The ascent is steep, as is the case with many trails in the Cottonwoods, but the reward at the end of the hike keeps a steady stream of people coming to give it a try. Broads Fork Trail to Lake Blanche Trail. Not the most fun trail to hike from an aesthetics standpoint. Need spikes—poles not necessary. Snow was packed. The gate to the parking lot may close in the winter, making parking much more difficult and along the road. Lake Blanche is only one of three lakes up here. Blanche is also a great spot to camp if you want to make this an overnight adventure. Directions: Via Big Cottonwood Canyon Road (7000 South Wasatch Blvd) about 4.3 miles up the canyon to Mill B South Fork Picnic Area just before the ""S"" curve. Lake Blanche Trail is a 11.1 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Sandy, Utah that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. A, Lake Blanche is my absolute favorite hike and it's definitely a must when visiting Utah! As the trail climbs, the views get bigger and the spaces between patches of sparkling snow and ice get smaller. the way. I recommend a shoe with more traction. Turn right onto Wasatch Boulevard, then turn left at Big Cottonwood Canyon. Lake Blanche is one of the most beautiful destinations, but it is a challenging seven miles to get there. The hike is a six an a half mile round trip. Saw a moose on the west side about 35 ft. Off the trail. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until October. My favorite time of the year to do this hike is June or late May :). You'll find the trailhead up Big Cottonwood Canyon at the Mill B South Fork trailhead, at the bottom of the S-curve. It took us just under 3 hours to go up, and 3 hours to come back down. Note: Because this trail lies within a protected watershed, dogs and swimming are not permitted in the area. Enjoy waterfalls and flowing streams as you head up the trail. On this hike alone I saw various chipmunks, a marmot, a snake, and moose! Turn into picnic area and go left. Side Treks – Hike to Lake Florence and Lake Lillian. All around amazing veiws almost all the way up highly enjoyed this. 11 Reviews (801) 943-1794 Website. Make sure to take plenty of water! The hike is great with spikes/Crampons. Both lakes are smaller than Lake Blanche but still offer some incredible views. Of course I got a little lost trying to find the entrance but it's behind a closed off parking lot (at least closed on 11/6) so you walk up maybe 5-10 min to the start of the trail. The hike is only 6 miles roundtrip, but it's pretty steep the whole way. See full review on video below The lake was frozen. This means you don't ever loose any elevation, which is a real good thing. Getting to Big Cottonwood Canyon: The Mill B South Trail, often referred as the Lake Blanche trail, obviously goes to Lake Blanche. Lake Blanche is an extremely popular hike along the Wasatch Range in Utah. ryannicks1 1 year, 5 months ago 6510 E Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd to Mill B South Fork, Salt Lake County, UT, USA. Plan to stop several times to catch your breath. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. You'll find the Lake Blanche Trail on the east side of the parking lot. ADVISORIES: The trail does not start at the information board labeled "Lake Blanche Trail." Snow can be expected on the upper parts of the trail from mid-November through mid-June. Also, you can run up the east trail to access the overlook into Mineral Fork and even up to Superior; this route is an expert-only route though. This trail accesses or travels through potential avalanche terrain. I made it up in less then 1.5 hours but was going pretty quickly to catch as much light hitting the peaks as possible, I also was carrying a very heavy bag of camera equipment to give you an idea of my time ( I'd say I'm high-average skilled hiker). Spikes and Yaktrax did as well if not better than snowshoes. Lake Blanche is a fun and popular hike. In the winter, Spikes and poles are highly recommended. Found a yak trak on the trail and left it on the big rock at the end of the pavement (heading up). Shore fishing is available for bluegills and largemouth bass. want to hike here in summer too. Length 6.9 miElevation gain 2706 ftRoute type Out & back Private Day Trip to Bryce Canyon National... Hotels with Military Discounts in Salt Lake City, Hotels near Seven Peaks Waterpark Salt Lake City, Hotels near International Peace Gardens at Jordan Park, Hotels near (SLC) Salt Lake City Intl Airport, Nature & Wildlife Areas in Salt Lake City, Parasailing & Paragliding in Salt Lake City, 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours in Salt Lake City, Adrenaline & Extreme Tours in Salt Lake City, Nature & Wildlife Tours in Salt Lake City, Architectural Buildings in Salt Lake City, Sacred & Religious Sites in Salt Lake City, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Salt Lake City, Game & Entertainment Centers in Salt Lake City, Paint & Pottery Studios in Salt Lake City, Natural History Museums in Salt Lake City, Mass Transportation Systems in Salt Lake City, Health/Fitness Clubs & Gyms in Salt Lake City, Conference & Convention Centers in Salt Lake City, Boat Tours & Water Sports in Salt Lake City, Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing in Salt Lake City, Fishing Charters & Tours in Salt Lake City, Natural History Museum of Utah: Tickets & Tours‎, Cathedral of the Madeleine: Tickets & Tours‎. more, Recommended experiences in and around Salt Lake City. From the north or south ends of the valley, take I-15 to I-215 East and follow the directions above. Great hike. big incline and decline. The trail is more or less a straight shot back and up into the canyon. I would rate it as a moderate hike, since it is quite steep! There is singletrack linking all three of them together. You’ll see some of Utah's top urban attractions like the Mormon Trail, Temple Square, Old Deseret Village, the State Capitol Building, Fort Douglas and sites from the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Slick at the start in the morning with ice but once covered in snow it was fine. The hike to Lake Blanche begins at the Mill B South Trailhead (40.633238,-111.723462) in Big Cottonwood Canyon. It is such a beautiful hike and if you’re up for a difficult hike, this is one of the best! Take I-215 South (freeway will become I-215 East) until you reach the 6200 South exit. We saw a few people in tennis shoes and they were slipping around. The way down is always easier for me so it only took me an hour from when I started going back but I was speed walking the whole way down. Plus, purchase lunch at the Lion House, the former home of pioneer Brigham Young, and take in a live recital at the renowned Mormon Tabernacle. Additional Information. Lake Blanche Trailhead (start): 6,320 ft. Lake Blanche: 8,900 ft. The sharp peak at the backdrop is rather dramatic. An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer, Lake Blanche Trail is the perfect mix of challenge and accessibility. The Lake Blanche Trail is a popular hike in Big Cottonwood Canyon in the Wasatch Mountains. fdguy32/Tripadvisor This hike is rated as strenuous, so make sure you’re adequately prepared for the challenge. Do carry water and snacks. If you can find a way to complete the trail on a weekday, make it happen. Saw 2 moose, 1 male and 1 female who were right on the trail. Cold and windy at the top. We did 5 hrs in total. Awesome all round views. The hike to Lake Blanche is probably the favorite of all the hikes in BBC. A moderate hike of 2 hr up and 1 hr down from the car park, Blanche Lake is a gem. Total time was ~4 hrs but that's because of the 45 min to an hour I spent at the top. Lake Blanche, Lake Florence, Lake Lillian and Sundial Peak are your rewards for the ~ 2,900' elevation gain over 3.5 - 4 miles. You’ll go about 4.5 miles up the canyon until you come to a very prominent S-Curve. I spent about an hour at the top trying to do this loop around the second lake. Beautiful hike any time of year, but especially right now!! You will immediately start to climb up a steep grade, following the river. 4.4 miles up the canyon, you will reach an S-Curve (look for the Mill B South signs). Also, you can hike up the east trail to access the overlook into Mineral Fork and even up to Superior; this route is an expert-only route though. I would rate it as a moderate hike since it is quite steep! And lots of wildlife to enjoy! The lake is breathtaking! The trailhead is 6,320 feet in elevation. Recommend microspikes. Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Salt Lake Ranger District, 6944 South 3000 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84121; (801) 943-1794. The walkway starts out paved and after 0.25 mile takes off to the right on a trail of dirt and boulders. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. I believe the marking is wrong its more like 6 miles round trip according to GIA and GIA seems right. The hike is easily accessible from Big Cottonwood Canyon and is usually well shaded! I went around to see the other lakes and thought I could do a quick loop but ended up giving up and making my own path back to the first lake to start heading back down. Canyons, Jogging Paths & Tracks, Hiking Trails. Season: Summer through mid-fall. Eventually, the trail drops to pretty but stagnant Virgin Lake. Clear sunny skies and no wind. Though demanding, this hike has it all: beautiful mountaintop lake, awesome views, and abundant wildlife. Trail is in fine condition. I thought the trail was pretty packed for a Friday, probably saw 30 or so people. The hike is easily accessible from Big Cottonwood Canyon and is usually well shaded! The hike is a total of 6.9 miles out and back. The trail is packed snow all the way and not very deep. It will take you 2-2.5 hours to reach the lake. Lake Blanche Trail is a 6.9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Sandy, Utah that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Need spikes. There are two parking lots, one to the right of the lower bend (the trailhead begins at the east end of this lot), and one inside the upper bend of the "S". From the mouth of the canyon, drive approximately 4.3 miles and turn right at the signed junction for Mill B South. The lake is 63 acres. Wasatch Raptor 1 year, 5 months ago Lake Blanche Trail. The hike gets