Type: Trail, Out-and-back
Difficulty: 7 / 10
Altitude: 6,358 ft
Elev. Gain/Loss: 2,467 ft / 2,467 ft
Dog Friendly: No
Jog-Stroller Friendly: Unknown
Filed Under: Running
This is one of the best views in the Wasatch mountains! This is a steep trail with 2500 ft. elevation gain in 3 miles. The trail starts near the restrooms in the developed Mill B South trailhead parking lot 4.4 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon. The trail is paved for the first 0.25 miles, following Big Cottonwood Creek. At mile 0.25 (just before a bridge) head up the rocky dirt trail to your right. This trail will take you all the way to Lake Blanche. You will follow another creek for a short ways, then cross a bridge taking you to the east side of the side canyon. The trail stays on the east side of the canyon, following the creek all the way up to Lake Blanche. The last half mile or so are some steeper switch backs to gain the plateau where the lakes sit. Once reaching the lake, enjoy views of Sundial Peak, and head to your right to see two other lakes. No description can do this view justice.
Trailhead: The Lake Blanche Trailhead is 4.4 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon in the Mill B South Fork Picnic Ground.
To Big Cottonwood Canyon:
Take I-215 South (freeway will become I-215 East) until you reach the 6200 South exit. Turn right onto Wasatch Boulevard, then turn left at Big Cottonwood Canyon. The intersection is clearly signed. You will see a 7-11 store to your right.
From the north or south ends of the valley, take I-15 to I-215 East and follow the directions above.
Locating the trailhead:
4.4 miles up the canyon, you will reach an S-Curve. On your right will be the developled Mill B South Fork parking lot. If the lot is full, you can park just outside the lot on the wide shoulder. There are two trailheads from this parking lot. The correct trail is the paved trail that starts next to the restrooms. The beginning of the mountain (unpaved) portion of the Lake Blanche Trail is clearly marked. (Lat:40.63319 Lon:-111.72321)
Posted by: Cameron and last modified on Feb 02, 2006 by thoos
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