Lake Blanche Trail
Salt Lake County, Utah
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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Reviews
almost gave up but glad I stayed with it. see full review below https://youtu.be/eRVacHTimcc
5.0
The Lake Blanche Trail is by far my absolute favorite hike in the Wasatch Mountains. The trail is about 6.6 miles round-trip, but the stellar panoramic view from the top makes it worth the effort. This hike is not for the faint of heart as the first 3 miles are entirely uphill, include narrow passes, and require you to do some basic scrambling. There is free parking at the trailhead, and a public restroom.
5.0
Killer elevation. But short and sweet. Totally worth it. The views were absolutely breathtaking!!! DO IT!
5.0
Not difficult but hard enough to work you out. Beautiful hike all the way up.
5.0
I hiked this yesterday with my friend, and were surprised by the amount of snow still there. We were prepared with good boots and hiking poles, but many people weren’t so lucky and couldn’t get too far in their running shoes. The last mile or so is just snow, the trail isn’t marked well for the most part, and it’s pretty slick. I recommend chains and a light jacket at most. Once up to the lake, it’s very pretty. Well worth the long trek up.
4.0
This hike was harder than expected. I’m fit but not a serious hiker so it caught me off guard. It was so pretty though and my 9 and 10 year old made it, too. The lake, the rocks, and the views at the top were worth it and we were all glad we stuck it out. I want to to do this one again.
4.0
What a gorgeous place. The hike up was a little rough but was so worth it once I made it there. Would highly recommend!
5.0
The hike is a little tough and usually a little hot but the views with the lakes and Sundial Peak are great.
4.0
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.
5.0
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.
5.0
Leave No Trace
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Nearby
Lake Blanche & Sundial Peak
Broads Fork Twin Peaks
Broads Fork Basin and Beaver Pond
Snowshoe Lake Blanche
Hidden Falls
Hike Stairs Gulch
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