Lake Blanche Hike near Salt Lake City, Utah

Lake Blanche Hike near Salt Lake City, Utah in late Spring

Lake Blanche is perhaps our favorite hiking trail in Northern Utah near Salt Lake City. The 6 mile in and out trail is located in Big Cottonwood Canyon. It will actually end up being 8 miles or more because there are 2 smaller lakes and other viewpoints that you will want to see upon arrival to the initial lake that has the back drop of Sun Dial Peak. The other lakes have a backdrop of The Twin Peaks.

The best times of year to see the lake are in late Spring where you will still see the mountains still overed in snow, yet the snow is not actually on the trail system and has already cleared out. Fall is also a great time because the trail has wonderful maple leaves, aspens and cottonwood trees that are aglow with reds, oranges and yellows.

The trail in not easy and ascends over 3,000 feet in elevation over a 3 mile hike to get to the lakes. However, there are viewpoints almost everywhere that make the often strenuous hike well worthwhile. You may also see wildlife like marmots, moose and grouse. At the lakes you will see some awesome mountains and incredible red rock formations that glaze all around in beatiufl slab like formations. If it is not too windy, you'll see some awesome reflections on the water.

On this hike we visited on May 25, 2026. Enjoy the photos: