Overview
Lake Blanche is the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest's signature alpine lake hike, and it earns that reputation. The trail climbs 2,700 feet in 3.4 miles from Big Cottonwood Canyon to a glacial cirque holding three lakes (Blanche, Florence, and Lillian) at 8,920 feet. The backdrop is Sundial Peak, a dramatic rock spire that rises another 1,600 feet above the lake and is one of the most recognizable features on the Wasatch skyline. For context among Wasatch alpine lakes, Red Pine Lake in Little Cottonwood Canyon offers a comparable experience with slightly less gain, and Cecret Lake at Albion Basin is the easiest alpine lake option in the area. The full Salt Lake City hike guide covers how these options compare across difficulty levels.
The hike is straightforward but steep. There's no scrambling or technical terrain, just persistent uphill switchbacks through forest that eventually opens into alpine meadows and the lake basin. The reward-to-effort ratio is excellent, which is why this trail is one of the most heavily used in the Wasatch.
Important: Big Cottonwood Canyon is a protected watershed for Salt Lake City's drinking water. Dogs are not allowed on any trail in the canyon, including Lake Blanche. No swimming, no wading, no body contact with any water source. Violations carry fines up to $1,000.
The Route
Miles 0 to 1: Forest switchbacks. The trail starts climbing immediately from the parking lot, switchbacking through dense mixed forest of Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir, and aspen. The grade is steady and there's no warm-up. You'll gain about 800 feet in the first mile.
Miles 1 to 2: Open terrain and creek crossings. The trail crosses several small streams and enters more open terrain with views opening up to the south across Big Cottonwood Canyon. Wildflowers are excellent in July along this section. The grade remains consistent.
Miles 2 to 3: Upper switchbacks. The steepest section of the trail. Long switchbacks climb through thinning forest with increasingly expansive views of the Salt Lake Valley behind you. On a clear day, you can see from the Oquirrh Mountains to the Great Salt Lake.
Miles 3 to 3.4: Lake basin. The trail levels out as you enter the cirque. Lake Blanche is the largest and most photogenic of the three lakes, with Sundial Peak reflected in its surface on calm mornings. Lake Florence and Lake Lillian sit slightly higher and to the south. All three are worth visiting if you have the energy.
When to Visit
Late June through early July: The trail is usually snow-free by late June, though snow patches may linger near the lake into July in heavy snow years. Early season brings the highest water levels in the streams and the fullest lake.
July and August: Peak season. Wildflowers bloom in the upper meadows, and the weather is warm. Afternoon thunderstorms are common; plan to start early and be heading down by early afternoon. Weekend mornings are extremely busy. The parking lot fills by 8 AM, sometimes earlier.
September and October: The best months if you want fewer people. Fall colors in the aspen groves along the lower trail are outstanding, typically peaking in late September. Temperatures drop, and the lake takes on a deeper blue color. First snow at the lake elevation can arrive as early as late September.
What to Bring
- Water: 2 to 3 liters per person. The altitude and dry air cause faster dehydration than you'd expect, and the sustained climbing makes this a thirsty hike.
- Layers: Temperatures at the lake can be 15 to 20 degrees cooler than at the trailhead. Wind is common in the cirque. A light jacket is smart even on a warm day.
- Traction devices: In early season (June), microspikes can be helpful for snow patches on the upper trail.
- Sun protection: The upper trail is exposed with limited shade. Bring sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Trekking poles: Helpful on the sustained descent, which is hard on the knees.
Practical Details
Parking: The Lake Blanche Trailhead parking lot holds about 40 cars and has a vault toilet. There is no parking fee, but the lot fills early on summer weekends. Overflow parking along the road shoulder is limited and sometimes ticketed. Your best bet is to arrive before 8 AM on weekends, or go on a weekday. UTA bus service runs up Big Cottonwood Canyon, which can solve the parking problem entirely.
No dogs: Big Cottonwood Canyon is a Salt Lake City watershed. Dogs are prohibited on all trails. This is strictly enforced.
No swimming: You cannot swim, wade, or have any body contact with the lakes or streams. This applies to Lake Blanche, Lake Florence, Lake Lillian, and all water sources on the trail.
Trail conditions: The trail is well-maintained with clear signage. The surface is packed dirt, rock, and some root sections in the lower forest. No technical terrain.
Difficulty context: The 2,700 feet of elevation gain in 3.4 miles is a solid workout, but the trail is not technical. If you're in reasonable hiking shape and comfortable with sustained uphill, this is very doable. The descent is harder on the body than the ascent due to the steep grade and rocky footing.
Getting There
From downtown Salt Lake City, take I-215 south to the 6200 South exit and follow signs for Big Cottonwood Canyon (SR-190). The trailhead is about 4.5 miles up the canyon on the south side of the road. Total drive time from downtown is about 25 minutes.
From Park City, take Guardsman Pass Road (summer only) into Big Cottonwood Canyon. This is a scenic but winding road that adds about 10 minutes compared to the I-215 route from SLC.
Beyond Lake Blanche
If you want a longer day, you can continue past the lakes to the Sundial Peak saddle, which adds roughly 1.5 miles and 800 feet of scrambling on Class 3 terrain. This is not a trail but a climber's route, and it's exposed and loose in places. Only attempt it if you have scrambling experience. The summit views are outstanding but the approach requires careful routefinding.
For a less crowded alternative in the same area, consider the Broads Fork Trail, which starts from a trailhead nearby in Big Cottonwood Canyon and reaches a similar alpine basin with far fewer hikers.
Lake Blanche is the hike that sells people on the Wasatch. The combination of dramatic scenery, a challenging-but-achievable trail, and proximity to a major city makes it one of the best day hikes in Utah. Just remember: no dogs, no swimming, and show up early. If you're building a longer Wasatch hiking week, Grandeur Peak in Mill Creek Canyon and Donut Falls in the lower section of Big Cottonwood Canyon both complement this hike well across different difficulty levels. For those interested in the America the Beautiful pass, some Wasatch trailheads now require day-use fees where that pass applies. The Leave No Trace principles are particularly relevant in Big Cottonwood Canyon given its status as a protected drinking water watershed.