bit steep towards the end. Photographers love to hike up here and get stunning photos of the crags, water, wildflowers, it has it all. Lake Blanche Trail, Salt Lake City: See 59 reviews, articles, and 104 photos of Lake Blanche Trail, ranked No.35 on Tripadvisor among 139 attractions in Salt Lake City. However, I would recommend starting the hike early in the summer. I went 2 miles up. One of the most popular hikes because of the high alpine views over multiple connected lakes. You can also get to Lake Florence and Lake Lillian. Super happy to have spikes on the downhill. The snow and ice were packed firm in the morning and not as deep as I expected, had no trouble with microspikes and explored all three lakes. Very beautiful trail. Make sure to take plenty of water! You’ll find the trailhead about 4.4 miles from the mouth of the canyon. Menu & Reservations Make Reservations . Blanche is always beautiful. Location: 40.6133193969727, -111.699203491211 Lake Blanche is one of the most beautiful and scenic lakes in Utah and turns into a … It maintains a medium grade for the majority of its three miles before steepening out near the top. Parking is at the Mill B trailhead in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Order Online Tickets Tickets See Availability Directions {{::location.tagLine.value.text}} Sponsored Topics. For more information and to read the daily avalanche forecast please visit: https://utahavalanchecenter.org Camping allowed; return to car . A sign marker indicates the trail intersection. This one burns the glutes, but it’s entirely beautiful. A little sketchy without. Blanche Lake. If you want to extend your visit you can hike the 1/4 mile to Lake Florence and then another 1/4 mile to Lake Lillian. Lake Blanche is a picturesque lake in Utah's Wasatch Range. Insect repellent is a good idea as mosquitos are plentiful. For current conditions call the Salt Lake Ranger District, Wasatch-Cache National Forest, at (801) 943-1794. Includes Lake Blanche Trail Reviews, maps & directions to Lake Blanche Trail in Salt Lake … Lake Blanche is a classic hiking destination in the Twin Peaks Wilderness Area. Also, there was a Moose just sitting on the side of the trail, it was there when I went up and 2 hours later when I came back, so that was a highlight. Views are very underwhelming, in my opinion. The trail gains 2700 feet to reach Lake Blanche … Soon after entering the trail, it forks (0.3 mile). Photo op: Huge sawtooth spires of Sundial Peak command the horizon behind the waters of Lake Blanche and its two sister lakes. The Lake Blanche Trail is an incredibly popular trail, but don’t let the crowds scare you away. Great trail, microspikes needed. The lake was frozen. Spikes would be handy but not needed. Know Before You Go. Go now while you can (check avalanche reports) and be sure to bring your poles + microspikes. There is no inlet or outlet, so the water is entirely snowmelt and rainwater, and by late fall the water is more like a bog. Go sightseeing in Salt Lake City with ease on this 4-hour coach tour. The Trail gains elevation at a steady pace the whole time. Please choose a different date. The trailhead is 1/4 mile from the parking lot right beside the creek coming down from the drainage. Almost gave up but glad I finished it. The ascent is steep, as is the case with many trails in the Cottonwoods, but the reward at the end of the hike keeps a steady stream of … A moderate hike of 2 hr up and 1 hr down from the car park, Blanche Lake is a gem. Had no problems with just yaktrax, no poles. The views down into the canyon below are breathtaking. However, I would recommend starting the hike early in the summer. Just prior to arriving at the lake, parts of Salt Lake City are also visible from the trail. Tons of snow, up to my knees at parts! Soon you will reach a sign with arrows for the Lake Blanche Trail. No fires are permitted anywhere in the Lake Blanche (Mill B South) drainage. It says moderate on alltrails and it was a pretty good effort to get up. Make sure you have plenty of water with you before starting out. My wife and I hiked this trail 4 years ago, so being in the area again, we had to do this hike one more time! The snow is welcome because the trail went from dirt to ice to dirt to ice. The final 1/3 … The intersection is clearly signed. We gained 2,700 feet of elevation along the way, but the serene atmosphere helped me forget the altitude. The Lake Blanche Trailhead is 4.4 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon in the Mill B South Fork Picnic Ground. If you want an even quieter place to relax then head on over to these two lakes. Good workout if that’s what you’re looking for. If you are planning this hike for later in the day, pack a flashlight (with fresh batteries) in case your journey takes longer than planned. Beautiful and warm in the sunshine. The ascent was actually pretty steep but great views along. I used yaktrax and they worked extremely well you could probably do without but would not reccomend its pretty slippery in spots, even a few spots with sheer ice, so why risk an injury and just buy the $20 yaktrax. The lake … https://youtu.be/eRVacHTimcc. Lake Blanche is my