Lake Blanche...so beautiful and yet one of the hardest hikes I've done. This hike is 7 miles round trip and is not forgiving on the climb up to the lake. But boy is it worth it when you get to the top. Sundial Peak towers over the lake and is majestic in all its glory. This hike is doable for any one, but I would suggest making sure you can push through because it will test your endurance. It got my heart pumping and stopped me for a break a few times. But we came prepared, we had plenty of water and pick me up snacks as well as a beer (because you need the extra calories, just remember to pack your trash out) and a sandwich for the top.
I remember my mom took us on this hike as kids and the only thing that would keep me going was the promise of a slurpee from the 7/11 at the bottom of the canyon. This time I promised myself an iceberg shake. I needed to up the stakes. We did the hike in June and it was perfect weather, a little hot towards the end but you are so pumped to be on your way down you can push through it.
Since this was earlier in the season there was a waterfall flowing strong. It was so loud you could hear it on the way up. I spent a little too long starring at it, or was that an excuse for a break from the uphill climb? ;)
This hike is a favorite and a must-do if you are ever in Salt Lake. I have heard of people hiking the trail in any season, if you choose winter you will definitely want snowshoes. I personally would prefer early summer or fall. The leaves changing around the lake is absolutely stunning.
What You Want to Know
Take Me There!
Head up Big Cottonwood Canyon and park at the Broads Fork Trailhead. There are two trails at this trailhead, take the trail that is closet to the river or directly behind the restroom. I don't believe there is great signage, but the other trailhead is for Twin Peaks, that is not the one you want...this time.
How long is the hike?
A lot of sites say it is about 7 miles, but my FitBit clocked us in at 10 miles when we were all done. It is a very long out and back hike with 2,706 feet of elevation gain. It is up there and you are climbing the whole way up. But it is worth it!
What Do I Wear?!
It was pretty chilly in the morning, but I did not want to have a jacket to carry when it got warmer. I won't lie it was a little miserable to start, but I was sweating pretty hard when we were almost to the lake so if you are like me you will just suffer for the first mile before it warms up.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Dogs are not allowed in the Cottonwood Canyons because they are watersheds for Salt Lake City.
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