of the salt lake valley, a trek through an aspen forest, and gorgeous wildflowers in summer. If you go during the week you can avoid the crowds, and make sure to visit the two smaller lakes as well, which can be accessed to the right of Lake Blanche. There are many exposed sections on this hike so plan to go early and bring a lot of water, you'll need it! Hiking poles are also helpful on the steep descent.

Quick hike with great views

I hiked this trail the beginning of July, so it was starting to get really hot. We started the hike a little later than normal (around 9 AM), so the descent down was pretty hot. I would recommend going earlier. The earlier you go, the cooler it will be and less crowded it will be. That being said, the hike wasn't nearly as crowded or as hot as I would expect on a fourth of July weekend. There is lots of coverage for most of the trail and the steepness is pretty consistent. The lake itself is really pretty and there is a nice loop that goes around the lake. I would recommend anyone to go check it out for a quick little hike.

Crowded but Worth It

Lake Blanche is one of the more crowded trails in BCC but the view at the top is breath taking. Perfect place to hang out and skip rocks.

Strenuous But Beautiful

Trail was shady in a lot of areas so the summer heat was an issue but it wasn't as bad as we were expecting. Views were worth it.

Summer Hiking

If you're doing this hike with any snow it becomes a bit difficult and takes twice as long. When the snow melts there is a huge waterfall at the top that you can see from the lake looking south.

Absolutely Beautiful!

My girlfriend and I did this hike yesterday and we loved it. The scenery is beautiful the whole way up, and there are plenty of spots with shade for quick breaks. No body was joking about it being uphill the whole way, but I didn't find it to be too bad. It took us about two hours up and an hour down with a few short breaks. The lake and peak are stunning. Easily the most beautiful end to a hike I've ever had.

Hike to Lake Blanche

This was an incredible hike, beautiful scenery culminating with a breathtaking view atop the mountains.

Beautiful Mountain Lake

This hike is beautiful, but can easily get crowded along the trail depending on the time you go. Make sure to leave early enough in the day so that you don't get caught out in the dark - the trail may only be 3 miles, but there's about 1000 feet of elevation gain per mile. Just before you get to the top there is a short section that cuts through a boulder field, but nothing technical. A lot of climbers know this lake because of the iconic Sundial Peak that sits across the lake from the trail. Trekking poles may be helpful for some.

Great Summer Hike

Went on this hike in early July of last year. Awesome hike! Left pretty early when it was still fairly cool up the canyon, which made it nice because I was able to get up he trail more than halfway before it started to get too warm. I was a bit more winded than I expected but once you get to the top, overlooking the lake with the peak in the background...that makes it all worth it! There are 2 smaller lakes up there as well. Lots of exploring and relaxing can be done up there. Well worth it!

Unexpected!

When I started this hike I thought it was only going to be 3 miles total! So I didn't bring nearly enough water, but the hike was so worth it. The mountain was gorgeous and the lake was stunning and epic to walk around. Also, the rocks on the way up were sick!

Solid, but you're gonna work for it

Like many have said, the way there is straight uphill. There's a nice river that runs along the trail at the beginning and you can often find moose hanging around. I'm 24 and consider myself fit, and it was tougher than I was expecting. It took me an hour and a half to get up. Also, have the expectation that the lake is more of a pond. Pictures make it look bigger than it is. But still very pretty and nice to post up and enjoy the views from the top for a while. I went last week and the changing leaves were beautiful.

The Hike That Never Ends

This place would make a wonderful base camp for further expeditions. However, the altitude sickness I endured made it seem like this hike never ended...going up or going down. Great exercise, wonderful scenery, but bring lots of water if you're not acclimated to the thinner air!

One of the most beautiful hikes on the Wasatch front area. It may be a beginner trail but is consistently uphill the entire way and at least 2 hrs to the lake. Bring lots of water for this beautiful 1/2 day hike.

Last year I did this hike in all 4 seasons. It was amazing each time! I usually do not like super crowded trails, but this one is so amazing I do not mind.

What an amazing view in the spring! Snow and warmth all in one!

Incredible hike! It's long, but sooo well worth it. I went on Memorial Day, and the hike began as a warm one but as we got to the top it got pretty chilly. When you reach the lake, make the moment by pulling out your snacks (cookies, crackers, grapes are awesome) and your camera!

Did this hike in late spring and ran into a LOT of snow, and the lake was still frozen which was REALLY cool looking. Need to go back & explore it again this summer =)

An amazing first-timer. We got a range of weather from overcast and 50 degrees to fresh powder. Each moment was breathtaking!