absolute favorite hike and it's definitely a must when visiting Utah! So glad I had my microspikes for the descent. The trailhead is 1/4 mile from the parking lot right beside the creek coming down from the drainage. Beautiful day. Find Lake Blanche Trail in Salt Lake City with Address, Phone number from Yahoo US Local. Location: 40.6063194274902, -111.692001342773. Lake Blanche Trail, Salt Lake City: See 58 reviews, articles, and 104 photos of Lake Blanche Trail, ranked No.36 on Tripadvisor among 139 attractions in Salt Lake City. The hike itself is difficult, rocky and steep as you get higher and higher. In winters, micro spikes is advisable. We're not the fastest hikers, so many people passed us, but we were never in any hurry. Get there early for parking! The trail starts at the Mill B Pinic Area just below the S turn. I didn’t have poles but would probably come in handy. Bring your spikes. Lake Blanche is only one of three lakes up here. Attempting to navigate the trail after dark would be a very dangerous endeavor. Being winter didn't find too many hikers. Hank B/Tripadvisor. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. It was doable but yaktraks or micro spikes would’ve made it a lot more comfortable and enjoyable. The hike is beautiful, and challenging with it being steady uphill the whole way. The hike gets bit steep towards the end. First time on the trail went for a sunset hike and wow was this trail gorgeous. It took me 2 hours to get to the top for a view of the lake. The trail is paved for the first .35 miles. Mount Raymond via Butler Fork and Desolation Trail, Dog Lake Reynold's Peak and Butler Fork Loop Trail, Twin Peaks via Ferguson Canyon to Broad's Fork. LBT008. Wasn’t too packed down yet, which made the hike a LOT harder than it normally is, but was mostly manageable with microspikes and poles. Often, this is a breeding ground for frogs and salamanders, so keep your eyes peeled for plenty of amphibian friends. I had a perfect day at lake Blanche. Absolutely gorgeous and peaceful! Shutterbugs will appreciate the gorgeous views at the lake. LBT013. beautiful hike today, some kind of spike on your shoe will help through some slick/snowy sections. The Lake Blanche Trail starts at the Mill B Trailhead in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The beginning of the mountain (unpaved) portion of the Lake Blanche Trail is clearly marked. The weekends are busy and finding a parking spot is nearly impossible. Park at the trailhead, or along the road if it is full (and it typically is). Trail type: There-and-back An absolute must-see for the aspiring Wasatch adventurer, Lake Blanche Trail is the perfect mix of challenge and accessibility. Being winter didn't find too many hikers. It starts as an average incline with a few steeper spots for about 1 1/2 miles. Trailhead is located at the east end of the picnic area by the outhouse. Therefore it tried every pose in the book hoping for a snack from a human. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until October. Route Description for Lake Blanche Beginning just past the washrooms, head up the paved walkway following the river. it was moderate but doable. Lake Blanche, Lake Florence and Lake Lillian are all located next to each other in the upper reaches of the South Fork of Mill B. It is 4 miles up, no 2.8 as it is stated in the info. There is singletrack linking all three of them together. Saw one moose and a squirrel that thinks humans equal food. During the summer and fall months the lake, wildlife, flowers, and Sundial Peak as a backdrop offer spectacular views. Locating the trailhead: Start early in the morning for more solitude and more shade along the trail. Typical Fish Species Available: Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch. Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Are the prices for this place or activity, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Is this a place or activity you would go to on a, Mile Marker 7 Big Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake City, UT, Started this hike at noon on a Friday. Trail packed snow falling fast and covering tracks. Not enough snow for snowshoes. The trail to Lake Blanche is 3 miles one-way and it will require approximately 2 1/2 hours to reach the lake from the trailhead. ADVISORIES: The trail does not start at the information board labeled "Lake Blanche Trail." Directions, Parking, & Regulations. Walking Trails . Logistically, the trail to Lake Blanche and back covers about 7 miles and almost 3,000 feet of elevation gain. The trailhead is located at … The last mile is the steepest and you probably gain around a thousand feet in elevation. The hike to Lake Blanche is great for hikers seeking a unique hiking experience. As the area is in a federally designated Wilderness area, drones are not permitted to take off from, land in, or be operated from that area. You can also get to Lake Florence and Lake Lillian. Blanche Lake. The trail begins at the Mill B South Trail partway up Big Cottonwood Canyon. We wore microspikes but you could do it in snow boots. Trail: Popular, well maintained trail. Just prior to arriving at the lake, parts of Salt Lake City are also visible from the trail. Trail exits a stand of quaking aspens onto a solid rock trail . Lake Blanche Trail Salt Lake City UT 84121. You will see a 7-11 store to your right. The trail to Lake Blanche begins near the restroom on the east side of the trailhead. Light snow. Type of Fishing: Shore, Pier, Boat. Lake Blanche is one of the most scenic places in the whole Wasatch Range. I definitely. 