Lake Blanche Trail

Salt Lake County, Utah

4.5/5

based on 25 reviews

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Details

Distance

6.76 miles

Elevation Gain

2766 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Eric Bennett

Lake Blanche is a picturesque lake in Utah's Wasatch Range. Enjoy waterfalls and flowing streams as you head up the trail. Blanche is also a great spot to camp if you want to make this an overnight adventure.

The hike is only 6 miles roundtrip, but it's pretty steep the whole way. It will take about 1.5 - 2 hrs to get up and about 45 min - 1hr to get back down. This can be longer depending on weather conditions and if you choose to loop the lake. At the Mills B Trailhead, you will head to the far end of the parking lot and follow the paved walkway for about 5 minutes until you see the Lake Blanche Trailhead sign on your right (up Cottonwood Canyon).

Follow the trail and head across the bridge to your left and stay on the Lake Blanche Trail all the way to the lake. There are a few spots where the trail is less marked, but if you keep your eyes on the trail and look for markers, you should be fine.

There are a lot of great spots to set up around the lake and relax...especially if you have a hammock! Unfortunately, at Lake Blanche there are no dogs, campfires or swimming allowed.

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Lake Blanche Trail Reviews

Dan Warner

Lake Blanche Trail

05/04/16

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.

4.0

Cade Brown

Lake Blanche Trail

04/20/16

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!

5.0

Sophia Hendrickson

Lake Blanche Trail

01/17/16

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!

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Broads Fork Twin Peaks

The Broads Fork trailhead starts in Big Cottonwood Canyon in the same parking lot as the Lake Blanche trailhead. This trailhead is on the west side of the parking lot. The trail is marked and easy to follow for a good chunk of the way. You will come to a big basin and alpine meadow where you will have awesome views of the 3 peaks in the background and a beaver pond. The trail veers to the left...

Lake Blanche & Sundial Peak

This is a popular hike all year round, but less popular in the winter. If you’re backpacking you’ll most likely be alone. In winter, the lake is covered in snow, but Sundial Peak is one of the most picturesque mountains in the Wasatch. Especially when it is dusted with snow. You’ll also be far enough away from the city that the stars will keep you company. To start your backpacking trip, head ...

Broads Fork Basin and Beaver Pond

The Broads Fork trailhead starts in Big Cottonwood Canyon in the same parking lot as the Lake Blanche trailhead, this trailhead is on the west side of the parking lot. The trail is very easy to follow and is well marked. Follow the trail until you come to a great big basin. Here you will be able to relax in a gorgeous alpine meadow with amazing views of the massive peaks in the background and ...

Snowshoe Lake Blanche

Lake Blanche is an extremely popular hike along the Wasatch Range in Utah. During the summer and fall months the lake, wildlife, flowers, and Sundial Peak as a backdrop offer spectacular views.Lake Blanche is one of the most beautiful and scenic lakes in Utah and turns into a winter wonderland once the snow hits! You won't run into as many people in the winter either. During the winter and earl...

Hidden Falls

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Hike Stairs Gulch

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Lake Blanche Trail

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Lake Blanche Trail Reviews

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Broads Fork Twin Peaks

Lake Blanche & Sundial Peak

Broads Fork Basin and Beaver Pond

Snowshoe Lake Blanche

Hidden Falls

Hike Stairs Gulch

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