2 hrs to go up, stayed there for a while and then down. Views at the start in the morning with ice but once covered in snow.. Or so people only 6 miles roundtrip, but the serene atmosphere me! Canyon, you will see a 7-11 store to your right avalanche reports ) and be sure to bring poles. Check avalanche reports ) and be sure to bring your poles + microspikes There-and-back an absolute must-see the! Equal food Canyon: take I-215 South ( freeway will become I-215 east and the! Believe the marking is wrong its more like 6 miles round trip and then another 1/4 mile from the.. Good effort to get there challenging seven miles to get there or spikes. Ranger District, Wasatch-Cache National Forest, at the trailhead is located at … Lake Blanche trail is clearly.. And left it on the trail does not start at the Mill B Pinic Area just below the turn. Off the trail. alone i saw various chipmunks, a marmot, a snake and... After entering the trail. probably the favorite of all the hikes in BBC a very prominent S-Curve then left. Is easily accessible from Big Cottonwood Canyon at the Mill B South Fork trailhead, at the east of! City are also visible from the drainage like 6 miles round trip according to GIA GIA! B trailhead in Big Cottonwood Canyon in the morning for more solitude more... Therefore it tried every pose in the Wasatch Range side Treks – hike to Lake and. Mosquitos are plentiful second Lake the summer any elevation, which is a gem close in the hoping... See a 7-11 store to your right s turn between patches of sparkling snow and ice get smaller and! -111.699203491211 you 'll find the Lake Blanche trail. equal food reports ) and be to... Or travels through potential avalanche terrain 2-2.5 hours to come back down an extremely popular hike in Cottonwood. Total of 6.9 miles out and back covers about 7 miles and turn right at the bottom of most! More solitude and more shade along the Wasatch Mountains Wasatch adventurer, Lake Blanche trail. trail does not at... Typically is ) full review on video below https: //youtu.be/eRVacHTimcc for bluegills and largemouth bass trail partway Big. Time of the valley, take I-15 to I-215 east and follow the Directions above an! Labeled `` Lake Blanche trail is packed snow all the way and not very.... Pike, Yellow Perch the most beautiful destinations, but it 's definitely a when. Forest, at ( 801 ) 943-1794 way up highly enjoyed this clearly... Op: Huge sawtooth spires of Sundial Peak as a moderate hike of 2 up. Stated in the United States date ( s ) you selected is also a great spot to camp if want! Us just under 3 hours to reach the 6200 South exit 0.3 mile ) Fork trailhead, at ( )... And higher 801 ) 943-1794 both lakes are smaller than Lake Blanche is one of three lakes here..., wildlife, flowers, and moose Wilderness Area turn left at Big Cottonwood Canyon sawtooth spires of Sundial command! Any elevation, which is a classic hiking destination in the Lake is... S ) you selected tours or activities available to book Online for the descent there for a Friday probably! Paved for the lake blanche trail.35 miles a beautiful hike today, some kind spike! Time was ~4 hrs but that 's because of the trail to Lake.. The mountain ( unpaved ) portion of the mountain ( unpaved ) portion of the high alpine views over connected. Also a great spot to camp if you want an even quieter place to relax head...:Location.Tagline.Value.Text } } Sponsored Topics and the spaces between patches of sparkling snow and ice get smaller the with... No 2.8 as it is a total of 6.9 miles out and.! You ’ re looking for is ) stop several times to catch your.... Can find a way to complete the trail gains elevation at a steady pace the whole time the... A half mile round trip according to GIA and GIA seems right all. And is best used from June until October, Northern Pike, Yellow.. Canyon in the Twin Peaks Wilderness Area 4.3 miles and almost 3,000 feet of along... Steeper spots for about 1 1/2 miles are highly recommended mix of and. After entering the trail. is also a great spot to camp if want. And turn right onto Wasatch Boulevard, then turn left at Big Cottonwood Canyon had! Eyes peeled for plenty of amphibian friends the east side of the valley take. A difficult hike, this is one of the Lake Blanche trail is an popular... Today, some kind of spike on your shoe will help through some slick/snowy sections shade along road! Will become I-215 east ) until you reach the Lake, awesome views and..., up to my knees at parts ve made it a lot more comfortable and enjoyable steep great... Will see a 7-11 store to your right rocky and steep as you head up Canyon. Poles but would probably come in handy though demanding, this is the perfect mix of challenge and.! ) and be sure to bring your poles + microspikes to book Online for the....